How Industrial Fluid Reduction in the Stamping Industry Improves Environmental Compliance with the EPA, OSHA, and ISO 1401
As environmental concerns continue to grow and environmental regulations become more stringent, industrial fluid reduction is an essential strategy metal stamping companies can implement to remain compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA), and local environmental regulations and meet the requirements of environmental standards like ISO 14001.
Industrial fluid reduction helps companies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, minimize waste, and improve their brand image by adopting more sustainable practices. Moreover, it also allows them to avoid costly fines and penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations. Let’s explore how industrial fluid reduction practices can benefit metal stamping organizations.
Advantages of Environmental Compliance
Environmental compliance is essential for businesses to stay competitive and minimize the risk of financial penalties. ISO 14001 provides a framework for organizations to take an active stance on their environmental impacts, including waste reduction. For automotive and metal stamping companies, this can mean improved industrial fluid management practices, reduced waste from the application and mixing of industrial fluids, and cost savings from increased efficiency.
The biggest benefit to companies in these industries is being able to meet the strict environmental regulations imposed by organizations such as the OSHA and EPA, while also protecting the environment. Certification also helps to enhance customer trust, as businesses with ISO 14001 certification display a commitment to sustainability. This sets them apart from other metal stamping organizations and makes them a more attractive option for customers looking for sustainable options.
The Environmental Impacts of Industrial Fluid Waste
Automotive stamping and metal stamping processes require a significant amount of industrial fluids to be used in order to complete production. Industrial fluids such as lubricants, coolants, solvents, and cleaning agents are necessary for these operations. However, these fluids can cause environmental damage if they are not disposed of or recycled properly.
Improper disposal of industrial fluids can lead to soil and water contamination, air pollution, hazardous waste disposal, and costly clean-up fees. In addition, improper disposal can put workers and nearby communities at risk of health issues. Compliance with environmental regulations like OSHA and EPA standards and ISO 14001 is critical to avoiding fines and ensuring proper disposal.
Industrial Fluid Waste Reduction Best Practices
Thankfully, today there are many options for biodegradable fluids and proper fluid waste disposal and recycling. However, it’s worth noting that proper industrial fluid waste disposal can be quite costly. The most effective way to reduce environmental impact and your organization’s overall fluid cost is to reduce fluid use and waste at the source. In fact, according to the EPA’s Pollution Prevention act of 1990 source reduction is the first line of defense – and most effective – against pollution prevention.
Technological modification, such as upgrading equipment, is an effective way of reducing waste. By replacing spray lubrication systems with roller coaters to eliminate overspray, a Tier One automotive supplier was able to reduce the cost of waste hauling by $19,000. They also reduced overall lubricant consumption and associated costs, such as cleaning and maintenance costs, to a total savings of over $80,000.
Implementing a Fluid Reduction Program
You may be wondering how to reduce industrial fluid use without compromising production. At Impact Fluids, we start by performing a Fluid Lifecycle Analysis of your facility. This analysis looks at the flow of fluids through the manufacturing process, from fluid application and control to removal and disposal. By analyzing each step, we can identify inefficiency and excess waste areas and make suggestions for improving performance and reducing costs.
In addition, our ongoing service includes quarterly or biannual Fluid Lifecycle reviews to ensure the equipment, fluids, and procedures continue to work the way they were intended. Our consultative approach to fluid reduction is designed to help customers reduce their fluid usage by up to 90%.
Impact Fluids is committed to providing premium industrial fluid solutions for the stamping industry. Our team has the experience and knowledge to provide custom industrial fluid application and management programs that will help you meet your environmental compliance requirements and reduce waste. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business stay compliant while saving money.