Getting started with sustainability in manufacturing: A Conversation with Eddie Andrews
In episode three of "Manufacturing Sustainability: Twenty Minute Talks," I sat down with Eddie Andrews, the Commercial Director at 3T Additive Manufacturing. Eddie brought to the conversation over 20 years of experience in aerospace, additive manufacturing and a passion for sustainability in manufacturing. If you haven’t already caught the full episode you can find it below.
Eddie's Role at 3TAM
Eddie's role at 3TAM involves leading the commercial team, focusing on bringing new parts into manufacturing using additive manufacturing. He explained that cost and sustainability are closely linked, with many sustainable practices also leading to cost reductions. This dual benefit motivated him to take on the responsibility of steering 3TAM's sustainability roadmap.
Understanding and Measuring Emissions
Eddie emphasized the importance of understanding scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. He explained that Scope 1 covers the emissions created directly by the manufacturing process, scope 2 deals with offsetting energy requirements and reducing waste, and scope 3 focuses on reducing emissions throughout the entire supply chain. He stressed that measuring baseline CO2 emissions is the first crucial step for any manufacturer aiming to improve their sustainability. “it doesn't really matter at this stage whether you're really efficient or you're wasting lots of energy but just like any continuous improvement activity if you don't fix down a process and understand what it's doing today there's there's no way that you can look at improving it.”
At 3TAM, they've implemented carbon sensors across their machines to measure real-time energy use, helping them identify and reduce waste. Eddie mentioned their collaboration with the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, which aids in analyzing this data to better understand and improve their processes. In the episode you can learn more about the collaborations 3TAM have embarked on.
Digital Integration and Automation
Eddie outlined 3TAM’s three pillars for achieving sustainability: internalizing the value stream, automation, and digital integration. By managing everything from receiving raw materials to producing finished parts within one facility, they significantly reduce their logistics footprint. Automation helps in reusing waste energy, while digital integration ensures every part they produce will be net zero by 2032, complete with traceable lifecycle carbon analysis.
The Importance of Collaboration
Throughout our conversation, Eddie stressed that sustainability is a collective effort. He believes that creating a blueprint for net zero that can be shared openly is vital. By working together, companies can accelerate progress towards sustainability, as this challenge is one that the entire industry faces.
3TAM's Mission and the Future of Manufacturing
Looking ahead, Eddie shared 3TAM’s mission to ensure that by 2032, every part they deliver will be net zero, with a clear digital certificate indicating its carbon rating. He talked about the potential of additive manufacturing to significantly reduce raw material use and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Eddie also discussed the future trends in manufacturing, the need for standardizing carbon reporting and capturing lifecycle carbon analysis across all processes. He sees advanced manufacturing facilities becoming more agile and digitally integrated, located close to end users to minimize logistics and leverage renewable energy.
Commercial = sustainable
This conversation is my first of the series with a commercial director. Sustainability, efficiency and cost are closely linked and this series is about sharing insights, ideas and experience to help manufacturers on their journey to a more sustainable future.
I want to thank Eddie for taking the time out, to share his insights and open the conversation. His vision for 3TAM's net zero future is ambitious and highlights the critical role of innovative practices and collaboration in achieving these goals. You can watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
Twenty Minute Talks will continue to feature conversations about the future of sustainable manufacturing. If you or anyone you know want to apply to be a guest on the series get in touch with me to get the conversation started.
Gemma Walsh Woodcock