Representing 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, engaging the industrial sector is critical to achieving the nation’s climate goals. Today, digital technologies are helping reimagine manufacturing processes and products to reduce energy use, decrease emissions, and eliminate waste, creating “circular economy” product flows; increasing energy efficiency through smart manufacturing; and employing digital capabilities in new ways to enhance sustainability. Companies, government, and researchers are collaborating to develop and deploy these technologies through the Manufacturing USA national initiative.

This South by Southwest (SXSW) panel was moderated by Art Wall, Director of Fab Operations at NextFlex, the panelists: Dale Brosius, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercialization Officer at The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, Olivia Morales, Solutions Architect at CESMII The Smart Manufacturing Institute and Dr. Magdi Azer, Chief Technology Officer of The REMADE Institute discussed how intelligent digital technologies enable changes in manufacturing processes and products to radically reduce energy use and eliminate waste. The panel also Manufacturing USA builds collaborative innovation ecosystems to advance critical technologies.