How can pneumatic systems be considered environmentally friendly?

Pneumatic systems can be regarded as environmentally friendly primarily because they do not require hydraulic oils, which significantly reduces the risks of contamination. In many industrial applications, hydraulic fluids can leak and lead to soil and water pollution. By using compressed air instead of hydraulic fluids, pneumatic systems minimize potential environmental hazards and help maintain a cleaner workspace.

In contrast, while minimal energy usage is beneficial for efficiency, pneumatic systems can still require considerable energy to compress air. Operating at lower noise levels is an added advantage but does not directly relate to environmental impact. While recycling is a good practice within any industry, the ease of recycling pneumatic components does not significantly influence the potential environmental benefits of pneumatic systems compared to the elimination of hazardous fluids like hydraulic oils.