This research collates and analyses emissions and waste stream data for the advanced manufacturing sector. The information is presented by subsector and allows for analysis of where significant and targeted impacts can be made for emissions and waste reduction.

 

The project has identified and mapped the emissions and waste patterns of the seven main advanced manufacturing subsectors to identify opportunities to adopt net-zero circular manufacturing.

 

This study supports the growth and resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector. Advanced manufacturing makes up 10% of the economy ($24.1 billion GDP).

 

The sub-sectors mapped were:

• Food and beverage
• Machinery and equipment
• Other manufacturing
• Metal and metal product
• Chemicals and refining
• Paper and wood
• Plastics and rubber

 

Circular economy practices exist in New Zealand within and across manufacturing subsectors. Subsectors differ greatly. However, they are connected through resource flows and face similar challenges, particularly around waste.

 

Supply chain emissions are significant across all subsectors.

 

Most subsectors depend on imports and ‘offshore’ their emissions. As a result, some will be exposed to critical minerals risks (e.g., fertilisers, machinery, and equipment).

 

For import-dependent subsectors, circular economy models that reduce consumption by extending service lives, sharing access to products or creating jobs through reuse, remanufacturing or repair, may reduce supply risks and global emissions.

 

In some subsectors, opportunities exist to use more of what we produce locally. In some cases, this could make businesses more resilient and create skilled jobs. Clear policies on managing domestic versus global emissions need to guide these transitions.

 

Solutions that match companies’ business needs (e.g., support market access) are more commercially attractive.

 

The industry is open to collaborating but needs support to overcome transparency and access to better data to support decision-making. This is currently considered a market failure.

 

Click here to access the summary report - Summary Report Mapping Emissions And Waste Stream Profiles And Opportunities For Achieving Net Ze