Manufacturing is one of the largest sources of pollution worldwide, and this is unlikely to change as consumer demand for products continues to grow. Industrial processes, particularly in mining and manufacturing, have historically been major contributors to soil pollution, and the use of chemicals—excluding pharmaceuticals—is projected to increase by 85 per cent by 2030. However, manufacturers mustn’t be idle when it comes to climate action. They must take an active role in reducing waste and promoting sustainable land use. By reducing waste, communities are better protected and not negatively impacted by enterprises that are spearheading the area’s improved environmental health with activities that decrease pollution and preserve natural ecosystems.
How can manufacturers take a leading role? Firstly, they can decrease their ecological footprints and use land sustainably by reducing waste, beginning with recycling, composting, and responsible consumption. According to McKinsey & Co., the world needs an additional 70-80 million hectares of land to fulfil humanity’s needs for food and fuel. Where will this habitable land come from? While this is a problem for everyone, manufacturers must act swiftly to establish a solid foundation for sustainable land use in the near future and set the benchmark for other sectors to follow.
Here is how you can adopt green manufacturing techniques and embrace circular economy principles, such as minimising waste, promoting product reuse, and optimising resource efficiency for a more responsible land management and land regeneration approach.
To effectively implement these practices, lean on the Consumer Sustainability Industry Readiness Index (COSIRI), a widely recognised framework for assessing sustainability maturity across key areas like the shop floor, supply chain, logistics, strategy, and risks. It provides CEOs with crucial insights for strategic decision-making, promoting sustainable practices in operations. Ready to make a significant business impact? Explore more about how INCIT can act as your expert guide, supporting your organisation toward more sustainable operations that result in improved land use practices by contacting us here.
