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One of the biggest concerns in the world today is how to best deliver high-quality goods and services in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way. Today, going green goes hand in hand with doing good business. In 2019, it is more possible than ever to have a thriving plastic injection molding production plant while minimizing the environmental impact. Let’s take a look at what it means to be sustainable in the injection molding plastic manufacturing industry, how you can identify manufacturers that are committed to sustainability and international standards, and why going green is easier (and more profitable) than you might think!   1. Keep Manufacturing Domestic This one is simple: products made and sold in the U.S.A. mean less waste impacting the environment. Why? Not only do regional and local manufacturers who keep their production processes US-based minimize energy spent on shipping and delivery; they allow customers to save on the costs of overseas shipping, too! Additionally, having your production facility within driving distance makes daily tasks like routine modifications, product testing, and general communication that much easier, as opposed to navigating time zones and accessibility barriers common with distant facilities. In the end, having a facility close to where you live and work saves everyone time and funds by eliminating costly travel and the multiple steps required to import and export products.   2. Use Recycled Materials Yes, recycling saves energy - which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes less air and water pollution - but it also means saving money. Re-purposing materials can quickly eliminate the need for hundreds of thousands of pounds of new, more expensive material. With single-use plastic, in particular, resins can be compounded and reground to make new parts, eliminating the need for costly sourcing and saving money while maintaining the same level of product integrity. Some manufacturers are also exploring and refining processes using plant-based materials, which have posed challenges in processing but retain promise for a compostable and renewable source for plastic parts in the future.   3. Switch to Automation Automation involves the use of hydraulic, mechanic, electrical, or computer-based technology to reduce the amount of human assistance required to perform a task successfully. Thanks to automation technology, manufacturers can now use software to monitor machines in real-time, while also shutting these systems down when not running. This switch not only saves on the cost of labor but helps cut back on the energy needed to perform jobs, making for a greener approach to production.   4. Reduce Waste Due to Single-Use Plastics Plastic parts manufacturers who are committed to reducing waste can help tackle the problem by implementing recycling programs in plants. Beyond using recyclable materials, there are also opportunities to sell or re-purpose excess resin; a quick web search will yield information on how to find and connect with interested third parties!   Looking for an environmentally-friendly company to help with your plastic design and engineering needs? Contact the team at Murray Plastics today!

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