Decarbonizing the manufacturing industry is being touted as a strategy to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supply chains. However, there is still a long way to go in fulfilling these environmental commitments . This is, in turn, one of the challenges facing companies in the sector, according to a new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF ) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) .
The study, titled “Decarbonizing Manufacturing and Supply Chains for Growth: A Guide for Senior Management”, notes that, although two-thirds of the world’s largest listed companies have adopted net-zero emissions targets, only 8% have decarbonization plans and 4% have allocated capital to implement them, according to the report.
One of the most significant findings presented in the document was achieved through consultations with more than 50 industry leaders, academics, and innovators across 13 sectors . Specifically, the report identifies three areas where decarbonization can generate business value: cost reduction and efficiency improvements, operational continuity and resilience, and new growth opportunities.
Mexico: commitments versus implementation difficulties
In Mexico , this transformation is particularly relevant due to the weight of manufacturing activity and its integration into international value chains. The World Resources Institute (WRI ) identified that approximately 70% of the country’s large industrial companies have declared decarbonization goals , and this percentage is expected to continue increasing. Even so, WRI warned that these commitments do not necessarily translate into concrete clean energy procurement strategies.
Among the main obstacles, the agency pointed to regulatory uncertainty and the time required to enter the wholesale market, which can extend from 12 to 18 months.
Regarding electricity supply, participants in a forum organized by WRI Mexico in October 2026 indicated that on-site solar generation and storage systems can help meet the growing energy demands of industry . They also agreed that their widespread adoption requires regulatory certainty, adequate financing mechanisms, and coordination among stakeholders.
Financing and projects for industrial transition
In response to these environmental challenges, Mexico has begun developing mechanisms to promote investment in decarbonization . In June 2025, the country was selected as a beneficiary of the Climate Investment Funds’ Industrial Decarbonization Program. Within this framework, the country has been working on a Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan, through which it will be able to access up to US$250 million in concessional financing.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) indicates that through this mechanism they seek to attract another 1.68 billion dollars for industrial decarbonization projects.
It’s also important to mention that in September of this year, Semarnat and the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) announced a partnership to promote low-emission industrial projects. This collaboration includes a workshop in 2027 to identify investment opportunities and strategies.
These initiatives are taking place in a context where manufacturing companies face the challenge of incorporating energy efficiency and emissions reduction measures into their operations and supply chains . Progress toward decarbonization will depend on both corporate investment decisions and access to clean energy, infrastructure, and financing.
The image in this article was generated using artificial intelligence.
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @GrupoT21
