Sustainable Tech: Shaping a Greener Future for Manufacturing in India

Sanoj Somasundaran, CTO – SKF India and Director, Technology Development – SKF ISEA Region

With over 25 years of experience, Sanoj has excelled in areas such as new product development, technological innovation, and organizational transformation. He plays a pivotal role in aligning SKF India's strategic initiatives with the group's global technological perspective. Recognized as a visionary leader in technology, Sanoj’s expertise lies in driving innovation and managing technology to shape the future of SKF India, making a significant impact in the industrial and automotive sectors.

The manufacturing sector is the backbone of India’s economic progress, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and exports. As this sector expands to meet the aspirations of a $10 trillion economy, its energy-intensive nature and substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pose a significant challenge to India’s sustainability goals. In an era where sustainability has shifted from being a corporate social responsibility buzzword to a business imperative, the integration of technology into manufacturing processes is emerging as a game-changer for achieving a greener future.

The Role of Technology in Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainable manufacturing involves optimizing processes to minimize resource consumption and waste while maximizing energy efficiency. Technology plays a pivotal role in enabling these transformations. By embracing digitalization, automation, and clean technology, manufacturers can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.

For example, adopting Industry 4.0 solutions, such as smart sensors and IoT-enabled devices, allows manufacturers to monitor and analyze energy usage, detect inefficiencies, and implement real-time improvements. Predictive maintenance, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), not only minimizes downtime but also extends the lifecycle of machinery, reducing resource consumption.

Clean and Renewable Energy: A Catalyst for Green Manufacturing

India’s manufacturing sector accounts for nearly 40% of the country’s total energy consumption, much of which is derived from non-renewable sources like coal and natural gas. Transitioning to renewable energy is not just an environmental necessity but a strategic business decision. Biomass, solar power, and wind energy offer sustainable alternatives that can power manufacturing operations with minimal carbon emissions.

However, the adoption of renewable energy comes with challenges, such as dependency on imported materials for solar panels and the high initial cost of infrastructure. Developing a domestic solar value chain and investing in bioenergy from agricultural waste can mitigate these challenges, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and creating employment opportunities.

Circularity is another aspect of clean energy. Circularity is the concept of keeping materials in the loop for as long as possible by adopting circular business models. In our current economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste being produced in the first place.

A Circular Business Model focuses on creating value by minimizing waste, extending product life cycles, and utilizing renewable resources. It contrasts with the traditional linear model of "take, make, dispose" by closing the loop, where materials and products are reused, repaired, remanufactured, or recycled.

Digital Transformation and the Green Supply Chain

Digital transformation has become a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, driving efficiencies across the value chain. Advanced analytics and cloud computing help optimize logistics, reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions.

SKF India’s focus on digitalizing its entire value chain exemplifies how businesses can leverage technology for sustainability. By connecting every node in the supply chain, manufacturers can streamline operations, minimize lead times, and reduce waste. Furthermore, digital tools empower data-driven decision-making, allowing businesses to adapt to evolving market demands while staying environmentally conscious.

The Importance of Collaborative Innovation

Achieving sustainability in manufacturing requires collaboration across industries, governments, and communities. The Indian government’s focus on strengthening both physical and digital infrastructure, coupled with economic reforms aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment, provides a robust foundation for sustainable growth.

Additionally, partnerships between manufacturers and technology providers can accelerate the development of eco-friendly solutions. SKF India has taken a significant step in promoting innovation and sustainability by launching the Open Innovation Initiative in 2023. In 2024, this initiative gained momentum with a defined Innovation Platform called DARE, which facilitates collaboration among startups, academia, and industry experts to devise solutions for the industrial and automotive sectors across India and Southeast Asia

The Future of Sustainable Manufacturing in India

India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub must go hand in hand with its commitment to sustainability. The manufacturing sector’s transition to green practices is not only essential for mitigating environmental impacts but also for enhancing global competitiveness. Evolving consumer demands for sustainable products and stringent international regulations make sustainability a non-negotiable aspect of modern manufacturing.

By leveraging digital transformation, clean technology, and renewable energy, the manufacturing sector can lead the way toward a greener and more prosperous future.

As India continues its journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, the integration of sustainable practices in manufacturing will serve as a cornerstone for long-term growth. The time to act is now—let’s shape a greener future.