Reflecting on insights from the factory floor, Dr David Lott reveals the latest takeaways on manufacturing sustainability and innovation as recently published by IfM Engage at the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge.
Sustainability is a critical success factor for the manufacturing industry in 2025. Judging the Manufacturer’s MX Awards has taken me to countless factories, from Newcastle to Portsmouth, leaving me inspired by the diversity and ingenuity of approaches to complex challenges.
What stands out is the potential for even greater impact, by aligning innovation with sustainability. Across the industry I’ve seen untapped opportunities to turn challenges like waste management and energy inefficiencies into competitive advantages.
Here at IfM Engage, we work with leading manufacturers to tackle problems including those around sustainable manufacturing processes, bringing University of Cambridge expertise, knowledge, and innovation to each project.
We launched our Sustainability Spotlight magazine at the Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit in 2024, during which our team was delighted to meet many of you at our breakfast briefing. The magazine is packed with insights drawn from the IfM’s world-class research, tools and techniques in practice. The 2024 issue centres on three sustainability themes: waste, sustainable technology, and future-proofing for sustainability.
Key takeaways on sustainability and innovation
Focusing on waste
Professor Steve Evans, who’ll be speaking at our Rethinking Innovation event in April, champions the critical need to make industrial waste—from energy to materials—visible. His principle is simple yet transformative: when teams can see waste, they are empowered to solve it. Whether it’s identifying inefficiencies in energy use or surplus materials, fostering a culture of problem-solving aligned with sustainability goals not only benefits the planet, but also delivers measurable financial gains.
Leveraging technology intelligently
A standout example is Raynor Foods’ innovative S3 Project, which combines cutting-edge technology with employee engagement. By implementing ultra-wide band mesh tracking and gamified incentives for sustainability contributions, Raynor has achieved a 15% reduction in total CO2 emissions, aiming for 30% by project end. This highlights how technology, when aligned with human engagement, can amplify sustainability outcomes.
Future-proofing for sustainability
Projects like Plastic to Ghar in Nepal illustrate the immense potential of industrial symbiosis—using waste from one process as input for another. This initiative transforms plastic waste into durable building materials, addressing both environmental concerns and housing shortages. Such examples demonstrate how businesses can reframe waste as an opportunity for innovation, fostering sustainable ecosystems and driving value creation.
The Sustainability Spotlight offers a comprehensive look at the innovative research and practical solutions driving the future of sustainability. Whether you’re interested in waste reduction, sustainable technology, or future-proofing strategies, this issue provides valuable insights for your organisation.
Download the free magazine at https://pro.relayto.com/institute-for-manufacturing/sustainability-spotlight-magazine-672def0b37424/JAEKkuM51
Building on this, we’re currently shaping the agenda for Rethinking Innovation 2025 – a University of Cambridge event exploring the intersection of technology, innovation, and sustainability. This year we’ll underscore the growing imperative for businesses to integrate sustainable practices at the heart of their operations.
I hope you’ll join us to learn from case studies by organisations including Toyota Manufacturing, E.ON, and Raynor Foods, giving senior leaders a unique opportunity to engage with the latest research, best practices, and transformative ideas. For leaders committed to aligning business success with sustainability, Rethinking Innovation offers a chance to recalibrate and reignite your innovation agenda.
Explore the event agenda at https://engage-events.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/RethinkingInnovation#/
Dr David Lott is CEO of IfM Engage – the knowledge transfer arm of the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge. He is also a judge for the Manufacturer’s MX Awards.
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