Decades ago, sustainability seemed a distant concern for many people. Today, as global citizens, professionals, and parents, we are increasingly aware of the need to preserve our environment for future generations.
Oftentimes, we tend to focus on wide, sweeping sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. However, it’s important to understand that small, incremental changes can collectively create a significant impact. Push buttons might not immediately come to mind among the many contributors to industrial automation and control sustainability, yet these small components hold considerable potential for making a difference.
Industrial operator interfaces, including push buttons, are vital in countless applications, from manufacturing to energy systems. Historically, sustainability in these components was often associated with reducing their size, quantity, or complexity—a less-is-more approach.
Modern analysis demonstrates that sustainable product innovation is not about less usability but a smarter design that emphasizes durability, repairability, and resource efficiency. Let’s delve into the five primary areas where push buttons can cumulatively affect your sustainable practices.
1. Responsibly sourced materials
The global production of metal alloys, a common component in push buttons, is energy-intensive and heavily reliant on mining activities. However, carefully sourcing materials can mitigate the environmental impact of these materials.
For example, incorporating robust recycled alloyed metal into push button manufacturing can reduce reliance on virgin materials and lower carbon emissions. Next-generation metal push buttons contain over 20% responsibly sourced recycled alloy materials processed under strict energy-efficient smelting methods, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and aligning with circular economy principles. *
2. Efficient manufacturing processes
Sustainable manufacturing is often defined by how efficiently materials and energy are used. A zero-waste casting process can optimize metal alloys in push button production. Excess material from casting, such as runners and sprues, can be reconditioned and reused within the same production cycle. In doing so, manufacturers can significantly reduce waste and improve overall efficiency by selecting materials that allow easy recycling.
For cast metal components, the chroming process of rinsing push buttons in multiple chemical baths to achieve their durable metallic finish can use up to 4,500m3 of treated water. An on-site closed-loop water treatment for this process can reduce wastewater discharge and environmental impact. For example, at Schneider Electric, 25% of our push button production floor is dedicated to an advanced closed-loop water system, enabling us to treat 3,000m³ of water annually before discharge and successfully recycle 700m³ back into our operations. *
3. Energy efficiency via sustainable design
Energy efficiency in push buttons extends beyond button manufacturing into their operational life, with design advances further reducing their already low energy consumption. Optimizing contact blocks–the critical components within push buttons– can decrease electrical resistance (e.g., cleaner contact points reduce sparks/residue), enhancing efficiency. Even small energy savings per push button can result in cumulative reductions across millions of units.
4. Sustainable packaging
Beyond the component itself, sustainability extends to its packaging. Sustainable packaging replaces single-use plastics, often with unbleached paper cartons and vegetable-based inks, helping to eliminate harmful chemicals from entering our watersheds and ecosystems. This shift to sustainable packaging aligns with broader industry trends to minimize environmental footprints while maintaining professional product standards.
5. Durability and repairability
Durability and repairability are additional key design principles for unparalleled use in industrial applications. Modern push buttons feature modular designs, allowing individual components to be replaced or repaired rather than discarding the entire unit. This approach reduces material waste, lowers the environmental costs of production and disposal, and minimizes demand for new materials.
Within industrial operations, modular push buttons can reduce downtime by ensuring quicker access to replacement parts. Their durability–built to endure millions of mechanical and electrical cycles–further underscores their value as a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Make small changes for a greater benefit
The cumulative effect of these five sustainable practices can substantially reduce carbon emissions. For instance, advanced push buttons incorporating these features have been shown to lower emissions by 17%, equivalent to 6,700 tonnes annually, equating to significant environmental savings.*
One notable example is the Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 push button, which stands out as a benchmark for sustainable design principles, featuring:
- Responsibly sourced materials
- A zero-waste casting process
- Modular components
Its durability and energy efficiency make it an ideal choice for organizations prioritizing sustainability without compromising performance.
Sustainability in industrial operations requires innovation at every level, from raw materials to finished products. Push buttons may be small, but their impact can be substantial when designed for sustainability. To learn more about how you can start making incremental changes that contribute to a greener future, visit our Harmony XB4 landing page.
*Based on Schneider Electric’s internal CO2 Assessment
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