Sustainability in Steel Manufacturing Industry

There is currently a trend towards doing business in a sustainable manner. Regulatory bodies have started implementing reporting and disclosure requirements, an example is the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) implementing Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) requirements across Indian firms. Manufacturing is no exception, and sustainable manufacturing looks to be economical decreases negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources. However, is this really practical in the real world when we normally associate manufacturing with different types of pollution like air, water etc.? Let’s find out more in this blog which looks to analyze this subject in greater detail.

Risks of Unsustainable Manufacturing

Manufacturing and metal and pipe fabrication companies should utilize sustainable practices which are safe, eco-friendly and economically good for a business. Unsustainable manufacturing can lead to risks for future generations. Evidence has shown that people living near unsustainable manufacturing companies are at higher risk of negative health impacts. Studies have confirmed that proximity to polluting areas, like factories have led to pregnancy issues like central nervous system defects, oral clefts, chromosome anomalies, perinatal mortality, and low birth weight. Manufacturing facilities have also led to an increase in child cancer rates. Families living near manufacturing facilities and employees are also becoming less tolerant of pollution and elevated health risks with nearby residents raising concerns about effluents and toxic waste.

How to do Metal Fabrication Sustainably

Sustainability is about making choices that encourage the use of cleaner technologies where appropriate, and decreasing wastefulness. While there are differences between fabrication and manufacturing, some best practices can be followed for both with regard to sustainability as detailed below: –

• Selection of right lubricants for the concerned application, with an eye toward healthier chemicals.
• Understand the technologies and materials used, to reduce failures and scrap.
• Pay consideration to coil mill certifications to make sure the material purchased is produced in a mill where sustainability is on their agenda.
• Use virtual simulation beneficially to minimize the cost and waste of excessive tryouts and to understand the dynamics of operations and materials at brake press folding.
• Maintain oversight on precision manufacturing processes and technologies to avoid costly equipment and personnel inefficiencies and failures.
• Keep a strong focus on safety and reduce lost hours.
• Use proper filtration and extractors for the steel laser cutting machine.
• Keep materials clean and well maintained and welding areas and other workspaces should be hygienic and organized.
• Evolve and practice emergency protocols for dangerous equipment conditions, spills, and leaks.
• Understand FMEAs and the criticality of each failure mode.
• Continuous learning and understanding of operations, and providing guidance to new professionals.

Final Remarks

Today industry, technology and public attitude towards sustainable manufacturing is changing. Manufacturers and heavy steel fabrication companies have little to no excuse to avoid using eco-friendly methods in their operations. Impact to the bottom line and potential deterioration in the quality of work were some of the considerations manufacturing companies had when asked to implement a sustainable way of working. Those fears have proved unfounded and there is a growing realization that the solution to offering a safe work and neighborhood environment is the same as directing a manufacturing business sustainably. Awareness of the ecosystem and the impact as a result of operations are topics which have gained importance in recent years and, judging by the growing acceptance and awareness from stakeholders, these will continue to be highlighted going forward!