Sustainability is a top priority for today’s manufacturing operations. What it means is adopting practices that can reduce negative impact on the environment and help create a healthier planet and society. With consumers considering carbon footprints when making purchase decisions, it gives companies new opportunities to rethink and reconfigure their business operations by integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their strategies. As per PwC’s 25th Annual Global CEO survey, Indian CEO’s view transition to net-zero commitment as a critical component for driving product and service innovation, and meeting customer expectations.
Manufacturing industry leaders are shifting their operations from being profit-led to being sustainable and responsible while being profitable and meeting stakeholder expectations. With a thriving manufacturing sector in India, it is imperative to address sustainability challenges for top-line expansion, cost optimisation as well as productivity enhancement. At PwC, we consider asset care, efficient and eco-friendly processes, technology interventions and governance as critical parameters to build sustainable manufacturing operations, thereby tackling eight wastes as per the lean philosophy.
Key considerations to ensure sustainability in operations
Operations can become sustainable if we optimise the lifespan and performance of machinery, reduce downtime, and minimise resource consumption. PwC can assist in your sustainability-led journey by implementing just-in-time (JIT) principles and lean inventory management techniques, which can minimise inventory waste while ensuring adequate asset availability. Our team of sustainable professionals can assist in streamlining transportation processes through route optimisation and shipment consolidation to minimise transportation waste and reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Implementing predictive maintenance techniques and investing in energy-efficient technologies can help in reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Prioritising efficient and eco-friendly manufacturing processes contribute to sustainability. PwC helps clients employ innovative approaches through process mapping and analysis to identify areas of inefficiency, waste, and environmental impact. Optimising production processes through lean manufacturing methodologies and reducing wait time improves resource utilisation, decreases energy consumption, and enhances productivity.
Leveraging advanced technologies is crucial for sustainable manufacturing. Embracing automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence optimises processes, reduces errors, and enhances efficiency. PwC comes prepared with smart quality control systems and predictive analytics by identifying and preventing defect waste. Adopting digital manufacturing technologies, such as the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), gathering real-time data for data-driven decision-making, and optimising processes will help in the reduction of overprocessing waste.
Robust governance practices ensure that sustainable operations are integrated into an organisation's strategic objectives. We establish clear policies, monitor performance, and maintain compliance with environmental regulations to help you meet market demand and reduce overproduction waste. Collaborating with us to establish clear metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), and implementing environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001, can help you systematically manage environmental risks and drive continuous improvement.
Plan your next move
Building sustainable operations in manufacturing requires a comprehensive approach encompassing asset care, process care, people care, technology, and governance. So, how can you move forward strategically and with impact? No matter what path you take and where you begin your journey, PwC India can help at every step of the way by bringing a holistic view of transformation focused on sustainability. By focusing on long-term vision, adopting a holistic approach, working in collaboration with stakeholders, and aligning manufacturing processes with ESG principles, you can improve resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, and enhance environmental stewardship. Our industry-specific experience in lean manufacturing, process optimisation, and ESG can help you in your journey towards building resilient and sustainable manufacturing operations that align with India's sustainable development goals.
