Why sustainability is becoming a business advantage
In a recent article, Eryn Devola, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Digital Industries, explores why companies can no longer afford to treat sustainability as a side initiative. The race to curb climate change, preserve resources and new meet regulatory pressures is on—and cutting carbon, waste and excess energy is not only becoming a strategy for environmental change but also a strategy for business success.
Devola points to circularity and AI as two essential pillars that can help companies move from reactive to proactive. Her message is clear: companies that embed sustainability into their design, production and operations are positioning themselves for long-term profitability. Here is a brief recap of key points made in the article.
Circularity: Smarter Design means smarter outcomes
Circularity is gaining traction across industries as a smarter approach to resource use. Instead of the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose,” a circular system focuses on extending the life of materials through reuse, repair and recycling.
In the article, Devola shares that:
- Only 7.2% of materials used globally were recycled in 2023.
- Circular strategies can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 39%.
- 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined in the design phase—making early decisions critical.
Technologies like the digital twin are helping engineers simulate and optimize products, plants and processes long before anything is manufactured. This reduces waste, saves on prototyping expenses and ensures sustainability is part of the process from day one.
Real results from industry leaders
Siemens’ own electronics plant in Fürth, Germany, is proving the value of these strategies. By focusing on circular practices and repair services, Fürth has:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions per throughput by 72%
- Increased production throughput by 145%
- Cut energy use and waste significantly
And in the textile sector, innovative company, Spinnova, is reimagining fabric production using a circular model powered by Siemens technology, transforming an industry known for high waste and water usage.
AI’s role in accelerating change
AI is also playing a crucial role in scaling sustainability. At Siemens’ factory in Erlangen, Germany, industrial AI has helped cut the facility’s net carbon footprint by 50%, while robotics and automation have reduced energy use and minimized material waste.
By connecting circularity, design and AI, companies are discovering how sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.
Read the full article to explore how digital tools are enabling smarter, more sustainable business models.
Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens’ software and the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn today’s ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all industries. Siemens Digital Industries Software – Accelerating transformation.
