“Eco-efficiency is about combining the goals of business excellence and environmental excellence.”/ Bjorn Stigson
Eco-efficiency is a strategic management approach in which a company manages to simultaneously drive environmental improvements and increase its profitability. It is a philosophy based on creating greater value with less environmental impact.
In the intralogistics industry, eco-efficiency implies the production of goods and services using as few resources as possible, generating less waste and reducing pollution. The key question is, how does this translate into practice, what measures to take?
In this post we focus on exploring eco-efficient practices and technologies that are key to reducing the impact on the environment and, at the same time, optimizing intralogistics operations in the industrial sector.
3 eco-efficient measures to increase the sustainability of internal logistics
In the practice of intralogistics, it is possible to achieve eco-efficiency by maximizing the use of renewable resources, optimizing the use of raw materials, reducing energy consumption and improving recyclability.
Of course, to achieve a true sustainable transformation, these measures are not limited to implementing simple improvements in habits or upgrading machinery; new ways of operating must be sought and space must be made for innovation and truly eco-efficient technology.
For this reason, intralogistics eco-efficiency has evolved over the years from a responsibility to a real driver for optimizing processes, converting waste into resources and increasing competitiveness. Let’s take a look at 3 of the indispensable measures.
Renewable energy sources
When we talk about industrial intralogistics, we refer to a broad and complex set of processes and tasks, such as the reception and classification of raw materials or products, their internal distribution, storage and packaging. Each activity involves the constant movement of materials, products, goods and data, for which it requires a considerable amount of energy.
Consequently, the reduction of energy consumption and the use of renewable energies are fundamental measures for intralogistics efficiency. For example, by:
Photovoltaic technology
The combination of grid supply and self-generation of energy through solar panels is a solution that is increasingly being implemented in industries, warehouses and distribution centers. Generally, microgrid networks are used, where panels are installed on roofs to make the best use of space. It also creates an energy storage and distribution system that facilitates its use in critical areas and processes.
Depending on the company’s needs and objectives, it is essential to integrate advanced solar energy technology to increase eco-efficiency. For example,
- Smart solar systems that integrate with IoT devices. Facilitate remote monitoring and management. Allows any modification in the tilt or alignment of the solar panels to be made remotely, depending on weather patterns and the movement of the sun throughout the day.
- Bifacial panels. They have the ability to absorb and generate energy from both the front and rear surfaces by reflecting light off the ground. It is special for regions of high irradiation.
- Solar panels made of flexible and lightweight materials that adapt to curved surfaces.
Energy storage technology
Efficient storage of renewable energy is also indispensable. There are the popular lithium-ion batteries. However, there is emerging technology with greater efficiency. For example,
- Solid-state batteries. They are lighter and can be charged faster. In addition, because they have greater electrochemical stability, they have greater autonomy and a longer useful life.
2. Solutions for efficient consumption
This efficient consumption is also essential to boost the sustainability of intralogistics and, at the same time, reduce operating costs. For this, it is crucial to implement automated machines and advanced systems that facilitate optimal energy management. Some of the cutting-edge technologies include the following.
Eco-efficient equipment
It is important to note that eco-efficient equipment must not only be capable of consuming as little energy as possible, it must also be designed for minimum use of technical and financial resources.
These solutions can be incorporated in the packaging area, within the warehouse area, in the internal distribution of materials, in the air conditioning equipment, etc. For example:
- Box setters on overhead conveyors and seal cutting machines. They are energy-efficient automated machines that have minimal maintenance requirements and are equipped with long life cycle parts.
- Advanced automated guided vehicles AGVs. They are equipped with sensors and internal route optimization software to minimize the distance traveled and time of operations. As a result, they reduce energy consumption.
- Advanced lithium-ion batteries for powering mobile equipment in intralogistics operations. They have a high energy density, which allows them to store more energy in less space. They are maintenance-free, have a low self-discharge rate and do not release hazardous gases. They are key in automated vehicles for warehouses, such as AGVs, forklifts or AMR robots.
EMS energy management systems
Factory EMS systems allow industries to monitor and control, in real time, both energy generation and consumption in different areas of the factory or warehouse.
Basically, they are systems that collect data on the energy consumption of automated equipment, allow their visualization and generate reports for decision making. This translates into lower operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions.
Advanced thermal control systems
In material or product warehouses, it is crucial to maintain temperature control to ensure product quality. The main way to maintain these optimal storage conditions with the lowest possible energy consumption requires the implementation of eco-efficient air conditioning systems.
For example, by means of the following solutions:
- A heat recovery system, which uses waste heat from certain processes or equipment to heat certain areas of the warehouse.
- An adiabatic cooling system, which achieves temperature reduction through water evaporation. It saves energy, since it does not use traditional refrigerants. In addition, it is a system that requires less maintenance and periodic testing.
Packaging reuse
This practice is a growing trend. Reusable packaging, such as plastic containers, can be used. However, when considering costs and recyclability, reusing cartons is an integral strategy for sustainability.
Used cardboard boxes, coming from suppliers or from reverse logistics processes, can have a second life cycle, in order to:
- Storage of raw materials.
- Transferring products or materials between process stations.
- Packing finished products destined to the final customer.
This reduces the need to purchase new boxes and helps minimize waste from operations. Of course, a process of checking and conditioning the crates is required to ensure quality and presentation standards. In addition, it is necessary to implement eco-efficient automation solutions, such as:
Carton erectors
These automatic machines are capable of handling both new and reused boxes, processing up to 800 units/hour. The advanced case erectors are equipped with intelligent sensors that detect case format and size to match measurements and maximize efficiency.
Carton sealers and carton sealing machines
They are solutions for the eco-efficient automation of the packaging process. They close and longitudinally seal boxes, whether new or used, up to 1,200 units/hour. In addition, for increased efficiency, optimized transport costs and energy savings, these closing and sealing machines are capable of sealing overfilled boxes with up to 20% more than the standard contents.
Every step towards a more eco-efficient system, method or technology contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective future for intralogistics operations in the industrial sector.
TECNIMUSA: innovation and eco-efficiency in every automated solution
As a company and engineering firm, we specialize in the design and manufacture of eco-efficient automation solutions that help optimize intralogistics operations and ensure the sustainability of the industry. For each project, we provide our customers with tailor-made equipment and systems that enable them to meet their specific challenges.
If you are looking to increase the efficiency of your internal logistics, contact us. In TECNIMUSA we are your strategic partner to achieve the sustainable future of your company.
