Sustainability practices in Mexico's manufacturing industry

Today, the issue of sustainability is of great importance because it has significant impacts across various sectors. Specifically, companies require a new business vision that addresses the needs and demands not only of the market but also of society and the environment; in this sense, sustainability must be integrated into business objectives and goals. Consequently, this academic work arises from the need to conduct scientific research and contribute to the literature on the sustainability practices implemented by Mexican companies and how these practices directly and indirectly affect their core business activities.

First, the authors of the study adopted a methodology based on a quantitative approach, using a survey to gather measurable and quantifiable information and data on the various sustainability initiatives undertaken by companies in Mexico’s manufacturing sector. Next, the characteristics of companies in the manufacturing sector are discussed. To this end, it is also noted that the study was conducted among 410 companies located in seven states in the central and northern parts of the country, namely: Aguascalientes, Coahuila, the State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí.

The findings regarding sustainability practices in manufacturing companies can be categorized into three main areas: sustainable management practices, applied to environmental management, customer focus, and product innovation. Another aspect is Circular Economy Practices, identifying barriers to Circular Economy Practices and Sustainable Business. Finally, Sustainable Development Practices, in areas such as Social Development, Environmental Development, and Economic Development.

This study contributes to the academic understanding of the sustainable practices implemented by manufacturing companies in Mexico, identifies areas of opportunity as well as successes, and highlights the need to move toward new business models—that is, to transition from traditional models to those that view sustainability as a key element of business development, addressing environmental, social, and economic needs and demands. In Mexico, therefore, sustainability is an area of opportunity that must be addressed from various perspectives, with the aim of creating a positive impact within companies, particularly in the manufacturing sector.