Amazon and Unilever Reshape Manufacturing for Sustainability
The manufacturing sector is seeing a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by consumer demand.
Deloitte’s 2024 Sustainable Consumer Survey highlights this trend, revealing that 68% of UK consumers have reduced their food waste over the past year. Such consumer behaviours are shaping manufacturing priorities around sustainability.
The survey identified five key sustainable and ethical practices valued by consumers:
- Producing sustainable packaging and products
- Reducing waste in manufacturing processes
- Committing to ethical working practices
- Respect for human rights
- Reducing carbon footprint
Emily Cromwell, Climate Change and Sustainability Lead at Deloitte, says: "The surge in consumers opting for refurbished goods and repair services is already having a significant impact on the sector, forcing businesses to innovate, creating new models that prioritise sustainability and resource efficiency.
"Businesses who unlock value this way will also respond to growing interest from the market."
Amazon’s climate pledge friendly initiative
Amazon has taken notable steps with its Climate Pledge Friendly programme, aimed at encouraging customers to make sustainable purchases.
This initiative influences manufacturing by pushing for sustainable product development.
Reports suggest that products under this programme gain more visibility and see an average sales increase of 12% in the first year, indicating a robust consumer interest in sustainability.
To achieve ClimatePartner certification, Amazon outlines a five-step process which includes measuring and sharing the product carbon footprint and setting emissions reduction targets.
Manufacturers need to align with these standards to participate in the programme.
Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, emphasises the collective role of industries in tackling climate change by saying: "We firmly believe that the private sector must continue to innovate and collaborate across regions and industries in order to decarbonise the global economy at scale.
"It’s an encouraging sign that more than 300 businesses have now signed The Climate Pledge, which commits them to confronting climate change head-on by incorporating real business changes that will make a lasting impact on our planet. We can only do it together."
Guidance from The 100% Group on sustainable manufacturing
According to The 100% Group, the consumer perspective is evolving, with individuals increasingly prioritising products with sustainable backgrounds.
Manufacturers are advised to consider long-term impacts and collaborate with suppliers to minimise carbon footprints right from a project's inception.
In their Signatory Handbook, the group encourages actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain, aligning with international goals such as the Paris Agreement.
They advocate for transitioning to net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, suggesting that manufacturing processes need comprehensive adjustments to meet these objectives.
Unilever’s sustainable manufacturing practices
Companies like Unilever set a benchmark in sustainable manufacturing.
As a global entity supplying products to 3.4 billion people daily, Unilever highlights the integration of sustainability in its operations.
The company has been promoting a sustainability agenda for over twenty years, balancing financial performance with environmental responsibility.
Unilever’s approach demonstrates the advantages of embedding sustainability within the core manufacturing processes, illustrating that businesses can achieve competitive performance while addressing environmental concerns.
