Welcome to the first post in a new series by Nick Locke, of Nicab Ltd, who has over 15 years experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly.We live in a world of diminishing natural resources and environmental damage. New regulations such as RoHS, WEEE & Reach have come into force but what can we do to make a real difference right now?
To explore this further here are some ideas that really can make a difference and, what's more, are easy to implement.
The fist step is to be totally committed to making a difference as to make these changes necessary will require some effort but as with all things that require some work the rewards are massive!
New & futuristic products with that make a real difference
Firstly, think about what new and innovative products are out there right now. For example Alpha Wire have released a new range of hook-up wire EcoWire (pictured below) - non PVC, non-halogenic and contains no heavy metal pigments. So now we have a real alternative to PVC wire.
Pace is another pioneer who has introduced their Diamond Tips (pictured, top left) for soldering Irons that last many times longer than traditional tips, a small thing that can make a real difference. Think about how many soldiering Iron tips are used in the UK alone each year!
Something thing that we can all do is ask our suppliers if the materials they use are from environmentally responsible sources. For example, ask your component manufacturer HOW they are committed to the environment.
Yes the best suppliers will be more expensive because they are working harder for the environment but this can be an opportunity too.
If you position your company as the "Eco Friendly Choice" you are adding value to your brand and demonstrating how you are different to the competition.
The idea of the environment is not going away and if they are not yet your customers they will soon be asking you what you are doing about it! There is so much more we can all do and there are real business opportunities too if we are willing to work for it.
Nick Locke, director at Nicab Ltd, has over 15 years experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly. Driven by a passion for interconnection he spends a great deal of his time searching out the latest technology and innovation in interconnection & manufacturing in general.
Keen to pass on information his aim is to engage the electronics community in the subjects and issues he believes are important. Totally devoted to the promotion of the electronics manufacturing industry he sees the future of electronics manufacturing as vital component in the UK economy.
Firstly, think about what new and innovative products are out there right now. For example Alpha Wire have released a new range of hook-up wire EcoWire (pictured below) - non PVC, non-halogenic and contains no heavy metal pigments. So now we have a real alternative to PVC wire.
Pace is another pioneer who has introduced their Diamond Tips (pictured, top left) for soldering Irons that last many times longer than traditional tips, a small thing that can make a real difference. Think about how many soldiering Iron tips are used in the UK alone each year!
Something thing that we can all do is ask our suppliers if the materials they use are from environmentally responsible sources. For example, ask your component manufacturer HOW they are committed to the environment.
Yes the best suppliers will be more expensive because they are working harder for the environment but this can be an opportunity too.
If you position your company as the "Eco Friendly Choice" you are adding value to your brand and demonstrating how you are different to the competition.
The idea of the environment is not going away and if they are not yet your customers they will soon be asking you what you are doing about it! There is so much more we can all do and there are real business opportunities too if we are willing to work for it.
Nick Locke, director at Nicab Ltd, has over 15 years experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly. Driven by a passion for interconnection he spends a great deal of his time searching out the latest technology and innovation in interconnection & manufacturing in general.
Keen to pass on information his aim is to engage the electronics community in the subjects and issues he believes are important. Totally devoted to the promotion of the electronics manufacturing industry he sees the future of electronics manufacturing as vital component in the UK economy.
Comments (2)
I agree, every company can do something to stop polluting our enviroment and H+S have been commited year on year to reduce the enviromental side effects of manufacturing as well as developing enviromententally friendly products.
Posted by John Woodruff | July 20, 2010 2:49 PM
Posted on July 20, 2010 14:49
A lot of companies are making good environmental efforts, but this is often at a cost premium, and can further increase the gap between UK produced and offshore. Maybe increased legislation should ensure that imported goods are produced on a level playing field, the French government seem a lot better at this than our own!.
Posted by Nick Millward | July 27, 2010 8:41 AM
Posted on July 27, 2010 08:41