With many manufacturers lacking the resources necessary to achieve ESG targets, sector specialist Aggreko is highlighting how third-party support can help manufacturers circumvent industry challenges and embrace more sustainable practices.

A recent report from Make UK and Lloyds Bank indicates that 77% of firms are now receiving ESG requests from their customers. As such, the number of firms setting ESG targets has increased by 48%, with two-thirds of manufacturers doing so since 2021.

However, with the report also indicating that less than half of manufacturers have the resources required to meet ESG requirements, Ruth Martin, Manufacturing Sector Manager for Aggreko UK & Ireland, is calling attention to how leveraging third-party expertise can help businesses realise these aspirations.

“It’s fantastic to see that so many manufacturers are beginning to take a serious stance on sustainability, with firm ESG targets now in place. That said, achieving these will be another challenge unto itself, not least with the ongoing challenges that are plaguing the sector at present.

“Supply chain delays, skill shortages, and production difficulties are all ongoing challenges that are at loggerheads with business’ ESG aspirations, and are preventing them from realising these goals. However, there are viable routes forward if manufacturers look to alternative procurement strategies.”

At present, many manufacturers are still using ageing, inefficient equipment, which in turn has a negative impact on their carbon footprint. Capex limitations, supply chain delays, and a lack of in-house skills have all been commonly cited as barriers to investment in newer technology.

Here, Ruth believes that outsourcing equipment from a specialist has a significant role to play in helping businesses realise their ESG goals, allowing manufacturers to access the latest, high-efficiency equipment despite these challenges.

Moreover, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has recently opened up applications for Phase 3 of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF). As part of the initiative, DESNZ is offering up to £500 million worth of grants to support the development of carbon reduction technologies, with priority given to entries from the manufacturing sector.

With this in mind, Ruth believes that there is no better time to consider alternative technologies to help cut on-site emissions. As part of Aggreko’s recently launched sustainability framework Energising Change, the company is making a series of major investments in greener solutions such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), in order to ensure that the breadth of the industry has access to cleaner energy.

She concluded: “There is often a misconception that sustainability and profitability are mutually exclusive, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, a battery hybrid system with a Stage-V generator running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can offer huge reductions in NOx, CO2, particulate matter and fuel consumption, which will not only help the business work towards its ESG targets, but also offer tangible cost savings.

“For any business keen to put their ESG targets into practice, but not sure where to start, I’d strongly encourage engaging with a specialist – you might just be surprised at what you can achieve!”

For more information on Aggreko’s services for the manufacturing sector, CLICK HERE.