It is now widely accepted that manufacturing supply chains need to be much more adaptable and reactive to changing customer demands, collaborate more effectively across different sectors, and use resources much more efficiently.

As global energy demand continues to grow, manufacturers must work hard to maintain their sustainability responsibilities, while keeping up with technological advances and meeting the needs of consumers.

This will also lead to more onshoring of manufacturing with higher utilization of production assets, and all the above will be the driver of digital innovation and adoption within manufacturing. In addition, it has been long well understood that those companies and sectors that use their energy and materials resources most effective will be best placed to withstand external shocks such as a pandemic or financial crisis, and moving towards Net Zero CO2 emissions will be a key driver in achieving this.

Energy conservation must be prioritized in product development and production to ensure the sustainable future of the industry. Having energy use front of mind in the planning process is critical, so appliances remain efficient throughout the product lifecycle, allowing users to reduce energy consumption.

The link between manufacturing and sustainability is obvious and adopting standards can help drive forward your efficiency needs.

Standards for sustainability in product development

There are several useful standards that manufacturers can use to inform their operations.

Recent years have seen an increasing focus on what can be done with products when users have finished with them. Policymakers worldwide are focusing on ways to reduce environmental impacts. In many countries, this is leading to new incentives (e.g. legislation) to consider end-of-life processes at the design stage. Consequently, standard BS ISO 8887-1:2017 was developed to provide some initial guidance on how to include environmentally sensitive design principles in the early phase of new product development.

Standard BS 8905 provides a framework for the concepts, techniques, tools, and methodologies that can be used to support decisions surrounding the sustainable use of materials. Whilst Public Document PD ISO/TR 23891:2020 gives a brief overview of plastic recycling systems, relevant existing standards, and a short description of different recycling techniques. It aims to identify the necessity of standards in the plastics recycling system and give direction for the adoption of regional standards and/or the development of new and existing standards.

In order to save resources and minimize waste, the whole system in which the packaging of products takes part should also be optimized. This includes prevention as well as reuse and recovery of packaging waste. BS EN 13429:2004 provides a framework within which this and four other standards (BS EN 13427, BS EN 13430, BS EN 13431, and BS EN 13432) may be used together to support a claim that packaging is in compliance with the essential requirements for it to be placed on the market.

Standards to manage energy efficiency

It’s vital to consider production and usage aspects from the initial development stage – and any changes to design should not compromise a product’s energy efficiency. Consistently delivering energy-efficient goods also bolsters the reputation of the manufacturer among customers, suppliers, and the general public.

Manufacturers can also use BS EN ISO 14001 to create a tailored environmental management system, which will inform all aspects of their facilities and operations. It actively demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection, through the production of high-quality, sustainable products.

In the modern context, this responsibility also includes the development of smart appliances and internet-connected products that are able to respond automatically to external signals and modulate their energy consumption as a result.

For organizations who would like to develop their energy management systems, standard BS EN ISO 50001 helps organizations use energy more efficiently and integrate better energy management into business strategy.

It does this by outlining how to implement and maintain an energy management system (EnMS) that continually improves the organization’s energy performance and saves money.

More specifically, PAS 2395 specifies supplementary requirements for the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the whole life cycle of any products manufactured substantially from textiles and can be beneficially applied wherever textile products are manufactured and used.

Ensure you are embedding sustainability best practices into your manufacturing organization by adding these standards to your collection.

Discover BSI Knowledge

As the pressure builds for all businesses to achieve net zero, knowing which standards can help your supply chain reduce its carbon emissions can seem like a huge challenge. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the essential standards you need in order to start your journey to net zero with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM06 Environment, Wastes, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.