DETROIT – It goes without saying that the past 12 months have been extremely trying for all of us. A global pandemic is changing the face of how people go about their personal and business affairs.

But the outlook is not all gloomy, and business is rebounding locally with the news that the state of Michigan was recently awarded a business enterprise award in recognition of the current economic jumpstart in the manufacturing sector

After a grueling year of economic disruption and uncertainty, it may be an opportune time to start reviewing those plans for the establishment of a new manufacturing enterprise, or the expansion of an existing one.

With the current emphasis on ‘green economic recovery’ and sustainable business practices, consider the following factors in the proposed business plan.

Sustainable manufacturing and ‘green’ business practices

Whether the plan is for the establishment of a new manufacturing enterprise, or the expansion of an existing one, to move towards sustainable business practices impacts all concerns involved in light industry.

Dependent upon requirements, reference to a site like recyclingbalers.com will assist in securing necessary plant and equipment, regardless of business scale and complexity.

Setting up a business waste management plan becomes a key part of the overall business plan. The business owner should become familiar with any relevant local and state requirements with regard to the disposal of effluent and waste product. This can include petroleum and oil products, and factory waste such as scrap metal, mechanical parts, paper and rag product.

Contracts for relevant waste removal and disposal may need to be organized. Products such as spill kits and hazardous waste disposal kits also need to be sourced to deal with both routine clean up and for ‘emergency’ purposes.

Hazardous material handing

It would be difficult to find an industrial concern that does not deal with hazardous materials or classified dangerous goods in the course of manufacturing operations. Whether it be aerosol products, solvents, corrosives or explosives, a management plan must be considered that takes into account several key factors:

  • The storage and handling of hazardous items and goods.
  • Disposal and waste management procedures.
  • Emergency considerations and operator health and safety.
  • The development of a Dangerous Goods Register

The collation of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous item used by the business is central to building and developing a dangerous goods plan and register.

As with the Waste Management plan, the Dangerous Goods plan should be put into plan from the inception of the business, and can then be easily expanded as the business grows.

Summary

The current national and world focus is on sustainability and green economic recovery. Establishing a set of strong ‘green’ business practices from the outset will ensure the business remains ahead of the curve.

A company that prides itself on sustainable manufacturing practice is held in high regard and it benefits the company profile, not only nationally, but also potentially in the eyes of international stakeholders and investors.

‘Be seen to be green’ should be the motto for the new or the developing manufacturing operator.

James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, while offering views and opinions on these topics.