The current opinion amongst experts in the sheet metal and metal press insdustry is that process plants will be much more environmentally friendly by 2020 when compared to their present day counterparts.

A greater use of automation coupled with intelligent systems and devices, such as pumps, compressors and heat exchangers, will lead to the whole process being much greener in the coming years.

Part of the reason for the much needed improvements being implemented are rising energy costs plus an increase in energy emission regulations. Both are likely to shape any new metal pressing factories created over the coming years, eventually leading to a much greener industry.