Manufacturing sector is experiencing a significant paradigm shift

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Manufacturing sector is experiencing a significant paradigm shift

Manufacturing sector is experiencing a significant paradigm shift

Interviews
Jan 22,24

In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, highlights on various initiatives taken by Danfoss to promote sustainability and to help its customers achieve their Net Zero emission goals.

Manufacturing sector is experiencing a significant paradigm shift

...says Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, as climate change gains traction globally. With the manufacturing sector also moving towards a circular economy, it is emphasizing the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials. In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Ravichandran Purushothaman highlights on various initiatives taken by Danfoss to promote sustainability and to help its customers achieve their Net Zero emission goals.

Given the global turmoil, how do you see the performance of the Indian manufacturing sector in 2023? What is your expectation for 2024?

In 2023, the Indian manufacturing sector faced both challenges and opportunities amidst the global turmoil. The sector demonstrated resilience by adapting to evolving market dynamics and leveraging technological advancements. Despite disruptions, we witnessed a notable shift towards sustainable practices and a growing emphasis on green engineering within the industry.

Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate a continued momentum towards sustainability in the Indian manufacturing sector. As businesses recognise the importance of environmental responsibility, we expect an increased integration of green engineering practices in manufacturing processes. The adoption of energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction measures, and eco-friendly production methods will likely become more prevalent, fostering a positive impact on both the industry and the environment.

Our expectations for 2024 align with the industry's commitment to achieving a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. Danfoss India remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that contribute to the green transformation of the manufacturing sector, supporting businesses in their journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

How is the manufacturing landscape changing with climate change gaining traction?

With climate change gaining traction globally, the manufacturing sector is experiencing a significant paradigm shift. There is a growing awareness within the industry about the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Several key changes are being witnessed.

Manufacturers are increasingly embracing green technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes the integration of energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy sources, and the implementation of smart and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Governments and regulatory bodies are imposing stricter environmental regulations, encouraging manufacturers to adhere to higher standards of sustainability. This has led to a revaluation of existing practices and a greater focus on eco-friendly solutions to meet compliance requirements.

The manufacturing sector is moving towards a circular economy, emphasizing the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials. This approach minimises waste generation and promotes a more sustainable lifecycle for products.

At Danfoss India, we recognize the significance of these changes and are committed to playing a pivotal role in driving the adoption of green engineering in the manufacturing sector. The company aspires to be the preferred decarbonisation partner for India, particularly focusing on industrial decarbonisation. With its Chennai campus already above 90 per cent carbon neutralized, Danfoss aims to share its expertise to accelerate India's carbon neutrality journey further. Our focus on energy-efficient solutions and sustainable technologies aligns with the industry's evolving needs, empowering businesses to thrive in a climate-conscious era.

To achieve sustainability goals, what steps are being taken by Danfoss?

Danfoss India has implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability. These initiatives involve the use of renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable product designs. The company also prioritizes waste reduction and water conservation measures. Furthermore, Danfoss India supports sustainability programs and collaborates with other organizations to advance its sustainability goals.

Renewable energy: Danfoss India is at the forefront of sustainable practices, exemplified by our strategic focus on renewable energy integration into operations. Committed to reducing our carbon footprint and environmental impact, we have implemented solar, and other renewable energy sources to power our operations. Through substantial investments in on-site renewable energy generation, we are actively reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. This comprehensive approach aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that our operations not only meet high efficiency standards but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

Energy-efficient technologies: We have implemented a robust strategy to enhance energy efficiency and minimise wastage across its operations. Central to this initiative is the incorporation of cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, including HVAC systems, motors, and drives, to optimise overall energy consumption. In addition, the company has embraced smart building technologies that enable efficient energy management and real-time monitoring of usage. This comprehensive approach not only underscores our commitment to sustainable practices but also ensures that our facilities operate with the utmost efficiency, reducing energy consumption and contributing to a more environmentally responsible business model.

Sustainable product designs: Danfoss India has been emphasizing the development of sustainable product designs, ensuring that their products are environment friendly throughout their lifecycle. The product portfolio includes: AC drives (that offer optimum process control and energy efficiency for a wide variety of electric-motor driven applications), commercial compressors (which includes scroll, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, condensing units and inverter solutions), industrial components and solutions (for monitoring and control of pressure, temperature and fluid control), and silicon power modules and stacks (which are designed to meet the exact customer requirements).

Our products cater to a wide range of industries that seek to employ energy efficient technologies that helps them reduce their monetary and environmental costs with increased operational efficiency. These include HVAC, refrigeration, food and beverage, marine and offshore, water and waste water management, lifts and escalators, mining and minerals, cranes and hoists and chemical industries.

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond compliance; it is a fundamental aspect of our corporate identity. By prioritising these initiatives across various facets of our business, we aim to contribute positively to the environment while delivering value to our customers and stakeholders.

How is Danfoss helping its customers in their journey towards Net Zero emission?

Danfoss India is dedicated to supporting customers in their journey towards achieving Net Zero emission targets, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2030 goals. The company's latest initiative, the Decarbonization Centre for commercial buildings in Chennai, India, offers a user-centric approach to reducing a building's carbon footprint.

The center, located within the LEED Platinum-rated Danfoss Oragadam campus, showcases Danfoss Climate Solutions and Danfoss Power Electronics and Drives, showcasing how their technologies work together on an IoT platform to optimize energy usage in commercial buildings. The centre attracts 250-300 visitors annually and aims to quantify the impact of the latest technologies on a building's overall carbon footprint and energy consumption.

Danfoss also integrates its solutions aimed at decarbonization to assist customers in making informed choices. The company applies a three-step approach to decarbonize its global operations, focusing on reducing, reusing, and reusing resources. The Decarbonization Centre is open to visitors worldwide, demonstrating Danfoss' commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing on the path to a sustainable, Net Zero-emission future.

Given the country’s quest to becoming the world’s manufacturing hub, how critical will be green manufacturing practices for India to gain competitive edge in the global market?

Green engineering and sustainable manufacturing practices are pivotal for India to gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. As the world increasingly prioritises environmental responsibility, integrating green practices not only aligns with global expectations but also enhances cost-efficiency and resilience. By adopting sustainable manufacturing, India can position itself as a leader in eco-conscious industries, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable global economy. This paradigm shift is essential for long-term competitiveness and reinforces our commitment to both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

How can adoption of modern technologies & automation help Indian manufacturers to improve their green manufacturing capabilities?

Indian manufacturers are embracing modern technologies and automation, such as digitalization, robots, AI, and 3D printing, to enhance competitiveness and promote green manufacturing. These technologies contribute to sustainability by optimising resource usage, reducing carbon footprint, and operating environmentally. They also improve operational efficiency by streamlining workflows, reducing downtime, and eliminating redundancies. AI and machine learning algorithms enable predictive maintenance, minimising energy wastage and unplanned shutdowns.

Automation ensures precision and consistency in processes, resulting in high-quality products and reduced resource wastage. These technologies also enhance global competitiveness by allowing countries to meet changing market demands and deliver innovative products. 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing technologies enable agile and customizable production, reducing lead times, enabling quick prototyping, and facilitating complex component production with minimal waste.

By embracing these advancements, Indian manufacturers can drive innovation, improve their bottom line, and contribute to a greener and more resilient future for the industry and the nation.

What kinds of growth opportunities are you looking to tap in the coming years?

Danfoss India is committed to scaling up its business sustainably by focusing on innovative solutions and strategic initiatives aligned with India's growing emphasis on green energy and sustainability. The company aims to provide green technologies for smart cities, energy-efficient solutions for urban challenges, and continued investment in research and development. It also collaborates with metro rail corporations to contribute to sustainable urban mobility. The company aims to achieve a higher degree of localisation in its supply chain to reduce transportation distances, carbon emissions, and operational efficiency. It also focuses on implementing circular economy principles, optimising packaging, and minimising waste. Danfoss India is also leveraging digitalization and IoT to optimize resource usage and reduce environmental impact.

The company sees significant growth opportunities in the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions across various sectors, including smart cities, airports, data centers, and continuous building upgrades to achieve net-zero status. By aligning its business strategy with sustainability, investing in innovation, and capitalizing on eco-conscious industries, Danfoss India aims to achieve sustainable growth that benefits both its customers and the communities it serves.