The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has released a white paper outlining how technology-enabled decarbonization can help manufacturers reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency and strengthen business competitiveness.
Titled Decarbonizing Manufacturing and Supply Chains for Growth: Guide for C-suite Executives, the report presents a practical framework for integrating decarbonization into manufacturing operations and supply chains while creating measurable business value.
Drawing on consultations with more than 50 industry leaders, academic experts and innovators across 13 industrial sectors, the report identifies three key business benefits of decarbonization: improved profitability, stronger business continuity and resilience, and new revenue opportunities.
Despite growing corporate commitments to sustainability, implementation remains a challenge. The report notes that although two-thirds of the world’s largest publicly listed companies have established net-zero targets, only 8% have decarbonization plans and just 4% have allocated working capital to implement them.
To help address this gap, the report evaluates 10 practical decarbonization solutions based on their business value, greenhouse gas reduction potential and implementation complexity. It also proposes a three-phase approach for manufacturers, starting with immediate efficiency improvements, followed by the transition to renewable and clean energy, and eventually progressing toward net-zero leadership and resilient growth.
Real-world case studies demonstrate the potential financial and operational benefits. Foxconn Industrial Internet achieved a 107% return on investment through its eco-design platform, while Beko’s Eskişehir factory recorded a 43% increase in production capacity and a 17% reduction in transformation costs. Meanwhile, Schneider Electric reported that products and services with demonstrated environmental benefits accounted for 75% of its total revenues in 2025.
Anupam Singhal, President of Manufacturing at Tata Consultancy Services, said manufacturers should view decarbonization as a value-creation strategy rather than simply an environmental obligation. He highlighted its potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce exposure to energy and supply risks, and create new revenue opportunities.
The white paper was developed by WEF’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains in collaboration with TCS. It aims to help senior executives translate sustainability commitments into practical investments and measurable business outcomes.
