TAGS: #industrial automation #PLC #DCS #control systems #factory automation #green supply chain #sustainable manufacturing
ABB Advances Green Supply Chain Practices Across Industrial Automation
ABB has recently achieved a significant milestone in sustainable industrial automation. Xiamen ABB Low-Voltage Equipment Co., Ltd. and ABB Xinhui Low-Voltage Switch Co., Ltd. were officially recognized as National Green Supply Chain Enterprises by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in 2024. This honor builds on ABB's previous recognition as a National Green Factory and highlights its leadership in integrating environmental responsibility into factory automation and control systems.
By extending green initiatives beyond production facilities to the entire supply chain, ABB actively promotes resource efficiency, environmental protection, and economic performance, supporting China’s dual-carbon targets and driving innovation in industrial automation.
Comprehensive Green Supply Chain Strategy
ABB’s recognized factories implement a full value chain management system, covering design, procurement, production, and recycling. The company collaborates closely with suppliers, fostering a shared commitment to low-carbon operations and ESG management.
As an industrial automation expert, ABB focuses on digital control systems, PLCs, and DCS platforms, ensuring that green strategies align with high-quality production standards. ABB’s proactive measures enhance supply chain resilience and support sustainable growth, illustrating its commitment to both business performance and environmental stewardship.
Energy Optimization and Carbon Reduction
ABB leverages its smart energy management platform to optimize energy use in solar, storage, charging stations, distribution systems, HVAC, and lighting across factories. In 2024, the Xiamen Industrial Center achieved 50% solar energy replacement, while Xinhui factory reached 18% replacement, significantly lowering electricity costs and carbon emissions.
ABB also guides suppliers through ESG assessment mechanisms. Many suppliers exceed carbon reduction targets by adopting green energy, energy efficiency improvements, and low-emission technologies. These initiatives demonstrate the practical impact of sustainable practices within industrial automation networks.
Resource Recycling and Zero Waste Achievements
ABB emphasizes circular economy principles in its manufacturing processes. Xiamen ABB Low-Voltage converts 100% of production waste into reusable forms, achieving Platinum Zero-Waste certification. Similarly, Xinhui factory recycles 100% of cooling water and achieves 100% waste conversion, earning Gold Zero-Waste certification.
In partnership with suppliers, ABB develops sustainable raw materials, reusable logistics packaging, and improved product recycling pathways. These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also extend industrial automation product lifecycles, contributing to both cost savings and carbon reduction.
Eco-Designed Products Driving Sustainability
ABB’s EcoSolutions™ program integrates ecological design into industrial automation products, allowing environmental impact and recyclability to be addressed from the design stage. Notably:
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ABB Emax 2 series low-voltage air circuit breakers achieve 82% material recyclability and zero-waste production.
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ABB MNS3.0 low-voltage switchgear, launching in early 2025, targets approximately 90% recyclability.
By embedding eco-design and digital monitoring into PLCs, DCS, and control systems, ABB ensures sustainability is a core product feature, enhancing both performance and environmental responsibility.
Collaborative Innovation in Green Industrial Automation
ABB actively builds green supplier management systems, enabling dynamic evaluations and collaborative innovations. Smart factory upgrades and technical improvements ensure energy efficiency across production lines. Downstream customers benefit from guidance on disassembly and resource recovery, creating a closed-loop system in industrial automation.
By integrating environmental, resource, and economic considerations into supply chain management, ABB sets a benchmark for green industrial automation, demonstrating that sustainability and operational excellence can coexist.
Author Insights: Future Trends in Green Automation
The integration of digital technologies and ecological design positions ABB as a pioneer in sustainable industrial automation. Companies adopting similar green supply chain practices can expect reduced operational costs, higher system reliability, and compliance with global ESG standards.
In the near future, the convergence of smart energy platforms, recyclable materials, and industrial IoT will define green industrial automation. ABB’s approach shows how strategic planning, supplier collaboration, and innovative product design drive tangible sustainability results.
Application Scenarios
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Factory Automation: ABB EcoSolutions™ products optimize energy use while maintaining high operational performance.
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Process Control Systems: PLC and DCS integration enables real-time monitoring of carbon footprint and energy efficiency.
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Supply Chain Management: Green supplier collaboration ensures ESG compliance and low-carbon logistics.
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End-of-Life Recycling: Guidance on disassembly and recycling maximizes material recovery and minimizes waste.