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Tom Mercer ’ s predictions for the top manufacturing trends of 2024

A green and cleaner year ahead :

In 2024 , we will see a further push for greater sustainability across the manufacturing sector . While environmental benefits will remain a key driver , companies will also turn to greater sustainable measures to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs . Sector-wide , the pressure from their customers for companies to adapt to more climate-friendly practices will continue to be a big motivator . We will see a greater divide between companies spearheading innovation and sustainability and those needing help to adapt . For survival , companies and organizations can only respond to the call for greater transparency by investing in sustainable practices and processes .

Also , as net-zero targets become another year closer , manufacturers must be fully aware of their carbon emissions and what they can do to minimize the impact . This can be done by measuring energy consumption , the size of the premises , and how much travel is included in the manufacturing processes . Some top ways of reducing emissions quickly are by setting up company-wide recycling schemes , switching to renewable energy providers , or even buying offsets from companies that allow customers to fund carbon-reducing projects like solar energy or wind farms .

Welcome to the 4th Industrial Revolution :

Industry 4.0 , the ‘ 4th industrial revolution ’, is a huge talking point within manufacturing , which will become louder over the next year . With increasing pressures on bottom lines , continued trouble with logistics capacity and a sheer lack of workforce – I expect we will see more manufacturing companies turn to AI / IoT / automated robotics to protect their future , increase output quality , and reduce the reliance on people .

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