How Automation is Driving Green Manufacturing in the UK

There’s an increasing focus on sustainability in the UK’s manufacturing sector, with automation vital for achieving environmental goals. The research backs this up, with the UK government’s 2024 sustainability report revealing that 75% of manufacturers are prioritising investment in green technologies. Such investment has the potential to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and overcome the shortages of skilled labour. 

Read on as we highlight Automate UK’s efforts to ensure the realisation of such benefits through the promotion of sustainable practices. Find out about the upcoming events, where these topics will be explored in depth.

Sustainability Trends in UK Manufacturing

The increased emphasis on sustainability in UK manufacturing is being driven by government regulations and customer expectations. Indeed, research conducted by Make UK and EON has revealed that 90% of manufacturers are aware of the 2050 net zero target and have already committed to eco-focused actions. What’s more, PWC’s Voice of the Consumer Survey has confirmed that there’s a willingness to spend 9.7% more, on average, for sustainably produced or sourced goods.

Smarter manufacturing processes are being developed through the integration of automation technologies. In particular, IoT, machine learning, and cyber-physical systems are enabling greater efficiency and reduced waste. According to a 2024 Carbon Trust Study, such technologies can help manufacturers reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

Automation and Sustainability

With energy consumption being the number one cause of manufacturing-related carbon emissions, there’s a clear need for eco-friendly technologies. This is increasingly being realised through the adoption of smart sensors, computer vision, and other sustainable systems. Such technologies allow for the automated monitoring of machines, ensuring that they are switched off when not in use, and identifying adjustments that can be made for greater efficiency.

Manufacturing processes can also be optimised through the integration of automated technologies for reduced waste. For instance, computer vision and AI-powered analytics can automatically monitor production levels, ensuring the alignment of material use and manufacturing according to demand. Increased automation makes for greater also consistency.

With such an array of benefits, it’s hardly surprising that many manufacturers are keen to see the government offering more incentives for investment. In turn, this will contribute to the development of the circular economy and the achievement of sustainability goals.

Automate UK’s Initiatives

As the leading trade association for automation suppliers and technology end users, Automate UK has a key role to play in the support of sustainable manufacturing. We fulfil this responsibility through the creation of educational resources, industry partnerships, and events focused on green technologies. Representatives of our three member organisations are also committed to the sharing of insights, as when addressing the ways that automation can help to drive out inefficiencies in manufacturing at the recent Automation UK Show (see pages 42-43 of the July August edition of Machinery Update for further details).

Our commitment extends through active participation in national lobbying efforts and a strong international presence at key industry events, such as Gulfood Manufacturing, Pack Expo 2024, and many more. By engaging on these fronts, Automate UK works to positively impact the UK industry and support sustainable progress across global markets.

Explore The Automated Possibilities

Hopefully, this article will have gone some way towards raising your awareness and motivation to explore the sustainable benefits of automation. However, we urge you to attend such major shows and exhibitions for further advice on how to achieve your sustainability goals with the latest technologies. And please explore the Automate UK website for more resources on green manufacturing.

Together we’ll innovate the future of automation!