Saving the Environment: Why are Green Manufacturing Practices the Next Logical Step?

Leaders in the manufacturing space are?recognising?the significance of sustainable manufacturing practices and the positive impact it has on the environment as well as finances. Green manufacturing seems like the next frontier and we at AFC furniture solutions are proud to be at the helm of innovation. The aim is to?maximise?revenues and leadership all the while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. This requires a noteworthy technological investment towards automation, software, and machinery - all things necessary for smooth running sustainable manufacturing operations.?

At AFC, we have been using sustainable manufacturing practices since its inception. It is a way of manufacturing products that involve the use of sustainable raw materials and practices to ensure that the?end product?is adding adequate value to the client and environment alike. Since we can?customise?and?personalise, we are at the liberty?of consulting?the client on a sustainable alternative at a marginally increased price that has long-term benefits.

Why is it important to begin a dialogue about green manufacturing practices??How have factories impacted the environment?

It has been claimed that?the manufacturing?industry as a whole,?all?over the world could?be responsible for?as much as?2/3rds of the greenhouse emissions that?have?caused climate change.?This pollution is created from the un-treated and dangerous materials that are let out into the environment which threatens the planet’s ecosystem. The 3 most?concerning?facets?are air pollution, un-treated?toxic?waste,?and water contamination.

Manufacturing units might not be the sole contributors to the man-made damage but it does have a big hand.?

So how can one make factories “eco-friendly”??

Making the right choices.?

From ensuring that the harmful waste is treated before it leaves the manufacturing unit. Another initiative we have taken on is to plant trees in the vicinity (apart from the ones planted at the manufacturing peripheral). It is the choices that you make at each point. We also constantly urge surrounding businesses to make similar choices. Starting from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished goods, you need to ensure that the chain and decision-making at each step are governed by best sustainable practices in all areas of operations.

At AFC furniture solutions we have created an amalgamation of the right technology and machinery to ensure smooth processes. Naming a few…

1. A recent upgrade of the manufacturing setup importing machines from Italy and Germany, paying special attention towards reduced wastage and efficiency?

2. FSC certified raw material boards?

3. Reduced Energy consumption, Water consumption, Material wastage, and Zero waste to landfills?

4. Nano Technology Powder Coating Plant?

5. Wooden Processing machines with auto-collective dust systems?

6. Dust-free machines on shop floor ensuring employees’ health and well-being?

7. Manufacturing based on 4 R’s - Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and Recover ?

Why is sustainability important for the future??

Sustainability in manufacturing ensures better value for all stakeholders. As we progress, we are exploring ways to reach a circular economy model. Now, more than?ever,?it?is time that the world needs to shift to sustainable?practices,?and we want to be the leaders of change. With more Fortune, 500 organizations pledging to be carbon-footprint-free by 2030, sustainably manufactured products?are?the only?solution,?and we are proud to have?realised?that back in 2008 and trudged on that path since. All our products and solutions are produced in India following green manufacturing practices and we believe that this is the primary?reason?we have more than 93% client retention.

Also, it would be prudent to note that AFC furniture solutions has since its inception, decreased the electricity consumption by an average of 17.28%, gas consumption (SCM) has reduced to 60% as compared to FY’18, and diesel/fuel consumption has remained constant even with 56% average YOY revenue growth. All this, while managing 32.8% more projects in 16 new geographical locations in India with increased SKUs at the same fuel consumption rate since last 3 years.

Sustainability is the next?frontier,?and we are?glad?to be at the epicenter.?