Earth Day Spotlight: How Warehouse Automation Supports a Greener Future

When we’re talking with customers about automation, conversations typically turn to the need for speed, labor savings, and accuracy. But there’s another important reason to invest in smarter systems: Sustainability. With Earth Day being celebrated this month, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at how automation—and the right technologies—can help reduce waste, conserve energy, and build more sustainable supply chain practices.

At Barcom, we believe that operational efficiency and environmental responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, when done right, they work together.

Waste Happens in the Gaps: The Hidden Cost of Manual Processes

Whether it’s misprinted labels, returns due to inaccurate shipments, or stacks of paper-based records clogging up a workspace, traditional inventory management methods tend to leave a trail of waste behind. And it adds up—wasted materials, time, fuel, and labor all have an environmental impact.

Manual inventory processes are especially prone to errors, which often lead to over-ordering, excess safety stock, and inefficient space utilization. Each of these creates downstream effects: more packaging, more energy use, and ultimately, more strain on both your operation and the environment.

That’s where automation steps in—not only to improve accuracy but to cut down on that waste at the source.

Smarter Inventory = Less Waste

With mobile data collection, barcode scanning, and real-time inventory tracking, warehouses gain full visibility into stock levels, locations, and movement. This kind of accuracy means fewer mistakes and better forecasting—so you’re not buying more than you need or letting perishable or time-sensitive goods expire on the shelves.

Automated workflows also eliminate the need for printed spreadsheets, hand-written notes, or repeated data entry—all of which contribute to unnecessary paper waste and the potential for human error.

Technologies like mobile computers, industrial barcode scanners, and RFID solutions are designed to streamline these processes while reducing the environmental footprint of day-to-day operations.

The Labeling Revolution: Enter Zebra’s ZeroLiner

One area of automation that often gets overlooked when talking about sustainability is labeling. Labels are essential—but the waste they produce is often considered the cost of doing business.

Until now.

Zebra Technologies has introduced a game-changing solution with ZeroLiner Labels—a linerless labeling option that eliminates the need for traditional release liners. These labels adhere directly from the roll and don’t require a backing, which means:

• No liner waste to dispose of
• More labels per roll, reducing roll changeovers and transportation needs
• Fewer roll shipments, cutting down on packaging and freight emissions
• Smaller carbon footprint across the labeling process

Zebra’s ZeroLiner labels are also compatible with select desktop and industrial printers, which means you don’t have to overhaul your entire operation to make the switch. It’s a smart, scalable way to reduce waste without disrupting productivity.

Long-Term Sustainability Through Durability

It’s worth noting that sustainability in manufacturing and warehousing isn’t just about what gets used—it’s also about how long your equipment lasts.

Today’s mobile computing devices are built to endure the tough conditions of industrial environments. That means fewer replacements, less downtime, and less e-waste heading to landfills. Their repairability and long lifecycle design are just as important as their technical specs.

Pair that with cloud-based label and device management tools, and you also reduce the need for on-site IT resources, printed documentation, and redundant hardware—all of which add up to a greener operation.

Efficiency Is Sustainability

It’s tempting to treat environmental responsibility as a separate initiative from operational efficiency. But more and more, they’re the same thing.

The more efficient your processes are, the less waste you generate. The more accurate your inventory, the fewer products go unused. The more connected your systems, the less paper you need. And with smarter labeling, scanning, and mobile computing tools from leaders like Zebra Technologies, you’re not just improving your bottom line—you’re also doing better by the planet.

This Earth Day, consider how your warehouse or production floor can support sustainability goals—not just with recycling bins or solar panels, but with the daily decisions that drive your business forward.

Let’s build a supply chain that’s not only smarter but cleaner.

Ready to explore greener automation solutions for your facility?
Barcom can help. Let’s talk about how today’s technology can support your goals for accuracy, efficiency, and environmental impact.

4136B Jersey Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Phone (423) 855-1822 | Fax (423) 499-6317

sales@barcominc.com