The Quiet Revolution in Industrial Sustainability: Beyond Big Changes
For years, the narrative around industrial sustainability has focused on massive overhauls – new technologies, complete process redesigns. But a growing movement, championed by companies like Essity (Tork), suggests a more pragmatic, and surprisingly impactful, approach: optimizing what you already have. The key? Focusing on often-overlooked areas like hygiene and cleaning practices.
The Power of ‘Lean’ Hygiene: Reducing Waste, Boosting Profits
The principle of “lean manufacturing” – eliminating waste in all its forms – isn’t new. However, its application to consumables like cleaning supplies is often underestimated. Rebecka Kullenberg, Market Manager at Essity, highlights a compelling case study: an industrial client who centralized their cleaning materials. “The staff spent significant time walking back and forth,” she explains. “By strategically placing single-sheet dispensers at workstations, they drastically reduced waste – an 80% reduction in waste management costs – and simultaneously improved productivity.” This isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s about bottom-line benefits.
This shift aligns with broader trends in resource management. According to a McKinsey report, businesses that proactively address resource constraints are more resilient and better positioned for long-term growth. Optimizing hygiene practices is a low-hanging fruit in this context.
Circular Economy Takes Center Stage: From PaperCircle® to Bio-Based Solutions
Beyond reducing consumption, the focus is shifting towards circularity. Essity’s Tork PaperCircle® program, a world-first in paper towel recycling, exemplifies this. But circularity isn’t limited to recycling. It’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of a product. The development of 100% bio-based cleaning cloths, replacing fossil fuel-derived plastics, is another step in this direction.
The demand for circular solutions is surging. A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that a circular economy could generate $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030.
Responsible Sourcing: The Importance of Supply Chain Transparency
Sustainability doesn’t end at the factory gate. Increasingly, companies are scrutinizing their supply chains. Elin Orrheim, Nordic Sustainability Manager at Essity, emphasizes the importance of evaluating supplier practices. “It’s vital to understand how your suppliers are addressing these strategies,” she states.
Third-party certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and EU Ecolabel are becoming crucial for verifying responsible sourcing. Essity’s recent Platinamedal from EcoVadis, a leading sustainability assessment platform, demonstrates a commitment to rigorous environmental, social, and ethical standards. Consumers and investors are demanding this level of transparency.
Decarbonizing the Industrial Landscape: Small Steps, Big Impact
Reducing the carbon footprint remains a paramount goal. While large-scale energy efficiency projects are essential, smaller, often overlooked areas can contribute significantly. Optimizing cleaning processes, reducing waste, and utilizing bio-based materials all contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
Companies are increasingly setting ambitious carbon reduction targets. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps companies align their emissions reduction goals with climate science, driving accountability and progress.
Future Trends: Predictive Maintenance & Smart Hygiene Systems
Looking ahead, several trends promise to further accelerate sustainability in industrial hygiene:
- Predictive Maintenance for Dispensers: IoT-enabled dispensers will monitor usage patterns, predict refill needs, and optimize cleaning schedules, minimizing waste and downtime.
- Smart Hygiene Data Analytics: Data collected from hygiene systems will provide insights into cleaning effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and track sustainability metrics.
- Advanced Bio-Materials: Continued innovation in bio-based materials will lead to even more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics and chemicals.
- Digital Product Passports: Blockchain technology could be used to create digital product passports, providing complete transparency about a product’s origin, materials, and environmental impact.
- Minimize consumption and waste through the right solutions and products.
- Increase circularity and reuse.
- Transition from fossil fuels to renewable materials.
- Ensure third-party certifications for responsible purchasing.
- Identify opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint, big or small.
Did you know? Switching to hand dryers instead of paper towels can reduce a facility’s carbon footprint by up to 70%, according to a study by the Environmental Leader.
FAQ: Industrial Hygiene & Sustainability
- Q: What is ‘lean’ hygiene?
A: Applying lean manufacturing principles to cleaning and hygiene practices to eliminate waste and improve efficiency. - Q: What are third-party certifications?
A: Independent verification of a product’s or company’s sustainability performance, such as FSC or EU Ecolabel. - Q: How can I measure the sustainability of my hygiene products?
A: Look for products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). - Q: Is circularity just about recycling?
A: No, it encompasses the entire product lifecycle, including design, sourcing, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management.
Pro Tip: Conduct a waste audit to identify areas where you can reduce consumption of cleaning supplies and improve recycling rates.
Ready to explore how optimizing your industrial hygiene practices can benefit your bottom line and the planet? Learn more about Tork solutions for manufacturing.
