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Helping companies reduce environmental impacts, conserve resources, save money, and build stronger sustainable practices.

Sustainability in manufacturing is about creating a real and measurable impact. That is the focus of the Missouri Sustainability Resources Program in the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI), where faculty, staff and students are helping companies improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and strengthen long-term operations.

Supporting Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

The Missouri Sustainability Resources Program at OEWRI provides hands-on support to companies across Missouri. Services include on-site assessments, technical assistance, sustainability program development, and access to best practices that help companies improve performance while reducing operational costs. From water conservation strategies, solid waste reduction, hazardous waste reduction, energy reduction, and improving employe and community engagement, the program is designed to deliver results that are both environmentally, socially, and economically beneficial.

Recognizing Progress Through Certification

OEWRI has developed a strong collaboration with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM). This collaboration has resulted in the development of several new initiatives to support Missouri manufacturing companies.

One new program is the Missouri Manufacturing Sustainability Certification Program. Beginning in 2025 the MMSCP provides companies with a framework to implement successful and cost effective, sustainability strategies and recognize them for their achievements. As participation continues to grow, these companies are helping demonstrate what sustainable manufacturing can look like in practice.

Here is a current list of companies that have achieved certification:

• True Manufacturing (O’Fallon)

• Triad Manufacturing (St. Louis)

• Vital Farms (Springfield)

• Morris Packaging (Jefferson City)

This program continues to grow. Currently, there are three additional companies going through the certification process.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

For Missouri State students, the program offers more than insight — it provides real-world experience. Students support projects through internships during the academic year and summer months, working directly with companies and sustainability professionals.

This means students can receive internships with partner companies, gain hands-on experience with assessments, data collection, research, and implementation of sustainability strategies. These opportunities allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom while building skills that prepare them for careers in sustainability and industry.

Communicating Industry Best Practices

In addition to the certification program, a Sustainability Best Practices Network has been developed with MAM to connect companies and encourage the sharing of ideas and success stories. More than 25 companies are currently engaged in this network.

By creating opportunities for collaboration, the program helps accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries.

Looking Ahead

Companies are reporting the following benefits from implementing sustainability practices:

• Operational cost savings

• Increased employee engagement, recruiting and retention

• Increased community engagement

• Increased customer satisfaction

• Increased efficiencies

• Improved market/customer base

These programs help companies achieve significant performance objectives. Through these results, the adoption of sustainability practices and programs continues to grow in industry.

OEWRI’s Missouri Sustainability Resources Program is committed to supporting organizations in achieving results, developing new innovative resources and partnerships, and providing experiential learning opportunities for students.