Sustainability in Manufacturing – ESG Reporting Example

Sustainability in manufacturing is no longer a trend—it’s a requirement. Regulations like the EU’s CSRD and global ESG frameworks are pushing manufacturers to disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance with increasing accuracy and transparency.

But what happens when your ESG reporting still relies on outdated spreadsheets, scattered data sources, and manual processes? The result is slow, error-prone reporting that doesn’t support your sustainability goals—or your business strategy.

In this article, we explore:

• What sustainability in manufacturing really means

• The most common sustainability goals in the industry

• Why ESG reporting is so challenging for manufacturers

• How an ESG dashboard transforms your reporting process

• A real-world example from manufacturing leader RAPALA

What Is Sustainability in Manufacturing?

Sustainability in manufacturing refers to the integration of environmental responsibility, social well-being, and ethical governance into every part of the production process. It means minimizing negative environmental impacts, promoting fair labor practices, and maintaining transparent, accountable business operations.

From reducing CO₂ emissions to tracking energy use and supply chain risks, manufacturing and sustainability now go hand-in-hand.

This is why regulators and customers increasingly demand transparent sustainability reporting in manufacturing industry—not just promises.

Common Manufacturing Sustainability Goals

Typical manufacturing sustainability goals include:

• Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct and energy-related)

• Improving energy efficiency per unit produced

• Reducing water consumption and hazardous waste

• Tracking and lowering Scope 3 emissions across the supply chain

• Increasing the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials

• Enhancing workplace safety and labor transparency

These goals not only help meet compliance standards but also contribute to operational efficiency and brand reputation.

Why ESG Reporting Is Challenging in Manufacturing

Despite good intentions, many manufacturers struggle with sustainability reporting due to:

1. Scattered data across systems

Production, procurement, HR, and supplier data are siloed—making ESG data hard to consolidate.

2. Manual processes and Excel-based reporting

Spreadsheets can’t scale. They’re prone to human error and slow down collaboration.

3. Limited internal resources

Especially in mid-sized manufacturers, the people responsible for ESG also wear other hats—making it difficult to track changing standards or complete detailed reports.

4. Complex frameworks like ESRS and GRI

Understanding and applying the right reporting standards takes time, training, and tools.

Case Example: RAPALA’s Sustainability Reporting Journey

One of Europe’s leading manufacturing brands, RAPALA, faced exactly these challenges. They had no standardised sustainability reporting system and were trying to manage ESG data manually through spreadsheets.

“We had no tool in place to manage or compile ESG data. The ESRS framework and managing the required datapoints became a major task—and Excel was no longer enough,” explains RAPALA. (Rapala Sustainability)

The company needed a light, easily deployable system to support the DMA process, keep up with evolving ESG standards, and reduce administrative burden. They also wanted to use AI to compensate for limited internal resources.

The Planmark Solution

“Planmark offered a system that supported data management and kept the ESRS framework up to date. It made team collaboration easier and reduced manual maintenance work.”

While RAPALA’s sustainability documentation process is still evolving, the company now benefits from a structured and current framework. They also appreciated fast customer support and AI-based data validation during their first reporting round.

“We expect to get more value from Planmark’s AI features when automated document generation becomes available.”

ESG in Manufacturing: More Than a Report

ESG in manufacturing is about more than annual disclosures—it’s about real-time insight. When sustainability is treated as a strategic lever, it improves compliance, decision-making, and even cost efficiency.

A well-structured ESG dashboard allows manufacturers to:

• Track emissions and energy consumption by facility

• Visualize waste, recycling, and water usage

• Automate data collection from suppliers

• Collaborate across teams in one system

• Stay aligned with ESRS, GRI, or SASB frameworks

Why Use a Real-Time ESG Reporting and Dashboard?

An ESG reporting platform  centralizes your sustainability data and eliminates version control issues. For manufacturers, this means:

Real-Time Reporting

Monitor sustainability performance across factories, product lines, or countries.

Easier Collaboration

Your sustainability team, operations, and supply chain can all access the same up-to-date view.

AI-Powered Insights

Automate calculations, detect anomalies, and simplify documentation with AI.

Audit-Ready Records

Ensure traceability and transparency for regulatory reviews or stakeholder requests.

Sustainable Manufacturing company has a competitive advantage

Leading manufacturers are turning production sustainability into more than a compliance task—it’s a competitive edge. Benefits are not limited to, but include at least:

• Reduced energy and raw material costs

• Faster ESG audits and certifications

• Increased trust from customers and investors

• Eligibility for green funding and procurement opportunities

How to Get Started with Sustainability Reporting in Manufacturing

If you’re ready to modernize your sustainability process, follow these steps:

1. Define your reporting obligations

Understand which frameworks (e.g. CSRD, GRI, SASB) apply to your company.

2. Map your ESG data sources

Identify where your emissions, energy, HR, and supply chain data currently lives.

3. Select the right ESG reporting software

Look for tools with AI capabilities, data integration, audit trails, and support for ESRS or other frameworks.

4. Start small—scale fast

Pilot the system in one department or facility. Then expand across the organisation once the process is streamlined. (We provide 30 days free trial – Book a demo)

Final Thoughts

Sustainability in manufacturing is a journey—but the tools to make it easier are already here. With a real-time ESG dashboard and reporting platform, manufacturers can move from fragmented reporting to centralized, efficient, and strategic sustainability management.

Whether you’re just starting or scaling your sustainability goals, one thing is clear: Excel won’t take you all the way. It’s time to upgrade.

Want to See What a Real ESG Reporting Looks Like?

Planmark’s AI-powered platform is trusted by manufacturers like RAPALA to simplify ESG reporting and compliance.

Book a free demo or strategy call now
Let’s build your ESG success story—without the spreadsheets.