Column
media
column
Features and Selection of Eco-Friendly Screws: Sustainability Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry
Introduction
For the manufacturing industry, “sustainability” is now an indispensable management strategy for business continuity. With strengthening environmental regulations and increasing interest in ESG management, every single component that makes up a product is required to reduce its environmental impact. In particular, “screws,” which are used in all products, have a massive quantity, so their environmental impact cannot be ignored.
This is where “environmentally friendly screws” come into focus. These refer to screws that suppress environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle, from manufacturing to disposal. This article will provide manufacturing professionals with key points on the basic knowledge, selection, benefits of introducing, and contribution to sustainability of environmentally friendly screws.
What are Environmentally Friendly Screws? Understanding the Basics
Definition of Environmentally Friendly Screws and Life Cycle Thinking
Environmentally friendly screws, as the name suggests, are screws made with an emphasis on environmental considerations. What is important is the idea of minimizing the environmental impact throughout the entire “life cycle” of the screw, from its creation to its disposal. It’s not just about a single part; it involves comprehensively assessing each stage: raw material procurement, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal/recycling. As corporate environmental responsibility is increasingly scrutinized, environmental considerations at the component level lead to the overall evaluation of the product, thus increasing their importance.
Types and Specific Features of Environmentally Friendly Screws
There are various approaches to environmental consideration. Let’s look at the main types and their features.
1. Consideration by Material
- Screws Using Recycled Materials: Reuse of iron scrap, waste plastics, etc. Contributes to effective resource utilization and waste reduction.
- Biomass Plastic Screws: Use plant-derived raw materials. Can contribute to reducing oil dependence and suppressing CO2 emissions (carbon neutral).
- Screws Free of Specific Hazardous Substances: Employ materials and surface treatments that do not contain regulated hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium. Protects human health and the environment.
2. Consideration in the Manufacturing Process
- Energy-Saving Manufacturing: Adopts manufacturing methods with low energy consumption, such as “cold heading” which processes materials at room temperature, and “thread rolling” which forms screw threads without cutting.
- Waste-Reducing Manufacturing: Selects manufacturing methods that produce less chips (scrap) during processing, such as the “thread rolling” mentioned above, eliminating material waste.
- Reduced Water Usage: Introduces technologies to reduce water usage in cleaning and surface treatment processes, and water recycling systems.
3. Environmentally Friendly Surface Treatment
- Hexavalent Chromium-Free Treatment: Uses “trivalent chromate treatment” or “non-chrome type treatment” (e.g., zinc-nickel alloy plating) instead of harmful hexavalent chromium contained in conventional chromate treatment. Ensures necessary corrosion resistance while complying with environmental regulations.
It is important to understand these features and choose screws that meet your objectives.
Relevance to Major Environmental Regulations and Certifications
Knowledge of international regulations and certifications is also useful when selecting environmentally friendly screws.
- RoHS Directive: EU’s restriction on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Covers lead, hexavalent chromium, etc.
- REACH Regulation: EU’s comprehensive regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals.
- ISO 14001: International standard for environmental management systems. Suppliers with this certification demonstrate a systematic approach to environmental considerations.
Compliance with these regulations is an important indicator for supplier selection.
How to Choose and Introduce Environmentally Friendly Screws in Manufacturing Sites
So, what points should be considered when actually choosing environmentally friendly screws? The balance between performance, environment, cost, and supply system is important.
![[Image of manufacturing scene with gears and machinery]](http://ohtavn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ChatGPT-Image-11_45_19-1024x683.webp)
Important Criteria for Selecting Environmentally Friendly Screws
1. Confirmation of Performance Requirements
The prerequisite is that the screw meets the required strength, durability, and corrosion resistance for the product. Compatibility with the usage environment and mating materials (e.g., dissimilar metal contact corrosion), and the need for lightweighting should also be considered.
2. Environmental Aspect Evaluation
Confirm the recycled material usage rate, certification of no hazardous substances (e.g., RoHS compliance certificate), and ease of recycling. It is also effective to compare against the company’s green procurement standards.
3. Economy and Supply System
Evaluate not only the initial cost but also the life cycle cost, including maintainability. Furthermore, it is important whether the necessary quantity can be reliably procured when needed, whether the quality is stable, and the reliability of the supplier. Especially when a small lot of various screws is needed, a flexible supplier (e.g., an online service like OTA Vietnam) can be helpful.
Selection Points by Application/Industry (Examples)
- Automotive: High strength, high durability, corrosion resistance, and lightweighting are key. Recycled materials and hexavalent chromium-free high-corrosion resistant plating are important.
- Electronic Devices: Small size, precision, and RoHS compliance are essential. Resin screws are also frequently used for lightweighting and insulation.
- Construction: High strength, high durability, and long-term corrosion resistance are top priorities. High-strength bolts with high-corrosion resistant plating are central.
Benefits and Considerations for Introduction
Benefits
- Improvement of corporate image and brand value (contribution to sustainability)
- Compliance with environmental regulations, avoidance of future risks
- Enhanced evaluation from ESG investors and customers
- Potential for medium- to long-term cost reduction through resource and energy savings
Considerations
- Initial costs may be higher than general screws.
- Performance evaluation of new materials and technologies is required.
- Securing suppliers capable of stable supply.
- Impact on existing design and manufacturing processes.
Compare the benefits and drawbacks, and proceed with introduction systematically.
How Environmentally Friendly Screws Promote Sustainability in Manufacturing
Environmentally friendly screws are not just a matter of component selection; they are related to the company’s entire sustainability strategy.
Contribution to ESG Management and SDG Achievement
The adoption of environmentally friendly screws contributes to each aspect of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
- Environment (E): Improved resource efficiency, CO2 reduction, waste reduction, environmental pollution prevention.
- Social (S): Provision of safe products, consideration for working environment in the supply chain.
- Governance (G): Compliance with laws and regulations, improved transparency of information disclosure.
This also leads to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) such as Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Reducing Environmental Impact Across the Entire Supply Chain (Contribution to Scope 3 Reduction)
In calculating corporate CO2 emissions, emissions other than those from the company’s own operations, particularly “purchased goods and services” (Scope 3 Category 1), are considered important. Even for components like screws, if the procurement volume is large, the impact on overall emissions will be significant. Procuring environmentally friendly screws from suppliers is an effective means of reducing Scope 3 emissions.
Introduction Cases and Effects in Domestic and International Manufacturing Industries
Introduction is progressing domestically and internationally.
- Japanese Companies: Toyota Motor Corporation and Hitachi, Ltd. are promoting the use of recycled materials and environmentally conscious design.
- Vietnam: Due to demands from foreign-affiliated companies and government environmental policies, local companies (e.g., VinFast) are also increasingly adopting environmentally friendly parts. GIS OTA Vietnam also supports procurement in Vietnam.
Reported effects of introduction include improved environmental performance, regulatory compliance, and enhanced brand image.
Market Trends and Future Outlook for Environmentally Friendly Screws
Finally, let’s look at future movements in the market and technology.
Current Status and Growth Forecast of the Environmentally Friendly Screw Market
The market is expanding against the backdrop of rising global environmental awareness and stricter regulations. Demand is particularly increasing in the automotive, electronic equipment, and construction sectors. The Asian market, including Japan and Vietnam, is also expected to grow.
Latest Technology Trends and Research and Development
Development is underway to achieve higher performance and lower environmental impact screws.
- New Materials: High-performance biomass plastics, new recycled alloys, etc.
- Innovative Manufacturing Processes: On-demand manufacturing using 3D printing, AI utilization, etc.
- Advanced Surface Treatment Technologies: More highly corrosion-resistant hexavalent chromium-free treatments, etc.
These technologies will support future product development.
Impact of Carbon Neutrality and Circular Economy
The movements towards decarbonization and resource circulation also affect the screw industry. Energy saving in manufacturing processes and design for environment (DfE) that facilitates recycling will become even more important. In the future, the establishment of screw collection and recycling systems may also progress.
Summary
Environmentally friendly screws are a crucial element for the manufacturing industry to achieve sustainability. It can be said that this is a strategic choice that not only benefits the environment but also strengthens corporate competitiveness.
Key points for successful selection and introduction are as follows:
- Clarify Objectives: Set specific performance requirements and environmental goals.
- Information Gathering and Supplier Collaboration: Grasp the latest information and find reliable partners.
- Life Cycle Perspective: Evaluate from a long-term perspective, not just initial costs.
- Continuous Improvement: Continue reviews in response to changes in technology and circumstances.
The utilization of environmentally friendly screws is a contribution to a sustainable society and an investment in the future. Please consider concrete actions by referring to this article.
Finally
For consultations on samples or materials, please reply to this email or contact our sales representative!
At OTA Vietnam, we offer not only the sale of off-the-shelf fastening parts such as screws and bolts, but also machining, inspection, assembly, and packaging, which form the foundation of manufacturing.
Click here to see our equipment list: Click here
As a “handyman” for manufacturers in Asia, please consult OTA Vietnam if you have any problems!
URL: https://ohtavn.com/contact/