Made Smarter has launched a whitepaper to help SME manufacturers in the furniture industry accelerate their net zero plans.

‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation: manufacturing made smarter and greener with technology’ is a practical guide to industry’s biggest challenge and opportunity.

The free-to-download document from the government-backed and industry-led technology adoption programme, aims to simplify a complex and fast-evolving topic by demystifying some of the terminology and analysing the latest research.

The whitepaper offers insights about how various technologies enable manufacturing and engineering businesses to make things smarter and greener while powering growth and creating new highly skilled jobs.

The whitepaper showcases makers who have started their decarbonisation journeys with Made Smarter, including Crystal Doors In Rochdale. 

It also signposts manufacturers to other initiatives, including Race to Zero, a campaign led by the United Nations, and the SME Climate Hub, a non-profit global initiative that empowers companies with tips and tools, including its Business Carbon Calculator.

Donna Edwards, director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme, said: “Manufacturing is vital to the UK economy and our daily lives. But it also has a colossal impact on our environment. 

“The pressure and scrutiny on the sector to be more sustainable is ramping up, and coming from all directions. It is our biggest challenge, but it is also a significant opportunity. 

“Decarbonisation is not a distraction. It is an imperative. Talk needs to stop and make way for action and a concerted commitment to change. UK manufacturing must get behind the mantra that the future is decarbonised and digital.

“Made Smarter is committed to help small and medium sized makers get there with vision, technology, leadership and collaboration. Our hope is that our ‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation’ whitepaper will become a valuable part of any manufacturer’s toolkit to support their net zero journey.”

Over the last four years, Made Smarter has provided impartial, tailored and expert advice to thousands of manufacturers of every size and shape, and from every sector. 

Digital transformation workshops offer practical steps towards digitisation and a clear digital roadmap to follow. There is also funding to help SMEs invest in technology and a variety of support to enable businesses to adapt to the green skills and digital leadership a net zero future demands.

Donna Edwards added: “In recent years we’ve seen technology play an incredibly important part in tackling disruptive and emerging challenges. It has helped businesses navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and recover, negotiate supply chain disruption and labour shortages, as well as focus on solutions to mitigate the energy crisis.

“For the climate emergency, digitalisation offers manufacturers a huge opportunity to deliver operational efficiencies, decarbonise heat and power, optimise design and materials, and improve logistics and transport, benefitting their business, their bottom line and the environment. Then there is the reputational gain which helps secure customer loyalty, as well as attract new talent and investment.

“While decarbonisation might feel overwhelming, and it is by no means a simple task, it is vital manufacturers recognise they are not alone. Combating climate change demands collaboration, and that is exactly what Made Smarter is here for.”

To download the whitepaper visit: https://www.madesmarter.uk/resources/decarbonisation-through-digitalisation

For more information visit madesmarter.uk

Global bathroom group Roca has achieved sales of €2.092 billion, up 1.9% on 2021, despite macroeconomic issues such as a drop in demand, increased energy costs and global inflation.

Roca Group realised EBITDA of €356 million, equivalent to 17% of turnover, and a net profit of €42million.

It reported its growth is thanks to improved production efficiency, adaptable business operations to local needs, and reduced control production costs.

Roca also cited sales increases in Brazil, India, China, and Spain, which have maintained sustained growth since 2014 (except for the Covid consequences in 2020), have been “significant”.

The CEO of Roca Group, Albert Magrans, highlighted that “In a year as complicated as this one, our professionals have made their involvement and effort count, prolonging the company’s growth”.

He also emphasised, “Net assets have risen to 1.7 billion euros, which reflects the financial strength of
the group, which bases its growth on self-financing through the reinvestment of profits.”

The company increased its investment to €135 million, up 8.9% compared to 2021. These investments included projects to expand and improve the capacity of plants in Brazil and India, a new factory for resin shower trays in Spain and Portugal, and composite bathtubs in Poland.

Additionally, Roca has converted its plant in Croatia into a logistics centre, transforming it into a hub serving the main markets of Central Europe.

Since the launch of its decarbonisation plan in 2018, Roca Group has achieved a 39% reduction in its scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions.

It has also reduced its energy use intensity by 47% and installed over 10,000 photovoltaic panels in multiple locations in 2022, totalling 21,800 panels for the Group worldwide.

Likewise, the water efficiency plan initiated at the factories of Spain, Turkey, Morocco and Portugal in 2021 continues to progress.

It has already achieved a 47% reduction in water consumption and a 55% reduction in the intensity
of water use over the last five years

Furthermore, Roca Group has achieved a 74% level of reintroduction or recycling of waste and a 54.6% reduction in waste generation over the same period.

Roca Group has extended its Competence Centres, which it claims enables the company to respond to markets with agility, efficiency and sustainability.

Following the acquisition and integration of Royo and Sanit companies, it has reinforced its offer across all product categories.

During 2023, Roca Group has continued its acquisition policy, having bought US bathroom furniture and mirror company Madeli to strengthen this product category and presence in America.

This year has also seen Roca Group Ventures invest Aquí Tu Reforma (ATR), an online platform for home renovations to improve the end-user experience, and has analysed more than 120 start-ups.

Founded in Barcelona in 1917, the family-owned Roca Group operates in 170 countries and owns 76 factories, employing 21,000 employees.