TECHNOLOGY FOCUS Managing waste
POWERING A GREENER FUTURE
Dan Migliozzi, Sales Director for the UK, EU and North America, at AGITO Global, says sustainable automation and operational excellence are interconnected priorities
S
ustainability is no longer optional. Customers expect it, regulators demand it and leadership teams can no longer treat environmental
responsibility as separate from business performance. Automation in warehousing and manufacturing has traditionally been about productivity and reducing labour costs, but today it’s under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Rising energy consumption, stricter regulations and stakeholder expectations are In reality, the shift toward sustainable automation is rarely neat. Many organisations are caught between sustainability ambitions and operational pressure, especially when energy savings do not immediately appear on the balance sheet. Some projects even see short-term increases in consumption as throughput grows or legacy constraints surface. These moments expose the real challenge: sustainability is not a marketing claim or a technology choice, but decisions about performance, timing and risk. By combining advanced technologies with thoughtful design and environmental stewardship, companies can reduce waste,
30 April 2026 | Automation
optimise energy use, and meet both regulatory and stakeholder expectations. However, it is not enough to install the latest machines or software and hope for results. Meaningful sustainability outcomes come from planning systems holistically, integrating people, processes and technology to work as one. Importantly, it’s not just about improving
productivity, it’s about embedding sustainability into every decision, from design and procurement to operation, maintenance and end-of-life disposal. This shift requires organisations to consider the full lifecycle of every automated system, ensuring that continuous optimisation are built into operations rather than added later. Rising energy costs and market volatility
add urgency. Organisations that invest in reductions. For example, a mid-sized automotive facility that replaced standard alternatives reduced electricity consumption by 20%, resulting in annual savings of more than £400,000. Process optimisation aimed at reducing material waste can have a
substantial impact, particularly in industries where raw materials account for a large share of production costs.
Market Trends and Policy Considerations
Sustainable automation is no longer niche. Rising energy costs, tightening regulations and heightened stakeholder expectations are accelerating adoption across industries. and waste-reducing automation solutions will grow by 12 to 15% annually over the pharmaceuticals and food processing among the leading sectors.
driver of this shift. Initiatives such as the European Union Green Deal, carbon pricing mechanisms, ISO 50001 energy management standards and mandatory emissions reporting establish both obligations and incentives for organisations. Companies that act proactively can strengthen their reputations, reduce exposure to regulatory penalties and access grants and funding sustainability initiatives.
For leaders considering investment in
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POWERING A GREENER FUTURE
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