Building a sustainable future: What sustainability means for UK manufacturers
In this article, Elizabeth Brown, Senior Research Engineer in the Technology Transformation team at MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre) in Coventry, shares her thoughts on how small and medium sized businesses can accelerate their journey to Net Zero.
Read time: 4 mins Added: 30/01/26
Understanding sustainability in manufacturing
Sustainability is about doing more with less - using resources efficiently, minimising waste, and ensuring long-term business viability. For UK manufacturers, it’s not just an environmental concern; it’s a commercial opportunity. As the UK Government’s Net Zero 2050 target approaches, the ability to operate sustainably is becoming essential for businesses of all sizes.
Why it matters to your business
Sustainability affects every aspect of manufacturing, from energy use and supply chain management to product design and customer expectations. Larger firms are increasingly asking their suppliers to meet environmental standards, and SMEs, who account for nearly 30% of the UK’s carbon emissions, are under growing pressure to act.
But sustainability isn’t just about compliance. It can deliver real business benefits:
- Cost savings through reduced energy and resource use
- Improved competitiveness as customers favour environmentally responsible suppliers
- Future-proofing against changing regulations and market demands
The sustainability journey
Every manufacturer’s journey to Net Zero will look different, but it starts with three simple questions:
From there, businesses can move on to more ambitious projects, such as investing in energy-efficient equipment, retrofitting buildings, or appointing a sustainability lead to drive progress.
Where you can access help
Navigating the path to Net Zero can be complex, but support is available. MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre) works with manufacturers to help them understand their current position, set achievable goals, and develop strategies for improvement.
As a first step, manufacturers can access a free review of their operations by a sustainability expert from MTC in Coventry. The MTC expert will conduct a prior virtual assessment to understand the requirements before they schedule a visit to the premises and carry out a Sustainability Line Walk. The review aims to identify opportunities for sustainability improvements.
The business can then choose whether to implement these recommendations independently, or work with MTC to embed them. Some businesses may also be eligible for discounted funding for this further collaboration.
In addition, MTC offers further support through its Sustainability Net Zero Assessment (SNZA) - a practical, low-cost tool that helps businesses benchmark their sustainability maturity and identify opportunities for growth. The SNZA covers nine key areas, from strategy deployment and regulatory compliance to energy management and digital maturity, providing a clear baseline and a roadmap for the future.
Conclusion
Sustainability is more than a regulatory requirement - it’s a chance to strengthen your business, reduce costs, and build a resilient future. By taking the first steps now and making use of expert support, UK manufacturers can turn the challenge of Net Zero into a commercial advantage.
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