Reducing Environmental Footprint in Bearing Production

Green manufacturing is very much in vogue in the bearing industry. Companies are taking numerous measures to reduce the carbon footprint and achieve circular economy in bearing production.  We spoke to some of the bearing majors.  Here below are their reflections:

As a leader in the bearing industry, reducing the environmental footprint of our production processes is a critical priority. The following strategies can be effectively adopted:

Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices across manufacturing. This includes using high-efficiency motors, variable speed drives, and use maximum daylight. Additionally, regular energy audits be conducted to identify and eliminate energy wastage.

Renewable Energy Sources: Transitioning to renewable energy sources is a significant step towards sustainability. Our plants are now powered by solar and wind energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: A comprehensive waste management system ensures that production waste is minimized. Scrap metal and other materials are recycled through certified external partners. Practice closed-loop water systems to reduce water wastage and treat wastewater for reuse.

Eco-friendly Materials: Prioritize the use of eco-friendly lubricants and materials in our production processes. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also improve the efficiency and lifespan of products.

Lean Manufacturing: Lean manufacturing principles help in reducing waste and improving efficiency. By optimizing production processes and eliminating non-value-added activities or frequent changeovers, we can minimize resource consumption and reduce the environmental footprint.

Carbon Footprint Monitoring: We have established a robust system for monitoring and managing our carbon footprint. This involves tracking greenhouse gas emissions and implementing measures to offset them, such as reforestation projects and carbon credits. We made a policy to use only EV taxis during our travels across India

“The transition to a circular economy in the Indian bearing industry is feasible and beneficial.” Pranjal Baruah, Sr. GM & Business Head-OEM, Delux Bearings

Implementation of Circular Economy Principles in the Indian Bearing Industry

The circular economy focuses on designing out waste and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. Implementing these principles in the Indian bearing industry involves several key practices:

Product Design for Longevity: Bearings are designed for extended lifespan, with considerations for durability and ease of maintenance. This reduces the frequency of replacements and the associated environmental impact.

Material Recovery and Recycling: At the end of their lifecycle, bearings are collected, and valuable materials such as steel and alloys are recovered and recycled. This reduces the demand for virgin materials and minimizes environmental degradation.

Supplier Engagement: Engaging with suppliers to adopt sustainable practices is crucial. We work closely with our supply chain to ensure that materials sourced are environmentally friendly and that suppliers adhere to high environmental standards.

Returnable Packing: Eliminates plastic and paper wastage

Practice and Experience

In my experience, the transition to a circular economy in the Indian bearing industry is feasible and beneficial. Our initiatives have shown significant positive outcomes, such as reduced environmental impact, cost savings, and enhanced brand reputation. Collaboration with industry peers, regulatory bodies, and customers is vital to drive widespread adoption of these principles.

Our practices include:

• Regularly updating our product designs to incorporate the latest sustainable materials and technologies.
• Investing in advanced manufacturing technologies that support precision and efficiency, thereby reducing waste.
• Actively participating in industry forums and partnerships focused on sustainability and circular economy practices.
• Monitoring and reporting our sustainability performance to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
• These efforts not only align with global sustainability goals but also position us as leaders in the industry, committed to creating a sustainable future.