Using materials more efficiently, reducing waste streams, optimizing energy consumption and thus contributing to a more sustainable future. That sounds like music to everyone's ears, doesn't it? Today we will tell you how you can take a step towards the circular economy with a Material Flow Analysis of Milgro. We are happy to assist you in this process.
What is Material Flow Analysis?
A Material Flow Analysis (MFA) is a measurement tool that provides insight into the quantity and nature of materials used, produced and disposed of by sectors or companies.
Identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement helps optimize material and energy consumption. In this way, companies do their part to create a more sustainable future.
How does a Material Flow Analysis take place?
- Identifying all materials involved in business activities. Consider raw materials, intermediate products and finished products.
- Mapping per material the annual use, production and disposal.
- Analyzing this information to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
Using resources more efficiently is a key area for improvement. If the analysis shows that a large proportion of a particular material ends up in waste, there are opportunities to reduce this waste stream. For example, by encouraging the use of more sustainable materials or by recycling or reusing the material.
The result of a Material Flow Analysis
An MFA provides a great deal of insight and information. The result is a detailed overview of all materials purchased, consumed, produced and discarded. Display in the form of a Sankey diagram is often chosen.
The material flow analysis includes a quantification of the amount of materials, for example shown in kilograms or tons per year. Thus, this measurement tool helps companies and organizations identify opportunities for more sustainable business and reducing environmental impact. With the results of the material flow analysis, you answer questions such as:
- What opportunities do we identify for improving material use?
- How can we use materials more efficiently to save costs?
- What measures can we take to replace or reduce non-durable materials?
- What business processes can we design more efficiently, for operational efficiency and cost savings?
- How many of the materials we use are recyclable?
Why a Material Flow Analysis?
The Material Flow Analysis is a scientifically recognized methodology. In the transition to a circular economy, understanding material flows and resources within a company, municipality or province is crucial. Material flow analysis is also used to locate and address production-related bottlenecks
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)
An MFA can be implemented at different levels. Think of an individual company, an industry or even on a national level. This makes material flow analysis a useful tool for companies and organizations looking to optimize their material and energy consumption.
This helps reduce environmental impact and contributes to achieving sustainability goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Read also
Download the SDG roadmap for businesses
The benefits of a Material Flow Analysis
- Potential for reduction of material flows.
- Identifies circular opportunities.
- Provides insight into material flows within a company or area.
- Results in clear opportunities on the procurement side or throughout the supply chain.
- More efficient use and sustainability of materials and thus cost savings.
Aan de slag met Material Flow Analysis
Some examples of typical MFA applications include:
- Locate inefficiencies and waste in a production or distribution chain.
- Improving the operations of a production or distribution chain.
- Improving the movement of supplies and products through a supply chain.
- Evaluating the effects of production and material handling on the environment.
Milgro and a Material Flow Analysis
Milgro offers comprehensive MFA services. With these, we help you understand and optimize material flows. Our team of professionals has extensive experience and knowledge of the latest MFA methods. With our accurate analyses, we help companies and organizations move towards the circular economy. Want to know more? Contact us.
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