Western Sydney forum aims to help manufacturers stay competitive

The Western Sydney Manufacturers forum to be held in Penrith on 2 April will be hosted by two innovation networks — the NSW Smart Sensing Network and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub — and aims to help businesses navigate emissions reporting requirements. The event will be opened by Chair of the Climate Change Authority Matt Kean.

Australia’s manufacturing sector faces growing pressure to cut carbon emissions as the country moves towards net-zero by 2050, with new rules requiring large businesses to report their emissions. Those small to medium businesses that service them will also need to comply with the mandatory rules.

“Australia can’t afford to be a laggard in the global race to cut carbon emissions,” Kean said. “Fortunately, the tens of thousands of manufacturers based in NSW — many in Western Sydney — can draw confidence of their race-fitness from their impressive track record of innovation. Reducing our carbon footprint is not only good for the environment, it also makes sense for the bottom line. Producing more from less is what the march of markets has always been about.”

Australia’s manufacturing sector contributes 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gases. NSW Smart Sensing Network Net Zero Theme Lead Laura Earl said decarbonisation, net zero, carbon accounting and sustainability all help to preserve the environment, but they don’t need to add a cost burden to local manufacturers.

“By prioritising these goals through collaborative efforts, we can unlock the benefits of lower energy costs, reduced waste, enhanced production efficiency and optimised use of resources, ultimately driving down costs across people, time and infrastructure,” she said. “Australia is one of the most advanced nations in research and development. Businesses that embrace emerging technologies like sensors, robotics and AI will be strategically positioned to gain a competitive edge when it comes to securing tenders and contracts.”

CEO of IoT Alliance Australia Frank Zeichner said businesses can use technologies to conduct carbon counting in their business.

“Mandatory reporting of net zero obligations, sustainability finance and now markets are driving the need for better sustainability data, which are a key element of future digital passports and the future connected supply chain,” he said. “Smarter manufacturers can take advantage to get an edge.”

Manufacturers can gain a competitive advantage by clearly showcasing their environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress and sustainability impacts through their marketing, tender submissions and contract negotiations. Chovil & Thake Sustainability Marketing Strategist Hannah Welch said manufacturers can use ESG outcomes to differentiate their brands and win contracts.

“By strategically integrating ESG into their marketing and communications, manufacturers can tell their story of innovation, responsibility and long-term value,” she said. “Showcasing this positive impact — supported by ESG metric evidence — will help them to stand out from the competition and win those all-important contracts.”

“The key focus of this event is emerging technologies that businesses can adopt and bring to market,” NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub CEO Scientia Professor Deo Prasad said. “There are tremendous opportunities for collaboration with research, industry and government in the commercialisation journey.”

The Western Sydney Manufacturers Forum: ‘Building profits on the path to sustainability’ will be held at Penrith Panthers on 2 April. Register here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Fertnig