Waste minimization is essential for every industry that manufactures products and incurs cost. In India alone, there are a large number of manufacturers producing simple products such as plastic and this is often subject to the question of waste. It is known that the minimization of waste is the maximization of profit. The consumption of earth’s natural resources is seen as one of the major environmental problems we face in the world today and industrial waste and emissions can have drastic effects both financially and environmental. More so, issues such as global warming and ozone depletion are factors that emanate from local manufacturers. In India alone, the amount of emissions caused by manufacturers is alarming and businesses need to come up with new ways for waste minimization.
Waste minimization & Cost reduction strategies
Waste minimization has become one of the business regulations for businesses in India and thousands or manufacturers have been induced to employ waste reduction programs. However, very few people truly understand the cost that wastes can have on their own businesses or just how much it is costing the environment. It is therefore noted that waste reduction is a tool for creating a better world with more competitive industries.
When looking at waste minimization, there are three main proponents that can be drivers of this new world. These are: people, systems and technology.
- People: Changing a notion or culture can only be implemented if it is first targeted at people. People influence systems and systems influence technology. People should be educated on waste minimization and cost reduction. They should be enlightened on the fact that the littlest raw material saved in production processes can have multiple uses and benefits and should therefore not be wasted. If the whole of India starts to see waste minimization differently, it may just have a greater effect globally.
- Systems: Also, a systematic approach should be geared towards measurement and controlling problems that occur with eyes set on maintaining efficiency levels. Apart from the obvious benefits of waste minimization, there are also cost implications. Businesses should therefore put new systems in place to ensure that people are producing efficiently.
- Technology: Lastly, technology could be a major driver of this new world system. Capital investment should be introduced to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce waste creation. Technology has a major deciding role on the world we live in today. Therefore, technology should be motivating waste minimization and helping reduce cost.
A number of companies have also developed strategies to ensure that there are reduced amounts of waste in manufacturing processes. This is because there is a greater enlightenment on the fact that raw materials can be used for several production processes with even by-products having relevance in the production of commodities. Companies are advised to perform studies of the true cost of waste and should create new strategies for the management of this problem.
Waste minimization and cost reduction should be at the forefront of thoughts for people and businesses in India. It would provide a greater and more efficient world we live in and also reduce the costs of doing business.
