Industry

Industry has the capacity - material, human and financial - and consequently the ability to shape and increase economic prosperity, while simultaneously influencing and improving social well-being and environmental integrity (see Box 1.2). It is estimated that corporate supply chains account for two thirds of all water consumption (TNC, n.d.) and that 70% of the world’s freshwater use and pollution is affected by seven major sectors - food, textile, energy, industry, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and mining (CDP, 2018). Decoupling water from industrial productivity, in other words reducing industry’s leverage over water, will, in the long run, benefits both industry and those who would benefit from improved water quality and availability, particularly in accomplishing several targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being

Clean Water and Sanitation

Responsible Consumption and Production