Australia’s manufacturing sector faces growing pressure to cut carbon emissions as the country moves toward 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.

The free Western Sydney Manufacturers forum hosted by two innovation networks – the NSW Smart Sensing Network and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub – in Penrith on 2 April aims to help businesses navigate these requirements.

Embracing emerging technologies like sensors, robotics, and AI will strategically position businesses to gain a competitive edge. Credit: AdobeStock

The event will be opened by chair of the Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean.

"Australia can't afford to be a laggard in the global race to cut carbon emissions," Mr Kean says.

"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.”

NSW Smart Sensing Network Net Zero Theme Lead, Laura Earl

Australia’s manufacturing sector contributes 10 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gases.

NSW Smart Sensing Network Net Zero Theme Lead Laura Earl says 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,” Ms Earl says.

CEO of IoT Alliance Australia, Frank Zeichner

“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.”

Manager, Renewable Manufacturing at NSW DCCEEW, Andrew Bedrossian

CEO of IoT Alliance Australia, Frank Zeichner will describe how 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,” Mr Zeichner says. “Smarter manufacturers can take advantage to get an edge.”

Manager, Renewable Manufacturing in the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Andrew Bedrossian, will discuss how the NSW Government has been supporting businesses in the transition to Net Zero.

Chovil & Thake Sustainability Marketing Strategist, Hannah Welch

“There are many Net Zero clean technologies the state government is funding and keen to see commercialised, including the University of Wollongong’s Clean Energy Living Laboratory, which is set to be Australia’s first mixed-use, precinct-based microgrid,” Mr Bedrossian says.

“Microgrids are small sections of the electricity grid which can generate, and store locally produced renewable energy such as solar power. This microgrid technology will help communities and precincts become more energy efficient and self-sustainable in the push towards net zero targets.”

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, will describe how 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. Showcasing this positive impact – supported by ESG metric evidence – will help them to stand out from the competition and win those all-important contracts.”

NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub CEO, Scientia Professor Deo Prasad

“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 says. “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 now.

Net Zero or lose out: Western Sydney forum to help manufacturers, businesses stay competitive