Water and energy consumption, correct management of detergents and wastewater treatment: these are today the central challenges for every company that wants to act responsibly for the environment and society.

Adopting ESG principles in the industrial sector does not only mean reducing waste, but adopting a broader and more structured vision, where the environment, people and governance are integrated elements of a modern production system.

But what are ESG principles specifically? And above all: how can they be translated into concrete actions? In this article we see how each principle can be applied in industrial cleaning processes.

ESG in production processes: what they mean and why they are increasingly important

ESG is the acronym for Environmental, Social, Governance, three necessary pillars that guide companies today towards a more sustainable, ethical and responsible production model.

In the context of industrial cleaning, these principles find very practical applications, ranging from the design of machinery to the management of resources and people. Let's look at them one by one.

ENVIRONMENTAL: reduce waste, consumption and pollution

The first aspect to address to reduce the environmental impact in industrial washing is resource management.

This means managing resources and materials more efficiently, reducing waste and choosing less impactful solutions.

Here are some good practices for the “E” (enviromental) principle:

• Recover and treat wastewater, to reuse it safely and reduce water consumption;
• Use ecological and biodegradable detergents, avoiding toxic substances or VOCs;
• Integrate automated systems with artificial intelligence, to optimize cycles and cut waste.

If you want to learn more about these aspects, you can also read: Sustainability in Industrial Cleaning Solutions.

SOCIAL: sustainability also means safety and well-being

No process can be considered truly sustainable if it does not put people at the center.
The “Social” pillar of ESG enhances the role of those who work, live and interact with the company.
Let's see how it takes shape in processes related to industrial washing:

• Ensure operational safety of personnel, reducing exposure to dangerous substances;
• Invest in continuous training for correct and conscious use of machines;
• Design systems with ergonomic design, to improve well-being at work.

These solutions not only improve worker well-being, but reduce the risk of injury and improve productivity..

GOVERNANCE: Transparency as an operational foundation

Transparency means making the company's choices, results and commitments visible.
Governance is the basis that allows the company to make clear decisions, monitor the impact of its activities and communicate it effectively.

In the context of industrial washing, the principle "G" (governance) means:

• Ensure regulatory compliance by designing systems that meet standards and certifications (CAM, REACH, ISO 14001);
• Track and monitor environmental data in real time, to have verifiable processes;
• Promote an ethical and responsible corporate culture, involving everyone, from management to operators.

This approach allows not only to address audits and controls, but to build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Do you want to discover a concrete example of sustainability applied to a parts washer?
Read the in-depth article: Sustainability in cleaning with parts washers.

ESG as a driver of sustainable innovation

Adopting ESG principles in industrial washing processes is not only a conscious choice, it is also a strategic lever to make the company more solid, efficient and oriented towards the future.

At Geicos we believe that innovation must go hand in hand with respect for the environment, people and quality of management. This is why we design custom systems, capable of combining technical performance and concrete sustainability.

To learn more about the systems we create, visit the section dedicated to Geicos products.