Input Stories

At the NAM, we’re examining some of the top trends that are shaping manufacturing this year, and offering the resources you need to take action.

Today, we’re taking a look at sustainability, and how manufacturers are leaning into sustainable practices to stand out.

What’s going on: Sustainably advanced technology can help manufacturers reduce their environmental impact in areas like renewable energy, waste management, carbon capture and more. By taking action now, manufacturers can stay ahead of regulations and stakeholder needs—and avoid a more expensive reactive approach. 

• At the same time, manufacturers will have to steer around important pitfalls, including compliance issues related to sustainability that will continue into 2025, and traps like “greenwashing” that could put them in legal jeopardy.

Making the future: Some manufacturers are helping to develop the next generation of sustainable processes and products through partnerships with early career scientists at universities. Those scientists have the chance to bring their innovations to market for the benefit of manufacturers and greater society.

What you can do: “A strong sustainability strategy helps companies reduce risk and stay ahead of increasing regulations, stakeholder requirements and expectations,” according to Forvis Mazars Director Nate White, certified public accountant. “So, planning ahead is key.”

Not sure where to start? Below are a few actions that will help keep you on track. 

• Evaluate compliance and reporting requirements to understand your responsibilities.
• Get a sense of your competitors and peers to determine their reporting approach.
• Decide who in your organization should lead on sustainability issues.
• Budget for sustainability actions and evaluations.
• Ensure your data—on locations, assets and emissions sources—is complete.
• Consider gaining third-party assurance when reporting your data to increase the confidence of your stakeholders and the quality of your data.

Resources for you: Want to dive deeper? Check out some resources from the NAM.

• Listen to PPG’s Dr. Ed Rakiewicz, as he discusses on his podcast how PPG has driven commercial growth and advanced sustainability at the same time.
• Access world-class attorneys through NAM Legal Service Powered by Meritas. Sustainability issues are complicated—and these attorneys can help answer questions and point you in the right direction, starting with a 30-minute courtesy advice call.
• Learn about greenwashing and corporate sustainability with a podcast from the Innovation Research Interchange (the NAM’s innovation division), which brings together legal experts who discuss how manufacturers can ensure their sustainability claims are backed by reliable data.