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Driving sustainable transformation: BSH’s journey towards CO2 reduction in enameling

By Matthias Heinicke

CO2 reduction in global production – digital transformation – engineering and simulation

Introduction

CO2 reduction is paramount across various industries, reshaping the landscape of production planning. Mert Gök, from the BSH Home Appliances Group, will deliver a presentation on the subject of “Driving sustainable transformation: BSH’s journey towards CO2 reduction in enameling” at the 2024 Plant Simulation User Conference, scheduled for Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at the Infinity Hotel in Munich, Germany.

Welcome to the forefront of innovation in manufacturing. At BSH Home Appliances Group, strides have been made to align processes with sustainability goals. In this blog post, we delve into recent efforts to reduce CO2 emissions within the enameling process.

The enameling process

The enameling process refers to a critical stage in the manufacturing of home appliances, likely involving the application of coatings onto metal parts. Enamel coatings are commonly used to provide durability, protection and aesthetic appeal to surfaces.

The enameling process may include several steps such as cleaning and preparing the metal surfaces, applying the enamel coating using spraying or dipping methods and then curing the enamel through heating in a furnace.

Given the focus on CO2 reduction within the enameling process, BSH Home Appliances is exploring ways to minimize carbon emissions associated with this stage of production. This involves optimizing energy usage in the furnaces, redesigning conveyor systems to improve efficiency, or implementing batch production strategies to reduce overall energy consumption.

A vision of CO2 reduction in digital transformation

Overall, the enameling process plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of home appliances, and efforts to reduce CO2 emissions within this process are essential for achieving sustainability goals and minimizing environmental impact.

Presenter

Mert Gök is an electrical engineer with a background in automation and digitalization. He embarked on his journey as a PLC programmer and his passion for innovation and optimization led him to transition into the role of manufacturing engineer and project leader at BSH. Mert spearheaded numerous robotic initiatives aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency at BSH. His expertise and visionary approach played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of the cooling factory. His dedication to driving innovation and continuous improvement is evident in his role as a simulation key user, where he continues to shape the future of manufacturing through the implementation of simulation methodologies.

Efficiency and collaboration

Efficiency and collaboration are central to the global production strategy. Integrated simulation tools and methods aim to optimize factory processes, fostering digital planning and continuous improvement in CO2 reduction. The approach revolves around awareness creation, sharing best practices and providing extensive support through training and coaching initiatives.

CO2 Reduction in enameling: A holistic approach

Enameling, a critical stage in production, presented an opportunity for significant CO2 reduction. By combining flat parts and cavities within a single furnace and redesigning coating and conveyor systems, efforts were made towards sustainability while enhancing productivity.

Project targets and results

Objectives were clear: maximize production volume, streamline conveyor operations and implement batch production strategies.

Results included a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions, decreased hanger numbers, and synchronized conveyor and worker speeds. Meticulous planning and execution verified the ability to maintain peak production levels sustainably.

Mert Gök, project leader, BSH Home Appliances Group

Simulation steps: engineering sustainable solutions

Behind successful projects lie thorough simulation and planning. The approach encompassed data preparation, equipment definition, line balancing and 3D layout planning. Tools like Easy Plan and Autocad were leveraged to optimize processes, ensuring seamless integration of sustainability measures.

Benefits of CO2 reduction in enameling

Beyond environmental impact, CO2 reduction initiatives yield numerous benefits. They enhance operational efficiency, reduce resource consumption and drive cost savings. Additionally, they strengthen corporate reputation, fostering trust among stakeholders and positioning BSH as a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices.

Question and answer: Navigating the future

As efforts continue towards sustainability, questions and discussions are welcomed. Commitment to transparency and innovation drives exploration of new horizons and pioneering sustainable practices in manufacturing.

Conclusion: A sustainable future, together

At BSH, sustainability is a core focus. CO2 reduction efforts in enameling reflect dedication to environmental stewardship and operational excellence. As boundaries are pushed and digital transformation embraced, participation is invited in the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

In today’s global manufacturing landscape, the imperative for CO2 reduction shapes new paradigms in production planning. Mert Gök, an innovator at BSH Home Appliances Group, illuminates this journey in his presentation on sustainable transformation at the 2024 Plant Simulation User Conference. Delving into the critical enamelling process, essential in home appliance manufacturing, Gök explores strategies to minimize CO2 emissions. Through meticulous planning and execution, BSH achieves remarkable results, halving CO2 emissions while optimizing production efficiency. This holistic approach not only fosters environmental sustainability but also enhances operational excellence and corporate reputation. Join the discourse, as we navigate toward a greener, more sustainable future together.

2024 Plant Simulation User Conference

On June 6th 2024 at the 2024 Plant Simulation User Conference, taking place at the Infinity hotel in Munich, Germany, we will delve deeper into this topic. This event, taking place right after Realize LIVE Europe, is an ideal opportunity for attendees to learn from industry experts, network with peers and explore the latest advancements in Plant Simulation software. They will experience presentations like what’s new in Plant Simulation 2404 and engaging discussions that might transform their approach to material flow simulation. Other lectures at the 2024 Plant Simulation User Conference are for example:
User-friendly modeling and simulation of manual production lines and Empowering sustainability: Decarbonization strategies in construction process management with the integration and benefits of Plant Simulation.

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This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/tecnomatix/sustainability-bsh-co2-reduction/