Driving sustainable manufacturing in ASEAN: The ripple effect of validated net-zero commitments
By Terrence Lim, Managing Director, ASEAN and Pacific, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence In recent years, the global spotlight on climate change has intensified, scrutinising the sustainability practices of industries worldwide. Within the vibrant and economically diverse region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), manufacturing stands as a cornerstone of economic growth. However, it also poses significant environmental challenges. As the world increasingly pivots towards sustainability, ASEAN’s manufacturing sector must embrace net-zero commitments to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness. A promising pathway to achieving net-zero emissions in the manufacturing sector is through the adoption of validated commitments. These commitments involve setting clear, science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. At Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, we take this responsibility seriously by having our net-zero targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Beyond Hexagon, this milestone signals a broader shift that can influence and accelerate sustainability efforts across ASEAN’s manufacturing ecosystem. The Power of Validated Science-Based Targets (SBT) Setting ambitious sustainability goals is not enough. Validating these commitments through independent third-party assessments ensures transparency and accountability, building trust with stakeholders and consumers alike. According to the 2023 Sustainability Report[1], Hexagon’s emissions reduction targets have been validated by the SBTi, ensuring they are grounded in rigorous scientific analysis rather than broad corporate pledges. Our targets include a 95% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per unit of revenue by 2030, with a long-term commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 97% per EUR value added by 2050. These commitments demonstrate tangible steps toward a sustainable future. Unlike general sustainability statements, SBTi validation demands a clear roadmap and measurable progress. This accountability translates into specific operational changes across Hexagon’s global footprint, particularly in ASEAN, […]