Holistic Assessment and Initiatives for Sustainable Manufacturing
Mitigating the complex environmental footprint of manufacturing necessitates a holistic lifecycle assessment that extends beyond component production to include raw material sourcing, global logistics, and waste management. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires a systematic evaluation of the entire supply chain to identify high-impact optimization nodes. Consequently, a dedicated technical taskforce has been established to engineer a strategic framework for sustainability, focusing on the development of scalable, empirically validated practices that align ecological stewardship with industrial performance metrics.
Data-Driven Decarbonization Strategies for Manufacturing
Achieving measurable decarbonization in manufacturing requires a transparent, data-driven approach to emission quantification. We have implemented a preliminary framework designed to estimate CO2 output across production workflows, enabling the delivery of manufacturing solutions with a minimized environmental footprint. By publishing this evolving methodology, we provide a reference model for industrial partners seeking to audit their supply chains and benchmark their progress toward net-zero targets.
Types of Emissions
Logistics emissions
Emissions from transporting parts from suppliers to customers by air. Flight paths are calculated as straight lines following the GLEC framework.
Raw material emissions
Emissions from the production of raw materials, calculated by multiplying material mass by specific carbon factors for metals and polymers.
Production emissions
Manufacturing energy consumption based on removed volume and the carbon intensity of the specific supplier's regional power grid.
Emissions Example
To see these estimates in action, let's go through an example using a sample part.
Logistics emissions
Part volume = 29 cm³
Aluminum density = 2.71 g/cm³
Weight = ~79 grams
Distance travelled = 9700 km
Using the GLEC framework, weight and distance, we calculate 89 grams of CO₂e.
Raw material emissions
Volume of raw material = 165 cm³
Weight of raw material ~450 g
Raw material emissions factor ~20 kg CO₂e
Carbon emissions for raw material production = ~9 kg of CO₂e.
Depending on the origin of the aluminum, these emissions could be as low as 3 kg.
Production emissions
Volume to remove = 136 cm³
K = 0.33 kWh/cm³
Production energy = ~45 kWh
Carbon Intensity = 620 g CO₂e/kWh
Carbon emissions from manufacturing = ~28 kg of CO₂e.
Depending on the supplier's energy source, these emissions can range from 0.4 kg to 32 kg.
Note that our framework is a simplified model that we’re using to guide our CO2 emissions estimates. It allows us to monitor our impact over time and take decisions to reduce our emissions. We are working on several initiatives to enrich our data and improve our assumptions, which will result in more accurate estimates in future.
Actions we’re taking now and in the future
Monitoring our monthly emissions per $ of sales
Setting KPIs per region to reduce our emissions per $ of sales
Increasing our network of local manufacturers
Implementing a sustainability audit and ranking of manufacturing partners
Enabling emissions calculations for 3D printing, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication
Increasing reliability and accuracy across our platform