The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address 17 social and environmental challenges the world faces currently and outlines an ambitious plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. They are universal, applying to all nations and people, seeking to tackle inequality and leave nobody behind. The goals include ending poverty and hunger, ensuring gender equality and promoting peaceful and sustainable societies by 2030.These can only be achieved through increased collaboration of the new and existing private sector companies with governments, parliaments, the United Nations (UN) system and other international institutions, local authorities, civil society, the scientific and academic community – and all people.

The SDGs aim to create sustainable development that fosters economic growth, prosperity and well-being. Through several practical company examples, this SDG Industry Matrix profiles innovative approaches that companies can embrace to advance sustainability engagements and drive the field forward.

One such example is of an Indian car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, who have addressed SDG1 which aims to tackle poverty. By sourcing their parts locally, they lowered their exposure to foreign markets which in turn positively impacted the local economy.

Hitachi’s Proton Beam therapy System is meeting targets towards SDG3, which covers good health and well-being. This patient-friendly cancer treatment accurately treats tumours, minimising damage to the surrounding tissue. The company is also innovating new healthcare systems that treat tumours with complex structures and shapes.

Through converting strategic industry activities and initiatives such as these that impact society, the SDG Industry Matrix enables private sector companies to create a blended value for their business.

The report profiles some of the most significant opportunities, principles-based initiatives and collaborations for industrial manufacturing. This shared value involves the coming together of market potential, societal demands and policy action. Opportunities for shared value are grouped around themes such as sustainable products, sustainable production, low cost products and enterprise development.

Taken from these themes, the following examples highlight opportunities to create shared value:

• Develop sustainable products that improve home and office energy efficiency.
• Increase sustainable production from renewable energy sources such as wind and reduce usage of fossil fuels.
• Develop and manufacture medical devices at affordable prices in-order to facilitate quality healthcare in low and middle income countries.
• Collaborate with governments and other companies to establish industrial zones which unlock complementary investments in infrastructure, technology and production.

Multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborations will become increasingly important in realising these shared value opportunities.

1. KPMG International and the UN Global Compact have developed six industry matrices which provide industry-specific practical examples and ideas for action for each Sustainable Development Goal. They profile opportunities which companies expect to create value for shareholders and for society. The six areas are: Financial Services, Food, Beverage and Consumer Goods, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Industrial Manufacturing, Transportation and Energy, Natural Resources & Chemicals.
2. The SDG Industry Matrix aims to inspire and include greater private sector action to drive economic and sustainable prosperity. It assists each specific industry to identify specific opportunities and provides industry specific ideas for action through practical examples for each relevant SDG.
3. In the industrial manufacturing sector, there is an opportunity to target SDG 5, which is aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Manufacturing plant facilities can implement processes and culture to create awareness about the rights of women in the workplace, to empower women and retain them.
4. Regarding SDG 6, clean water and sanitation, several initiatives such as closed loop manufacturing processes and improved water treatment can ensure sustainable water management. For example, Ambuja Cements Ltd in India has improved the quality of land, water sources, livestock and livelihood of the community through their programs.
5. Caterpillar's strategic alliance with First Solar, has led to the devlopment of energy storage technologies aimed at providing power to remote places and in mining operations. The company has developed efficient technologies capable of integrating renewable energy sources with conventional power sources, supporting access to reliable energy sources for remote communities (SDG 7).
6. To help meet SDG 8, ensuring productive employment and decent work for all, the report outlines how investing in technologies that set supplier standards to reduce human accidents, promotes higher standards of health and safety in extraction sites and manufacturing facilities.
7. To work towards targets in SDG 9, the Matrix encourages engagement with governments and other companies to create eco-friendly building products that also develops local economies.
8. Sustainable manufacturing must include the development and implementation of improved processes (e.g. closed loop manufacturing) to reduce, reuse and recycle water, raw materials, non-renewable minerals, other inputs, by-products and waste.
9. In the manufacturing industry, there are opportiunities for shared value within all 17 SDGs. With improvements in technologies, changes in the development and manufacturing processes can increasingly assist with building a sustainable future.