The Road to a Greener Economy: Sustainable Manufacturing Market to Surge by 2029

The global Sustainable Manufacturing Market is poised for substantial growth, projected to increase from USD 215.4 billion in 2024 to USD 367.2 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 11.3%. This growth is driven by the increasing emphasis on eco-friendly production processes, driven by both regulatory pressures and rising consumer demand for sustainable products. Companies across various industries are adopting sustainable manufacturing practices to reduce their environmental impact, optimize resource use, and enhance operational efficiency. Innovations in energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction, and circular economy models are further propelling market expansion, as businesses seek to balance profitability with environmental responsibility.

The sustainable manufacturing industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by several key factors. Rapid technological advancements in manufacturing are enabling more efficient and eco-friendly production processes. As countries worldwide move toward low carbon neutrality, there is a heightened emphasis on green transitions within industries. This shift is also driven by the growing demand for customized products and personalized experiences, pushing companies to innovate in sustainable practices. Achieving zero waste-to-landfill status has become a significant goal for many organizations, leading to the widespread adoption of recycling and waste reduction practices, further driving market growth.

Key players in the sustainable manufacturing market, including Veolia, Umicore, Braskem, NatureWorks, and ArcelorMittal, are actively strengthening their positions through various growth strategies. These companies are focusing on product launches, expanding their operations, and entering into strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance their market presence. Additionally, acquisitions and contracts are being pursued to diversify their portfolios and capture a larger share of the market. By adopting these strategies, these leading firms are not only advancing their own capabilities but also contributing significantly to the overall growth and evolution of the sustainable manufacturing industry.

Veolia is a global leader in environmental management, offering comprehensive solutions across energy, water, and waste management sectors. The company operates through three main business segments: Water, Waste, and Energy. In the Water segment, Veolia focuses on drinking water distribution, wastewater treatment, and the manufacture of water treatment equipment. Its Environmental Services segment manages the collection, processing, and recycling of household, industrial, and trade waste, including a strong emphasis on plastic recycling. The Energy segment encompasses heat production and distribution, energy optimization, and electricity production. Veolia’s extensive operations span over 60 countries on five continents, with a workforce of more than 220,000 employees. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including municipalities, industrial sectors, and industries such as oil and gas, mining, and pharmaceuticals, positioning itself as a key player in promoting sustainable practices globally.

Umicore is a global materials technology and recycling company, structured into three main business segments: Catalysis, Energy & Surface Technologies, and Recycling. The Recycling segment includes specialized units in jewelry and industrial metals, precious metal management, and refining. In 2021, Umicore expanded this segment by launching a new business unit, Battery Recycling Solutions (BRS), to address the growing need for recycling rechargeable batteries. Serving industries such as chemical, electrical & electronics, and automotive, Umicore has positioned itself as a leader in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The company operates a state-of-the-art facility in Belgium that can process 7,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries and battery production scrap annually, equating to around 35,000 electric vehicle batteries. With a dedicated workforce of 11,565 employees, Umicore continues to push forward in sustainable and innovative recycling solutions.

Braskem stands as the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas and the top producer of polypropylene in the U.S., known for pioneering industrial-scale biopolymer production. The company’s diverse portfolio spans petrochemicals and thermoplastics, including polyethylene, green polyethylene (biopolymer), polypropylene, and PVC. These products serve a wide array of industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, aerospace, electronics, textiles, cosmetics, healthcare, and packaging. Braskem boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 10.7 million tons of chemicals and 9.3 million tons of thermoplastic resins, catering to clients across 71 countries. With a strong global presence, the company operates 40 industrial units, including 29 in Brazil and others in the U.S., Mexico, and Germany. Braskem’s expansive operations highlight its critical role in the global plastics and chemicals industry, driving innovation and sustainability efforts worldwide.

NatureWorks LLC is a global leader in the biopolymers industry, recognized for its innovation in producing sustainable materials derived from renewable resources like corn, starch, and vegetable oils. Jointly owned by Cargill and PTT Global Chemical, the company offers a diverse product line, including biopolymers designed for extrusion/thermoforming, injection molding, films, fibers, nonwovens, and 3D printing. Serving industries such as beauty & household, construction, food service, electronics, agriculture, medical, and hygiene, NatureWorks emphasizes circular production processes. These processes focus on designing products for reuse, recycling, or composting, embodying the principles of sustainability. This approach is central to the production of their Ingeo biopolymer, which they promote as a sustainable alternative within the plastics industry. Operating across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, NatureWorks boasts a significant manufacturing capacity of 150,000 metric tons of Ingeo biopolymer at its facilities in Blair, Nebraska, U.S.

ArcelorMittal, a leading global steel and mining company, emerged from the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel, offering a wide array of high-quality finished and semi-finished steel products. As one of the world’s largest steel recyclers, the company recycles approximately 30 million tonnes annually. ArcelorMittal’s global R&D division includes a specialized scrap team with advanced expertise in steel recycling, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. In 2023, the company strengthened its decarbonization strategy by acquiring Riwald Recycling, a cutting-edge ferrous scrap metal recycling business in the Netherlands. This acquisition not only enhances ArcelorMittal’s recycling capabilities but also supports the growth of its construction business under ArcelorMittal Downstream Solutions.