The Growing Adoption of Sustainability
In the industrial realm, sustainability has taken on a prominent role, with a growing number of companies adopting practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions. In this context, the transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources is one of the main focuses. However, amidst this movement, there arises a reflection on the role of compressed air, a utility comparable to vital resources such as electricity, steam, and water.
Despite its importance, the use of compressed air is often marked by waste, whether due to leaks or inefficiency in energy consumption. Considering that, in many industrial contexts, it represents the second largest source of energy consumption, implementing strategies to optimize its use becomes vital and, consequently, to reduce related emissions.
Strategies for Optimization and Efficiency
Sami Uusi-Erkkilä, CEO of SmartAir And Energy, emphasizes the relevance of a broad approach that encompasses the entire production process, aiming to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels. He points out that, even without the possibility of changing the energy source of the compressed air system, there are ways to optimize the system’s life cycle to promote more sustainable operation.
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Norwegian company 1X opened the first vertically integrated humanoid robot factory in the US in California, while China in Guangdong produces 10,000 units per year.
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CATL manufactures more batteries for electric cars than all its competitors worldwide combined, and the company founded 14 years ago in a coastal city in China that no one knew delivered 661 GWh in 2025, commands 39.2% of the global market and supplies batteries to Tesla, BMW, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
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BYD produces up to 4,400 cars per day and one vehicle every 20 seconds at its largest factory in Xi’an, surpasses Tesla in industrial pace, leaves Volkswagen far behind in pure electric vehicles, and consolidates China as the birthplace of the world’s largest electric car manufacturer.
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While cities suffocate with smoke and fields burn worthless straw, India transforms sugarcane bagasse, non-recyclable plastic, and agricultural residue into bricks to build cheaper rural housing.
The complexity of managing compressed air is also evident in moisture treatment. Drying the air needs to be done consciously to avoid problems with equipment that, in turn, can compromise various functions of the installation. Antti Viitanen, product manager at Vaisala, highlights the importance of measuring the dew point as a crucial tool in this process. According to him, an optimized process, combined with accurate measurement, can significantly reduce costs and prevent water leaks, contributing to the overall efficiency of the system.
The Role of Industrial Companies in the Green Transition
The green transition in compressed air requires a holistic approach that considers everything from system sizing to efficient maintenance. Industrial companies play a decisive role in this context by adopting sustainable practices that not only reduce energy consumption but also enhance energy efficiency and minimize waste.
Figures like Antti Viitanen, with his extensive experience in electronic sensor technology, and Sami Uusi-Erkkilä, with two decades dedicated to compressed air systems, are leaders in this transformation journey. They represent the commitment and innovation necessary to drive the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Vaisala, with its globally recognized expertise not only in climate and environmental measurements but also in pioneering technology, such as the sensors installed on the Mars rover Curiosity, is an example of the industry’s ability to transcend borders and contribute to knowledge and sustainability on a global scale. The company, with over 85 years of operation and more than 1,900 professionals around the world, symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation, acting as a key player in building a future where sustainability is the foundation for industrial progress.
Source:
| Gustavo Nalin. |

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