The survey shows that the sector has clear environmental priorities and is engaged and committed to do more to reduce its impacts as part of a broader business efficiency agenda.
However, identifying and understanding how best to proceed was clearly an issue for many, particularly SMEs, where those with environmental responsibilities may juggle these demands with a variety of other job functions.
Empowering these individuals to champion environmental performance improvement within their companies requires one-to-one support and guidance directly into the workplace.
Whilst the provision of government-funded resources has been scaled back recently in favour of broader guidance, it is imperative that the on-going direction and assurance that they provide is not lost.
The success of such services is only beginning to be realised and it is important that a genuine interest amongst manufacturers to do more is not rewarded with frustration and subsequent apathy.
Future report findings will hopefully illustrate that this has not been the case and that the sector has forged successful relationships with those best placed to deliver the provision of these services.