Data-driven decision-making: PLM systems store and analyze product data, helping companies evaluate the environmental impact of materials and processes.
Sustainability in manufacturing
What does sustainability mean in the manufacturing industry? Learn more on this page!
Why sustainability matters
Sustainability has become a key focus for the manufacturing industry, driven by regulatory pressures, consumer expectations, and long-term business viability. Traditional manufacturing processes often lead to resource overuse, waste generation, and carbon emissions. As a result, companies are increasingly adopting sustainability initiatives to minimize environmental impact while maintaining profitability.
The role of PLM in driving sustainability
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a powerful tool that enables manufacturers to embed sustainability throughout a product’s lifecycle. From design and material selection to manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life recycling, PLM ensures that sustainability is a key consideration at every stage.
Key ways PLM contributes to sustainability include:
Regulatory compliance: Ensuring adherence to sustainability-related regulations like CSRD, REACH, and RoHS.
Lifecycle analysis: Assessing product longevity, recyclability, and circular economy potential.
Collaboration and transparency: Enabling seamless communication across design, supply chain, and manufacturing teams.
Sustainability in manufacturing: Where do we stand?
According to the recent Symetri sustainability survey, manufacturers are facing growing pressure to adapt, driven mainly by regulatory requirements rather than customer demand. Read the full report
43 %
Sustainability focus is growing fast
43% of manufacturers have rapidly increased their focus on sustainability in the past year. Yet only 13% see the same rise in customer requests.
70 %
CSRD is changing the game
Almost 70 % of respondents are impacted by the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
83 %
PLM is becoming essential
83% of PLM users expect to rely on their PLM system for sustainability data within 3 years. Integration with ERP enhances reporting and decision-making.
Report available
Insights from Sovelia sustainability survey
To better understand how the manufacturing sector is responding to sustainability challenges, we conducted a comprehensive study with Symetri manufacturing customers. The findings reveal a clear shift: while regulatory pressure (particularly the EU’s CSRD) is the main driver, companies are proactively investing in sustainable practices ahead of rising customer demand.
Our survey uncovers how manufacturers are approaching emissions calculations, data management, and regulatory compliance. It also highlights the growing role of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems in enabling sustainability through improved data visibility and collaboration. These insights offer a valuable snapshot of where the industry stands today and where it's heading next.
Start now, improve over time
There might still be many question marks regarding sustainability measuring and reporting in the manufacturing industry. But don’t wait for perfect data. Start tracking and reporting now with what you have and refine as you go. Use existing tools like PLM to stay ahead.
Interested in getting a head start on your sustainability journey? Contact us!
How Sovelia Core PLM can support sustainability
We are continuously developing Sovelia Core PLM to better support the evolving sustainability needs of our customers. We recognize that every company's sustainability journey is unique, which is why flexibility is at the heart of Sovelia Core’s approach - there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Today, Sovelia Core already enables users to manage CO₂ data and reference material information within engineering bills of materials, visualize sustainability values in a 3D viewer, and generate reports. We are also supporting our customers through customized solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Looking ahead, we are actively collaborating with key customers to define specific workflows and functionality to meet the growing demands around sustainability.
Sustainability in Symetri
Symetri strongly believes in sustainability and are always looking for new ways to improve energy-efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
We are dedicated to empowering businesses to make informed decisions that positively impact the environment. Our experts in design, construction, manufacturing, science, and technology leverage digital workflows to reduce costs and carbon emissions. We offer solutions to support the decarbonization of the industry, helping organizations adopt strategies to achieve net-zero targets, reduce waste, reduce embodied carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency by making smarter material choices and improving supply chain management.
Want to learn more about sustainability in manufacturing?
Connect with us to explore how Sovelia and Symetri can help you on your sustainability journey.