Industry and GreenTech as a driving force for a transition to sustainability

Throughout history, the industrial sector has been an essential engine for the economic and social development of mankind. Still, some of the sector’s progress has been challenging in the context of the fight against climate change. This is why it must take responsibility for its impact while seizing the opportunity to lead the transition to more sustainable practices. By implementing innovative technologies and collaborative strategies, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint. However, this is a complex challenge, because it must balance sustainability with productivity and the ability to meet the growing demands of the global economy.

In the search for sustainable solutions for industrial processes, green technology or GreenTech has taken on a key role. This term refers to solutions that mitigate negative human impact on the environment in a wide range of fields, from agriculture to construction. Within the framework of Industry 4.0, tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the interconnectivity of devices are revolutionising the sector. These technologies optimise energy efficiency while minimising waste and promoting the circular economy.

Smart factories are a clear example of this phenomenon. By implementing cyber-physical systems, physical processes can be monitored and controlled in real-time, creating virtual replicas of their operations. This capability, combined with machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, enables decentralised decision-making, increasing flexibility and large-scale customisation in production while significantly reducing emissions and resource consumption.

Digital infrastructure as a fundamental support

For these innovations to be effective, the German Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech), a renowned institution in the field of technology, stresses the need to develop a robust and secure digital infrastructure. This includes:

• High-speed networks: essential to handle the massive real-time data flow generated by smart factories.
• Open standards for interoperability: ensuring that devices and systems from different manufacturers can communicate without barriers.
• Advanced cyber security: essential to protect sensitive data and ensure the stability of critical systems against potential attacks.

The human factor and public-private partnerships

The transition to sustainable practices in the industry depends not only on technology but also on cultural change within organisations. It is important to promote a mindset of innovation and adaptation among companies, as well as to encourage continuous training and the development of digital skills for workers. In this way, the workforce will be better prepared to operate with advanced technologies and maximise their potential.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is also essential to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies. Academic institutions, research centres, businesses, trade unions, and professional associations must work together to develop innovative solutions. This includes encouraging government policies that support this collaborative ecosystem by providing incentives and resources for research and development, as well as for the implementation of the so-called 4.0 technologies in companies.

Mobile World Capital as a driver of sustainable technological change

The integration of new technologies in industry not only improves productivity but also offers solutions for tackling climate change. Initiatives such as those of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, through The Collider and Yplasma‘s proposals, stand out for their ability to combine technological innovation and sustainability.

Through The Collider, Mobile World Capital Barcelona has established a technology transfer ecosystem that connects scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors to transform advanced research into practical solutions in the industry sector. This programme has led to projects in areas such as IoT, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and Big Data, all essential to optimise resources and reduce environmental impact. Notable examples include solutions such as Jolt, a new process to manufacture electrodes and decarbonise the industry, and UniSCool, a liquid cooling system to increase data processing capacity with reduced energy consumption, high performance, and in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. 

In parallel, Yplasma applies cold plasma technology to develop more sustainable industrial processes in sectors such as energy, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and healthcare. Its advances in waste management and decomposition of harmful chemical compounds are proof of how science can transform industry. This approach not only reduces emissions, but also optimises industrial waste management, aligning with global sustainability and carbon footprint reduction goals.

The future of industrial sustainability

The 4.0 Industry offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform industrial processes towards more sustainable models. Through the implementation of advanced technologies, digitalisation, and a collaborative approach, the industry can not only decrease its environmental impact but also become a driver of positive change for the planet. Sustainability is not just a responsibility; it is an opportunity to redefine the industrial sector and lead the transition to a greener world.