6 Strategies To Improve Aerospace Waste Management

The aerospace industry has numerous waste streams that can produce enough waste to disrupt the world. This is mainly from the manufacture of aircraft, engines, and parts. However, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) confirms that the industry is doing its best to prioritize waste management.

In fact, the association feels that the industry is making good strides toward ensuring that the natural environment is protected. But there’s always room for improvement as waste management and environmental protection are continuous processes. For many players in the aviation industry, waste reduction and management are the most significant hurdles to overcome.

This article looks at six strategies aerospace companies can employ to help improve waste management.

Strategies To Improve Aerospace Waste Management

1. Waste Prevention

The best way to manage waste is to prevent its production in the first place. That’s why waste production prevention is usually a top goal in any industry looking to manage waste effectively. If the aerospace industry can eliminate the production of some of its waste materials, it’ll be able to make significant progress in waste management.

There are numerous and technologies that the industry can utilize throughout the product cycles to help steer clear of waste. For example, aerospace precision machining companies like Moseys Productions use certain techniques that are meant to reduce manufacturing waste. This creates a chain reaction where there’s waste prevention in the rest of the stages in the product cycle.

2. Waste Reduction

The first strategy mentioned would be the best and only one needed for aerospace waste management in an ideal world. However, zero waste production isn’t always possible for various reasons, such as the steps followed in the manufacturing process. But there are other things the industry can do to ensure that there’s minimal waste production.

In waste reduction, the industry will need to look at all of the processes that lead to waste production. This may include changing the design of the products or the way they’re manufactured to ensure that the least amount of waste is generated. The industry can take the same steps to ensure that the waste produced isn’t as toxic or harmful to the environment.

For the aerospace industry to get the most out of waste reduction, it needs to identify areas with high waste production. The necessary changes have to be carried out in a way that won’t compromise the quality of the final products. Pinpointing such areas is the key to the success of this strategy. Precision machining can also be applied in this waste minimization strategy.

sustainability practices in aerospace industry

3. Sustainable Material Use

Apart from making efforts to eliminate or reduce waste, the industry would do well to use sustainable materials. These are materials that the industry can have produced in precise volumes. This would help make sure that there’s no disruption of the established environmental balance or depletion of nonrenewable resources.

The beneficial result is ensuring that waste is cut right at the production of raw materials so there isn’t much to waste in the manufacturing process. The focus here is on what materials the industry purchases and their quantities. Waste management is possible when it starts from the very beginning of the product cycle—at the sourcing of raw materials.

4. Recycling And Reuse

Even in the aerospace industry, materials such as wood, paper, glass, and plastics can be used to fabricate fresh products. When more materials are recycled and reused, the need for new ones is significantly reduced. In addition, it allows for the recovery and use of materials that would’ve otherwise gone to waste.

Having a waste material recycling strategy is essential in aerospace waste management. Not only would it help conserve energy and reduce emissions in raw material extraction, but it’s also an excellent way of keeping waste to a minimum.

5. Technology And Waste Processing

Successful waste management in the aerospace industry lies in effectively making waste easy to handle. Fortunately, technological advancement has continued to make waste processing simpler and more efficient. By reducing waste materials at the front-end processing system, there are added benefits such as:

  • Reducing the number of times a company needs to dispose of waste from manufacturing plants
  • Producing better recyclable waste

Properly handling aerospace waste processing goes a long way in improving waste management in the long run. The latest technologies include those used in the briquetter systems, ultrafiltration systems, and coolant recycling systems.

6. Joint Waste Management

It’s good for the industry to open up and embrace partnership initiatives with other entities both public and private. This would result in the accumulation of ideas that can help make waste management more accessible.

Taking a collective approach can benefit the industry as it’ll bring in players who may help with many functions of waste management. For example, having a partner who recycles metal, plastic, or wood waste would make it possible to dispose of such directly and sustainably. It may also help in overcoming some barriers the industry may be facing with waste disposal and management.

Conclusion

Waste management is crucial in the aerospace industry given that it’s a huge waste producer. Having clear strategies for the prevention, reduction, and disposal of waste would go a long way in making sure that aerospace companies achieve their environmental goals.

Innovative Reasons to Try the Aerospace Field

Most people would be surprised to learn that many of the technological advances we enjoy today came from the field of aerospace engineering. Calculators and non-stick pans, for example, were both initially created to aid in space flight. While the focus of aerospace engineering is on aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, hundreds of the innovations created in this field eventually make their way into earthly technology. Home appliances, farming equipment, communication devices, medical instruments, and more have all benefited from the innovations generated in space programs.

benefits of aerospace engineering

A Career in Aerospace Engineering

If you have a desire to make a positive impact on the universe and life on earth by creating innovative technologies, then aerospace engineering may be a great career path to explore. This job field will allow you the opportunity to shape the future by having a direct hand in designing and developing equipment that will improve life for others.

Pursuing a degree in this field might be easier than you think. Interested candidates can apply for their aerospace engineering masters online and choose a program track that aligns with their specific interests and goals. Led by world-renowned professors and experts in the field, you will become an expert in a high-demand industry as you prepare to step into a promising and expanding career.

Sustainability and Innovation

Thanks to improved technology and innovation, today’s aircraft are 80% more fuel efficient than it was in 1960. Still, when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint and harmful emissions released by aircraft, there is much work to be done. Although the aerospace industry has prioritized sustainable practices by focusing on more efficient operations, new technologies, improved infrastructure, and global measures for aviation emissions, the impact of human demand has created an ongoing challenge.

Currently, there are initiatives looking to dramatically reduce aircraft emissions by replacing standard fuel with electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered options. Now is an exciting time to enter the field of aerospace to apply your knowledge and creativity toward groundbreaking developments.

Emerging Trends

The aerospace industry has been evolving for decades and seems to be growing at a more rapid pace than ever before. With increasing interest by entrepreneurs, investors, and multiple outside companies, the opportunities for advancements are at an all time high. Some of the latest trend developments include decarbonization, autonomous flight systems, improved software systems, opportunities in the space market, and digital thread and smart manufacturing.

Each of these areas of design and development requires an enormous amount of studying, testing, financing, and human led innovation. As technology continues to improve, we will have the ability to change the entire landscape of the space and aircraft industry. As it has since the beginning, these innovations will also greatly impact everyday life for those on planet earth.

A Profitable Industry

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for qualified aerospace engineers is $122,000 per year. Being a part of one of the most profitable industries in the world while helping to connect others through new technologies in communication, flight, and security is an amazing opportunity to make a powerful and lasting impact.

Things to Know About the Aerospace Industry

Depending on your personal interests and skills, you can choose from a variety of specialty fields within the industry. Oftentimes, aerospace engineers become experts in one of two types of engineering: astronautical or aeronautical. Going even further, there are numerous disciplines in each of these fields that can be further explored and specialized in. For example, engineers can specialize in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, flight mechanics, and guidance and control systems, to name a few.

Make a lasting impact

As mentioned, the work of an aerospace engineer goes far beyond the skies. Because of the developments in technology, we are able to enjoy many benefits here on earth. During the process of solving technical challenges related to space or aircraft, new discoveries are made about how to improve living conditions for all people.

For example, sensors and drones can collect critical data for farmers about their crops, soil, livestock, and equipment. This information can be used to adjust practices and materials in order to reduce waste, increase yield, and improve planning.

While some may view the work of those in the aerospace industry as a distraction from real problems on earth, we have seen the positive impact this work has had on everyday living conditions. Better and safer equipment, more efficient tools and systems, and solutions to growing problems such as poverty and hunger are all possible because of the innovations in aerospace engineering.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry is one of the most fascinating and innovative industries in the world. What started as a small niche market has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry that touches virtually every aspect of our lives.

Here are 10 things you may not have known about this amazing industry!

Things to Know About the Aerospace Industry

1. The first powered flight was accomplished by the Wright brothers in 1903

In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright became the first humans to achieve powered flight in their heavier-than-air machine, the Wright Flyer. This event is widely regarded as the beginning of the aerospace industry.

2. The aerospace industry employs over 1 million people in the United States alone

Aerospace is a booming industry, providing jobs for millions of people worldwide. There are countless opportunities in several branches of this industry, from manufacturing and engineering to marketing and sales.

3. The aerospace industry develops some of the most important technologies of our time

Aerospace technology has led to many important inventions and advances in other fields, such as medicine, transportation, and even home appliances. For example, MRI machines and guidance systems used in surgery were first developed for the aerospace industry.

4. Military Partners

The aerospace industry has a long history of collaboration with the military, resulting in many technological advances that have been used in both civilian and military applications. Such tech includes GPS systems, night vision technology, and even the internet.

5. The aerospace industry is a major contributor to the economy

The aerospace industry is truly a global enterprise, with companies and facilities located all around the world. The global aerospace industry was worth an estimated $838 billion in 2015, and is projected to grow to $945 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by increasing demand for air travel, new commercial aircraft, and rising global incomes.

The aerospace industry is a major contributor to the global economy

The aerospace industry is responsible for billions of dollars in economic output each year, and is a major contributor to global GDP. In fact, it is often referred to as one of the “four pillars” of the global economy.

Aerospace companies are also some of the biggest spenders on research and development, making significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology.

6. The aerospace industry is constantly evolving

The aerospace industry is constantly changing and growing, as new technologies are developed and new applications are found for existing technologies. This makes it an exciting and challenging field to work in, with plenty of opportunities for innovation.

7. The Space Shuttle and the International Space Station

The aerospace industry has been responsible for some of the most impressive and iconic structures ever built. The Space Shuttle, for example, is an amazing feat of engineering, while the International Space Station is a remarkable example of international cooperation.

8. Career Opportunities

The aerospace industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, from engineering to marketing to sales.

Strategies To Improve Aerospace Waste Management

Here are just a few examples of the types of careers that are available in the aerospace industry:

  • Aerospace engineer-Designs and tests aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites
  • Aeronautical engineer-Designs and tests aircraft
  • Aerospace technician-Assembles and tests aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites
  • Aircraft mechanic-Maintains and repairs aircraft
  • Flight attendant-Provides customer service and oversees safety on board an aircraft
  • Pilot-Operates an aircraft
  • Air traffic controller-Directs aircraft traffic

9. The aerospace industry is heavily regulated

The aerospace industry is subject to stringent regulation, both from national governments and international organizations. This is necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, as well as to protect the environment. Regulations can be complex and can change rapidly, so those working in the aerospace industry need to be aware of them and comply with them.

10. The future of the aerospace industry is bright

The aerospace industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and applications being developed all the time. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement in this field. Needless to say, the future of the aerospace industry is looking very bright.

Conclusion

The aerospace industry is a fascinating and important sector of the global economy, with a rich history and a bright future. Those working in this field can expect to be challenged and rewarded by a career in aerospace.

Thanks for reading!