How technology can help manufacturing sustainability
While packaging, ingredients and machinery often take the spotlight in conversations about sustainability in the confectionery sector, there’s another area making a quiet but important impact: technology.
Every part of a modern factory, from ERP systems tracking ingredients to tablets on the shop floor, runs on IT. Each device carries a carbon footprint from manufacture, consumes electricity daily, and often triggers on-site support visits when things go wrong. That all adds up in costs and emissions.
The good news? With a few smart adjustments, IT can go from being a hidden source of waste to a real driver of sustainability.
Smart device management
One simple step is to extend the life of devices. Many businesses swap out laptops, scanners or tablets every couple of years, even if they’re still working fine. By using centralised device management tools, IT teams can monitor performance, push updates remotely and fix problems before they cause downtime. That means fewer replacements, less e-waste and more money left in the budget for bigger priorities.
Remote IT support
Another big win comes from remote IT support. Instead of sending technicians on long trips to factories or distribution centres for minor faults, secure remote access lets teams log in, diagnose and fix issues instantly. It saves emissions and, just as importantly, keeps production moving without costly delays.
Getting clever with energy
Energy use is another area often overlooked. Across multiple sites, PCs, scanners and monitors are left running long after shifts end. Automated power policies like remote shutdowns and adaptive scheduling can cut this “silent drain” significantly. For seasonal peaks such as Easter or Christmas runs, energy rules can be tightened during quieter months and flexed up when demand grows.
Cultural sustainability
Of course, technology is only part of the answer. Building a culture where staff switch off unused equipment, embrace remote fixes and understand the role IT plays in sustainability is just as important. The advantage here is measurability: longer device lifespans, reduced travel, and lower energy bills can all be tracked and reported, giving manufacturers evidence of progress toward their carbon reduction goals.
In an industry where margins are tight and reputations matter, greener IT is a practical way to cut costs, boost resilience and strengthen relationships with customers and retailers.
Read the full article from Kennedy’s Confection here.