2 real-life Business Process Automation examples for Sustainability

2 real-life Business Process Automation examples for Sustainability

Automation in the sustainability function can be effective because the work depends on fragmented data (operational, supplier, and financial) that has to be translated into credible metrics, disclosures, and action plans.

The best automations reduce the manual burden of data collection, emissions calculation, evidence gathering, and reporting while preserving methodological consistency, auditability, and enough transparency for regulators, investors, and customers to trust the numbers.

Industry

Sector

Nestlé and IBM's Packaging Efficiency

This strategic collaboration between Nestlé and IBM Research utilises advanced generative AI and chemical language models to rapidly discover sustainable, high-barrier packaging materials, effectively compressing years of traditional laboratory R&D into digital simulations.

Use Case
Identifying Novel High-Barrier Sustainable Packaging Materials
Tools
IBM Watson
Input
Public and proprietary documents on packaging materials, molecular structure data, and physical-chemical property datasets
Process
IBM AI learns molecular structures from a vast knowledge base while a regression transformer correlates structural features with properties to propose entirely new materials that resist moisture, temperature, and oxygen
Output
In-silico generation of novel packaging candidates evaluated for cost, recyclability, and functionality
Outcome
Drastic compression of R&D timelines, supporting the goal of 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025
Food Processing and Packing
Sustainability

Mondelez's Sustainability Monitoring System

Mondelez International utilises an AI-powered monitoring system within its Harmony Academy Digital Platform to drive sustainable wheat farming. By analysing real-time environmental data from supplier farms, the automation provides actionable insights that optimise agricultural inputs and ensure high-level ESG compliance across the global supply chain.

Use Case
Sustainable Agriculture Monitoring
Tools
Harmony Digital Platform
Input
Farm-level data including greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen use, pesticide application, soil health metrics, and biodiversity indicators
Process
AI tools analyze farm-level environmental data in real time to generate data-driven recommendations for input optimization and continuous ESG KPI monitoring
Output
Real-time visibility into sustainability performance and improved traceability of raw material origins
Outcome
Advances the commitment to source 100% of wheat through the Harmony programme and achieves measurable improvements in regenerative agriculture practices
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Sustainability
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