Amid geopolitical fragmentation, persistent economic headwinds and policy uncertainty, manufacturers and supply chain leaders are operating with tight margins and increasingly complex global footprints. As climate ambition collides with short-term performance pressures, the debate has sharpened: Is decarbonisation a competitive advantage or a financial and operational burden?

This white paper reframes decarbonisation as a value-creation strategy – one that can strengthen operational efficiency and supply chain resilience, reduce exposure to volatility and unlock new revenue through product engineering and business-model innovation. The action needed is to move beyond compliance-driven sustainability efforts towards integrated transformation, aligning operations, finance, procurement, technology and commercial strategy around a clear business case for decarbonisation.

Drawing on insights from consultations with over 50 industry leaders, academic experts and innovators working across 13 industrial sectors, the paper sets out an executive-level approach to strengthen the business case for industrial decarbonisation, anchored in three interconnected outcomes: bottom-line gains, business continuity and resilience, and top-line growth. Supported by real-world case studies of decarbonisation solutions, the report aims to help manufacturing executives navigate implementation complexity and translate ambition into actionable strategies with measurable outcomes.

Report by the World Economic Forum