Hidden Factory Data: The Key to Cutting Manufacturing Emissions

In our latest episode of GreenTech Pulse, we had the privilege of speaking with Simon D. Kim, CEO and founder of Glassdome. Simon shared invaluable insights about how manufacturing companies can leverage their existing data to significantly reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency.

The Manufacturing Sustainability Challenge

As consumers, we rarely think about the environmental cost of production. Yet every product we use goes through manufacturing processes that often generate significant carbon emissions and waste. The challenge isn’t just about consuming less—it’s about producing more efficiently and sustainably.

Simon’s company, Glassdome, specializes in unlocking and utilizing data that already exists within manufacturing facilities but often remains trapped in siloed systems. As he explained, “Manufacturing obviously relies on lots of automation equipment, and all those equipment has silos of data that manufacturers usually don’t have great access to or easy access to.”

The Supply Chain Revelation

Perhaps the most eye-opening insight from our conversation was about where factory emissions actually come from. According to Simon:

“50 to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions actually come from scope three emission, meaning they come from their supply chain rather than the site itself.”

This revelation highlights why transparency across the entire manufacturing ecosystem is critical. It’s not just about what happens within a factory’s walls, but about every component that goes into making a product.

EU Battery Regulations and the Future of EVs

A significant portion of our discussion focused on upcoming European Union battery regulations that will require manufacturers to disclose site-specific emission data for batteries over 2 kilowatt-hours. This regulation, expected to be finalized in 2025, will impact electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers worldwide.

Simon’s technology is helping battery manufacturers prepare for these regulations by creating data pipelines that track emissions throughout the production process. This transparency will help address common criticisms about electric vehicles by ensuring their batteries are manufactured responsibly.

Success Stories in Data-Driven Sustainability

Simon shared several compelling examples of how data analytics has transformed sustainability outcomes:

1. Food and Beverage: A major confectionery manufacturer improved quality management using Glassdome’s technology, resulting in 5% fewer defects. This directly translated to 5% less waste from raw ingredients.
2. Metal Processing: For energy-intensive industries like metal manufacturing, data analysis allowed for process modifications and optimal machine scheduling based on energy sources, significantly reducing environmental impact.
3. Supply Chain Management: By gaining visibility into their scope three emissions, companies can make informed decisions about suppliers, potentially choosing vendors with better environmental practices.

Getting Started with Data-Driven Sustainability

For manufacturers looking to begin their sustainability journey, Simon recommends:

1. Engage with thought leaders to learn about available options
2. Take a consultative approach rather than immediately implementing solutions
3. Start with proof-of-concept projects to see quick returns
4. Use those early wins to build support for more comprehensive implementation

The Role of AI in Manufacturing Sustainability

While AI has tremendous potential, Simon cautioned that the manufacturing sector still faces significant challenges in this area:

“The challenge is not really around AI and the sophistication of the algorithms… but the availability of good quality data.”

Without consolidated, high-quality data, even the most advanced AI systems will struggle to deliver value. This reinforces the importance of data infrastructure as a foundation for future innovations.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Simon revealed that Glassdome is partnering with industrial leaders like Siemens to work on exchanging product carbon footprint data. Their roadmap includes developing features that will help customers respond to various regulatory demands, not just in Europe but globally.

Key Takeaways for Manufacturers

1. Understand your supply chain: Since most emissions come from scope three sources, mapping and understanding your supply chain is crucial.
2. Unlock existing data: You likely already have valuable data in your machines and systems—the challenge is making it accessible and usable.
3. Start small: Begin with targeted projects that can demonstrate quick wins before scaling up.
4. Think circular: Consider using recycled components and evaluating your bill of materials for sustainability improvements.
5. Prepare for regulations: New sustainability reporting requirements are coming in various regions—having your data infrastructure ready will be a competitive advantage.

Connect with Simon

If you’d like to learn more about data-driven manufacturing sustainability, visit Glassdome’s website at glassdome.com.

For more insights on green technology and sustainable business practices, be sure to subscribe to GreenTech Pulse wherever you get your podcasts.