13 · 9 · 2021

The Future Is WOW #36: Digital Transformation Enables Greater Sustainability

From turning trees into batteries to digital traceability of the supply chain, companies and factories all around the globe are rethinking their way of working to reduce their impact on the environment. This month in the Future Is WOW series, we look at how the topics of the environment and climate change drive industrial innovation.

Digital transformation enables greater sustainability

The top driver of a more resilient and sustainable future is digital transformation. The European Green Deal has been a catalyst for many manufacturing companies to aim for lean manufacturing, low-carbon transitions, and other sustainable methods. By looking at insights and data gathered, companies and industries can rethink their way of working and producing from the design phase. Click here to read more on The Manufacturer how reducing energy consumption, cutting waste and recycled materials are what will reduce the environmental footprint of the manufacturing industry.

Turning trees into batteries

An innovative way to produce batteries has the opportunity to change the future of electric travel. Researchers have found that the wood in plants and trees can be transformed into sustainable batteries. The non-toxic material that is extracted from the wood is believed to be able to replace the fossil fuels and mined minerals now present in lithium-ion batteries. To read more about this tree-sourced battery technology and its advantages, continue reading on Euronews.

Green steel and fossil fuel-free steel: the next big things in manufacturing

Car manufacturers around the world are looking to innovate their production processes and materials to reduce their impact on the environment. For this industry, steelmaking accounts for 7 % to 9 % of direct emissions from fossil fuels. In efforts to decarbonize supply chains, different manufacturers launched initiatives. Continue reading on the Environmental Leader about Green Steel and Fossil Fuel Free Steel.

Digital traceability fulfills the sustainability promise

Across all industries, customers, employees, and investors are expecting more sustainable products and production. To fulfill this demand, companies must know and see everything in their supply chains: where does everything come from and where does it go? Read more on WeForum on how digital traceability of the supply chain can fulfill the sustainability promise of companies.

 

To stay up to date on what the future might bring, subscribe!

Liselotte Thijs

EHSQ CONTENT SPECIALIST