Mindful Manufacturing becomes Stratasys’ new mantra

Stratasys Ltd., active in the polymer 3D printing space for over 30 years, has announced it is stepping up its commitment to sustainability and making this a more visible and tangible part of its strategy going forward.

To that end, the company has appointed Rosa Coblens as Vice President of Sustainability, joined the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association as a Founding Member,and adopted a sustainability agenda based on the framework provided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif, now is the time for what he has termed ‘Mindful Manufacturing’. He referred to ‘our mission to translate our leadership in 3D printing into mindful business applications for our customers – where less waste is produced, and more value derived from the digital processes that drive our manufacturing solutions’.

Joining AMGTA, where Coblens will serve as a member of the Board of Directors, adds weight to this purpose. AMGTA is a non-commercial, unaffiliated organisation open to any additive manufacturer or industry stakeholder that meets certain criteria related to sustainability of production or process. Part of its mission is to commission research that highlights the sustainable uses of additive manufacturing.  “Our goal is to introduce new lifecycle analysis research projects in additive manufacturing that clearly measure impact and increase the world’s understanding of 3D printing as critical to the global manufacturing industry’s move towards greater sustainability,” said Sherry Handel, Executive Director of the AMGTA

As a founding member, Stratasys will be well-positioned to support the young organisation’s goal of advancing sustainability in additive manufacturing.

Stratasys has also identified four U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the cornerstones of its purpose-driven sustainability efforts. Measurable goals are being designed as part of Stratasys’ 2022 focus areas:

Responsible Consumption and Production: Additive manufacturing can be a more efficient production method, alongside a growing use of recycled and renewable materials. Stratasys is committed to innovation in reduced waste, reused materials and recycled packaging.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:. Stratasys intends additive manufacturing to benefit people worldwide, enabling designers, engineers and manufacturers with local, on-demand capabilities that empower companies and organisations of all sizes to improve quality of life everywhere.

Climate Action: Climate change continues to impact the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and not enough action is taken to move towards net zero carbon emissions. Such targets become easier to achieve by reducing global shipping, and by using more efficient, digital manufacturing methods. Stratasys is committed to reducing not only its own carbon footprint but to making it easier for customers to do so when using Stratasys’ products, as well.

Quality Education: Stratasys is committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and learning opportunities for everyone, advancing ‘learning by making’ opportunities, and leveraging our technology to empower students – the workforce of tomorrow. This means ensuring everyone has the literacy and relevant technical skills for rewarding careers.

“The new global economy requires companies to adapt and overcome unexpected challenges, while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship,”  said Yoav Zeif. A Mindful Manufacturing approach will allow Stratasys to assist customers to reduce their carbon footprint, with ‘less dependency on mass shipment of inventories and parts, shortening and localizing supply chains across industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare and consumer products’, he ended.