4 Tips to Build a Clean Industrial Business from Scratch

Whether you’re planning to launch an automotive manufacturing company or a cement factory, venturing into an industrial business is no piece of cake. Thorough research isn’t enough; you have to acquire funding to get off the ground and start making top-notch products as well. 

Industrial businesses have been far from eco-friendly, however. According to the EPA, industries contributed to 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. Greenhouse gas emissions from industries are mostly caused by the combustion of fossil fuels on-site at energy plants. 

But times are changing. As sustainability is gaining prominence, many industries are embracing greener practices. The steel industry, for instance, is exploring innovative ways to reduce emissions.  

When industries are increasingly embracing green practices, why not build sustainability into your business from the very start? That will save you from trouble later on. Here, we’ll share a few tips that will help you build a clean industrial business from scratch. 

1 Source Materials Responsibly

Where you get your materials can make or break your sustainability game. 

Research has found that material production alone increased greenhouse gas emissions by 120% between 1995 and 2015. 

Choosing materials that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions will only increase your carbon footprint. Don’t opt for them. 

Before you place an order with a supplier, conduct a thorough audit to assess their commitment to responsible sourcing. Verify whether they adhere to environmental regulations and sustainable production methods. Certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wood or Global Recycled Standard (GRS) for recycled materials are a great way to ensure you’re sourcing responsibly.

Alternatively, source materials whose emissions are lower. McKinsey & Company reports that businesses are ramping up their ambitions to source materials with lower emissions intensity than their traditional equivalents. Recycled aluminum, recycled plastic, and green steel are prime examples of innovative alternatives gaining traction. 

Also, think local. Partnering with suppliers nearby will reduce the emissions tied to transportation. Not to forget, it will support your local economy.

2 Choose Green Energy from Day One

Don’t default to traditional fossil fuels. Explore clean energy options like solar, wind, or even geothermal. 

Companies like Americhem, a global chemical manufacturing company, are leading the way in adopting clean energy. It used 100% renewable energy sources in 2024 at its headquarters in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.  

Hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element, has also entered the clean, green economy as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. If you’re in an industry that relies heavily on transportation or energy-intensive processes, you should consider its adoption. 

Safe and efficient storage of hydrogen has been one of the biggest challenges of hydrogen adoption. Compressing hydrogen at pressures as high as 700-1,000 bar or liquifying it by cooling it down to –253° C are the two most common storage options. 

Both approaches are energy-intensive, leading to energy losses of 15% to 40%, according to H2MOF.

The storage challenge is being addressed, however. A breakthrough technology has been developed for solid state hydrogen storage. It uses reticular materials such as MOFs, or metal-organic frameworks, to safely store hydrogen at ambient temperature and low pressure. 

Innovations like this will make hydrogen a more accessible and practical clean energy option. So, adopt it; you will not only reduce emissions, but also future-proof operations against tightening environmental regulations. 

3 Adopt Circular Economy Practices

The traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ industrial model is outdated and unsustainable. Think circular, instead. That is to say, design your processes to minimize waste and maximize reuse.

According to Sustainability Magazine, recycling, and material recovery are critical to a circular economy as they convert waste into useful resources. This minimizes the need for raw materials and ‘closes the loop.’

Rethinking your product design can help you figure out whether your materials can be recycled, repaired, or repurposed. For instance, you can design parts that can be disassembled and reused, which will keep them out of landfills and cut down on the need for virgin resources.

Using minimal packaging is another way to reduce waste and pollution while maintaining the value of products and materials. 

4 Market Your Clean Vision

You’ve put in the work to build a clean business. So, don’t keep your eco-friendly efforts a secret. Let the world know about them. 

Customers care about sustainability, says McKinsey & Company. Weave sustainability into your brand identity. Use your mission statement, logo, and messaging to highlight your commitment to greener practices. 

Share your milestones—whether it’s cutting emissions, sourcing 100% recycled materials, or switching to renewable energy. Numbers and facts build trust and credibility.

Transparency is key here. Be honest about your journey, including the challenges and areas you’re working to improve. People love a brand that is authentic and accountable.

We agree that starting a clean industrial business from scratch is not a piece of cake. But it’s absolutely achievable with the right strategies in place. 

Integrating sustainability into every aspect—planning, operations, and culture—will allow you to create a business that can thrive in the ever-evolving market.

Sure, challenges will come, but with a clear vision and a commitment to doing things the right way, you will succeed.