In this episode, I spoke with Eszter Haberl, Sustainability Director at Tenneco, who brings over 15 years of manufacturing experience and a refreshingly commercial mindset to sustainability. With roots in automotive OEMs and a background in commercial strategy, Eszter offers a practical lens on how manufacturers can embed sustainability into their operations without compromising profits.

We tackled what it really takes to decarbonise, the end of the sustainability “honeymoon phase,” and how manufacturers can unlock cost savings and competitive advantage by focusing on data, design, and collaboration.

Our highlights from the conversation:

★ Forget the fluff, this is about financials
Sustainability isn’t just a feel-good initiative. Eszter explains how it’s tied to investor confidence, customer retention, and profitability. Get it right, and it shows up in the numbers.

★ Quick wins are on the shop floor
From switching off machinery over the weekend to monitoring energy intensity, Eszter shows how simple changes tracked with basic tools can lead to big savings.

★ Data means power (and profits)
You don’t need complex software to start. Bills, meters, and a few loggers are enough to highlight energy waste and inefficiencies. Over time, a carbon model helps weigh design choices and supplier options against emissions impact.

★ Collaboration is key
You can’t do this in a silo. Eszter breaks down how to get operations, finance, legal, and purchasing aligned around sustainability KPIs and why supplier conversations are more crucial than ever.

★ Don’t wait for the perfect plan
Sustainability is now a question of competitiveness. Regulations are tightening, incentives are shifting, and the companies that find cost-effective ways to decarbonise will win the business.

🎧 Tune In

If you’re leading in manufacturing and unsure where to start or scale your sustainability efforts, this episode cuts through the noise. Eszter shares practical steps, market-driven insights, and how small actions today can lead to measurable change tomorrow.

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube. And if you enjoy it, follow the show. We’ve got more conversations coming with people who know how to make real progress in manufacturing.