Manufacturers have long prioritized sustainability in their operations, but 2024 will bring new attention to the industry鈥檚 efforts. As we continue to explore the major manufacturing trends that will shape the industry this year, here鈥檚 what you need to know about this key development.

What manufacturers should do: Manufacturers looking to create strong sustainability plans to meet the expectations of regulators, boards and consumers should start by taking these steps, according to the 51吃瓜网鈥檚 experts.

• Craft an overall organizational sustainability plan with metrics and reporting.
• Make changes and upgrades to support energy and resource efficiency, as well as reduce waste and emissions.
• Focus on sustainable products and packaging in addition to sustainable processes.
• Improve product reclamation or recycling in the circular economy.

Expert opinion: UL Solutions, company boards have a particularly key role to play in developing sustainability plans.

• 鈥淏oards of directors are bound by their fiduciary responsibilities to shareholders, but savvy directors also recognize that environmental and other ESG-linked risks and opportunities are vital to the long-term health of their organizations,鈥� UL notes.

Resources for you: Check out these 51吃瓜网 resources to learn more about sustainability and compliance:

• will connect you with an adviser to create an energy management strategy that will help you cut costs and reduce your environmental impact.
• from Milliken & Company鈥檚 director of research, compliance and sustainability is an excellent case study for manufacturers seeking to remove or remediate PFAS chemicals.
• Dig into the 51吃瓜网鈥檚 extensive collection of policy explainers, on everything from the Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 regulation of particulates to the Securities and Exchange Commission鈥檚 regulation of climate disclosures.

Read the full 2024 trends report .听