According to research by maintenance service Metro Rod, many manufacturing businesses don’t know how to lower levels of pollution, from within their business to across their supply chain. Manufacturers are worried that this will lead to them being faced with pollution-related penalties.

According to the World Economic Forum, 20% of the world's carbon emissions come from the manufacturing and production sectors. 

Manufacturing businesses could face pollution penalty 

Research by Metro Rod, shows that:

• 62% of manufacturing businesses are unaware of the steps they should be taking to remedy pollution
• 85% of manufacturing businesses are concerned their company might face penalties due to the damage this will cause the environment

Pollution prevention guidance is available for manufacturers and their supply chains

Chris Nelson, senior technical manager at Metro Rod, knows that the manufacturing industry needs to do better. 

“The Environment Agency’s pollution prevention guidance for businesses is promoted as best practice for organisations of any shape, size and sector. However, there is no targeted advice for the manufacturing sector, which is more prone to discharging trade effluent – liquid waste generated from industrial or trade processes – into the sewer network.

“There are serious legal implications for businesses found not to be complying with their environmental obligations, but our research shows that knowledge of this in the manufacturing sector is minimal. Aside from legal punishment, any business in this position could face a costly impact on its reputation, daily operations and ultimately contribute to environmental issues.”

The research might alarm manufacturers, but according to Nelson, it’s time to take action. There are steps that the manufacturing industry can take to reduce their impact on the environment and the first move is to research.

“What’s vital now, is that the industry works together to drive greater knowledge of how drainage networks at manufacturing sites work, and the necessary action required to protect the environment,” adds Nelson. “Doing so will simultaneously ensure industry-wide compliance, help companies safeguard their operations and reduce costs.”