Environmental impact of used machinery: benefits and challenges

21 March, 2025

It is logical to think that giving used machinery a second life is positive and beneficial for the environment. But how exactly?

We explain how machinery impacts the environment, the benefits of used machinery, some sustainable practices that help reduce its environmental impact, and the current regulations.

How does industrial machinery affect the environment?

Greater environmental impact of new machinery

The environmental impact we are constantly exposed to occurs when the misuse of resources alters the environment we live in, resulting in extreme weather events like droughts, floods, or heatwaves that destabilize the environment. This impact is expected to worsen unless measures are taken.

Creating waste that pollutes the environment in the manufacturing of machinery

The production of new machinery requires the use of products considered toxic to the environment.

This pollution generates industrial waste both during the machinery's creation process and during its disposal. These materials, such as oils, petroleum, or acid waste, can harm our surroundings.

Generating overexploitation of machinery

It is estimated that the sale of new machinery in Spain amounts to around 8.500 units annually, with a 2% increase each year.

Globally, the industrial machinery market was valued at approximately $693.7 billion in 2023, with a forecasted annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2024 to 2032.

What is the problem here? This new machinery will eventually be discarded, contributing to increasing environmental pollution.

What environmental benefits does used machinery offer?

Reduced carbon footprint

The greatest environmental benefit regarding machinery production is its reduction.

By doing so, we avoid the use of materials and substances required to create machinery that are harmful to the environment. The use of used machinery helps reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and the emission of greenhouse gases.

Less toxicity for humans

The gases and materials necessary for creating a new machine can harm the environment and affect the planet. Additionally, they create a toxic effect on people in the short term by generating accumulated dust, water and air pollution, odors, and the noise produced by the creation of new machinery.

Reducing the production of new machinery would improve physical health by minimizing exposure to these pollutants.

Quality certification for used machinery

The third benefit of buying used machinery is that all second-hand machinery purchased from CYCLICA is inspected by our experts, ensuring the veracity of its condition to make the best decision for your business.

Additionally, CYCLICA advocates for environmental certification in the machinery listed on our website. Here’s more information on why investing in used machinery is a smart choice.

Sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of machinery

Buying used machinery

One solution to halt environmental impact lies in acting consciously and considering the footprint we leave on the planet by taking actions that help reduce environmental impact.

One such action is opting for second-hand machinery rather than new machinery when sufficient options are already available on the market. Buying used machinery directly contributes to reducing environmental impact.

Proper machine maintenance

For proper use of machinery, regular maintenance and checks are recommended to keep it in good condition, preventing it from deteriorating prematurely and ensuring its proper functioning.

These inspections will extend its useful life and the correct environmental certification of the machine, thus avoiding its premature disposal and shortening its useful life.

Promoting the circular economy of machinery

The circular economy of a machine is a key component for environmental care. This occurs when instead of discarding a machine when we think it’s no longer useful or no longer works as it did at the start of its useful life, we choose to renew, repair, and reuse it, promoting the energy efficiency of used machinery.

By doing so, we extend its lifecycle and break the "produce, use, discard" model, which ultimately generates greater environmental impact, as discarded machines end up in landfills.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of sustainable construction machinery, you can find more information here.

How to achieve greater energy efficiency with used machinery

Component renewal

For better energy performance of a used machine, we could opt to renew its components with new ones that improve its energy performance. For example, we could replace a motor that consumes high levels of energy with one that features energy self-management, regulating just the right amount needed when in use.

Machinery maintenance

To maintain the efficiency of the machinery, we must always emphasize the importance of regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance of the equipment for as long as possible.

Practicality in choosing machinery

It’s important to consciously select the right machine for the job at hand. By doing this, we better manage the equipment, its consumption, and its useful life.

To help with the selection process, CYCLICA offers a broad catalog where you can search and find the best option suited to your company’s needs.