1. Using scale to affect change
As various industries face increasing environmental challenges such as sustainable sourcing and transparency, organizations have made headlines in 2017 for joining together in initiatives, using their scale to increase their reach beyond what a single company could accomplish. Food and bev giants formed coalitions to tackle supply chain issues, particularly regarding palm oil and deforestation, for example, and automotive companies and suppliers are working together to ensure sustainability of the rubber supply chain.
2. Water, water everywhere
As water challenges — availability, increasing cost, risk of water scarcity — bubble to the forefront of the global environmental consciousness, companies are implementing (and touting) water management initiatives.
3. Environmental management technology booms
Technology in environmental management is thriving, and expected to continue to thrive, according to a variety of reports this year. To name a few areas of strong growth: Smart water management, industrial water treatment, industrial IoT, EHS tech, and 3-D printing.
