Sustainability Practices in Industrial Production : A Comparative Study of Selected Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine and compare the sustainability practices exe- cuted in the three leading manufacturing companies operating namely ABB, Wärtsilä, and Valmet. This thesis uses a qualitative approach. It analyses various reports published between 2022 and 2024 by each company. The analysis is based on four main frame- works which are Triple Bottom Line, Circular Economy, Lean-Green Manufacturing, and Environmental, Social, and Governance. The findings show that all three companies have made strong progress in reducing their environmental impact. ABB has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 78% since 2019. Wärtsilä has reduced its material use by 45% since 2018. Valmet has achieved science- based targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), including a 49% reduction in emissions. In terms of social performance, all three companies show strong safety results and clear improvements in gender diversity. Women now hold approxi- mately 21–22% of management positions in each company. However, their approaches to circular economy practices differ. ABB uses a clear, target-based portfolio assessment to measure circularity. Wärtsilä focuses on improving resource efficiency in its operations to achieve circular results. Valmet promotes ecosystem-based innovation through its be- yond Circularity programme. The thesis concludes sustainability is an integrated strategic priority among these com- panies. It supports financial performance instead of constraining it. This thesis provides a practical comparison across different companies and helps to address a gap in existing literature.