Corporate Sustainability: Practical Strategies for a Greener Future
Corporate sustainability strategies, including emissions reduction and circular economy practices, have become a central issue in business today. However, for many companies, these remain statements of intent rather than concrete actions.
Today, sustainability is mentioned in almost every product advertisement, three-year plan, or corporate policy, but in many cases these mentions lack real substance. True sustainability requires not just ambition, but a structured and operational approach to drive meaningful change.
At Nissha Metallizing Solutions (NMS), sustainability is more than a corporate buzzword, it is a daily commitment embedded in our operational DNA, focused on environmentally responsible business practices and sustainable manufacturing. We take a hands-on approach, focusing on practical initiatives that have a measurable impact. By aligning our strategy with the Nissha Group's sustainability guidelines, we have prioritized two key areas: emissions reduction and circular economy principles. These pillars shape our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint while optimizing the efficiency of our processes.
To gain a better understanding of how NMS is turning its commitment to sustainability into tangible results, we sat down with Agostino Rossetto, Director of Sustainability, to discuss the company's key initiatives, recent achievements, and future ambitions.
Sustainability is often included in corporate strategies, but NMS has taken a particularly pragmatic approach. Can you explain what sets NMS apart?
“Many companies talk about sustainability, but at NMS we take action. From the beginning, our approach has been operational and results-oriented, in line with the Nissha Group's guidelines. We have focused on two main areas: reducing emissions and promoting a circular economy. Each initiative we undertake is backed by concrete measures to ensure measurable impact, not just rhetoric.”
Can you elaborate on NMS’s efforts to reduce emissions?
“Our decarbonization plan follows two main directions: Consumption Reduction and Energy Transition, both of which are essential for reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing and industrial operations. We started by developing a reliable greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, which was expanded in 2024 to include Scope 3 emissions. This allowed us to set common targets with our stakeholders, and we have now aligned our targets with international standards by joining the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
On the operational side, each NMS site has implemented an energy reduction plan, including systematic monitoring and repair of compressed air leaks, replacement of neon lighting with smart LED systems, improvement of air conditioning systems, and insulation of thermal oil pipes to reduce heat dissipation.
As part of our transition to renewable energy, our Belgian plant now operates a wind turbine that provides 60% of its electricity consumption, with the remainder covered by Guarantees of Origin (GO), effectively eliminating Scope 2 emissions. In addition, photovoltaic systems have been installed at several sites to further reduce our carbon footprint.”
Circularity is another key focus for NMS. What steps have been taken to improve waste management and resource efficiency?
“Over 90% of production waste at NMS is sent for recycling, in line with best practices in corporate waste management and sustainability. We have implemented targeted projects to improve circularity, such as sending paper waste to specialized mills for reintroduction into the production cycle, and reusing cardboard packaging to make the cores we purchase.
We are also working on reusing plastic film waste to produce stretch film for packaging. In addition, we operate solvent recovery plants in Italy and the United States that allow us to reuse ethyl acetate recovered from our coating processes. These efforts significantly reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable production cycle.”
What does sustainability mean for NMS on a daily basis?
“At NMS, sustainable business is not just about long-term commitments; it is about making daily improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource management to optimize sustainability. Whether it's optimizing the use of resources - such as raw materials, energy, waste or water - or continually refining our processes and equipment, sustainability is part of our culture. Every decision we make is guided by the principle of "doing better today than we did yesterday.”
Looking ahead, what are the next steps in NMS’s sustainability journey?
“Our immediate priority is to finalize our targets under the Science Based Targets Initiative. We are also expanding our renewable energy projects and exploring new ways to improve circularity across our operations. Sustainability is a journey, and we're committed to continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible.”
At NMS, sustainability is more than a commitment - it is a continuous process of innovation and improvement. By focusing on tangible actions in the areas of emissions reduction and circular economy principles, NMS is leading by example and proving that sustainable business practices can drive both environmental and operational excellence.
As we look to the future, we recognize that sustainability is not a destination, but an ongoing evolution. Our long-term vision includes continued investment in renewable energy, enhanced waste reduction initiatives and continuous improvements in our operational efficiency. By taking a proactive approach, we ensure that our efforts meet the highest international standards and make a meaningful contribution to a greener future.
We invite our partners and stakeholders to join us in this commitment. By sharing best practices, collaborating on innovative solutions and holding ourselves accountable, together we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come. Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on our journey towards a greener, more responsible world.