Sustainability in the manufacturing industry is more relevant than ever, so we recently ran a poll on social media asking:

“What do you think is the best way to be sustainable within the manufacturing industry?”

The four multiple-choice options were:

• Optimise use of fossil fuels

• Eliminate waste and pollution

• Recycle

• Save time

Here’s what the public voted:

• Optimise use of fossil fuels – 0%

• Eliminate waste and pollution – 33%

• Recycle – 50%

• Save time – 17%

All of these are valid and powerful ways to improve sustainability. In fact, combining all of them can make a significant difference in becoming more eco-conscious as a business. Let's take a closer look at each.

Optimise Your Use of Fossil Fuels
While this option didn’t receive any votes, it's still a critical area for improvement. Small changes like switching off idle machinery or replacing single-speed motors with variable speed ones can significantly reduce energy consumption. Exploring renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, or hydro power—can also have long-term benefits. Often, sticking to traditional methods feels easier, but reviewing your energy use regularly can result in real savings and a lighter environmental footprint.

Eliminate Waste and Pollution
This involves consuming only what's necessary to complete the task and limiting the use of materials that are harmful to the environment. Cutting down on waste also ties into recycling: if waste is unavoidable, ensure it’s disposed of responsibly. Manufacturers can also consider reducing harmful by-products and sourcing eco-friendly raw materials.

Recycle (Most Popular Vote!)
Recycling was the clear winner in our poll—and with good reason. Simple steps like setting up dedicated recycling stations across your business and training staff on correct usage go a long way. For larger production waste, you can even partner with specialist brokers who collect recyclable materials like polymers or metals. They reprocess them into usable materials and often pay you for the waste—a win-win solution that avoids landfill.

Save Time
At first glance, this might seem unrelated, but time-saving is energy-saving. Running operations more efficiently can reduce machine run-times and allow for better resource planning. For example, grouping production runs or jobs more strategically can reduce downtime and make better use of shared equipment. It's about being mindful of how your processes affect overall energy use.

Sustainability as a Selling Point
Today, businesses are increasingly judged on their environmental credentials. Companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability are more attractive to customers and partners. So, how can you spot a truly green business—or become one?

Here are some great indicators:

• Transparency: Clear information about materials, sourcing, and processes builds trust

• Mission & Messaging: Are environmental goals part of the company’s core values?

• Certifications: Ethical accreditations and fair trade practices show credibility

• Cruelty-Free Products: Ensure products are responsibly tested and manufactured