Global Decarbonization Trends and Smart Manufacturing: 2025 Deployment Strategies

The global net-zero transition continues to gain momentum, driven by carbon pricing mechanisms such as emissions trading, carbon fees, and cap-and-trade systems. In response, major manufacturers are advancing net-zero commitments and strategies, while AI applications are increasingly recognized as a key enabler of corporate net-zero transformation.

Key Highlights

• In 2025, carbon pricing mechanisms operating worldwide cover about 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The World Bank notes that prices remain too low; therefore, further increases are expected.
• The EU plans to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2027. Meanwhile, Asian economies are advancing carbon policies -Japan via credit trading, South Korea by expanding its emissions trading system, and Taiwan through carbon credit trading and an upcoming carbon fee targeting major emitters.
• Technology leaders are committing to renewable energy goals and collaborating with suppliers to reduce emissions across operations and value chains.
• Manufacturers face growing net-zero pressures, driving the need to upgrade processes, energy structures, and circular economy practices.
• AI advancement, supported by policy, is becoming a key enabler for ESG execution and net-zero achievement.