Carbon Footprint Management as a Catalyst for Sustainable Industrial Practices

ABSTRACT This paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) of 280 peer‐reviewed articles to evaluate the function of carbon footprint (CFP) management as a motivator for sustainability in industry. The study considers industry perspectives and acknowledges the growth of CFP research as a key measurement area for organizations as well as a strategic enabler to align industry with global climate targets. The study identifies relevant gaps, particularly the absence of comparative literature related to the effects of CFP non‐compliance relative to regulations, and a lack of longitudinal studies regarding the long‐term effects of CFP policies being initiated or abandoned. The study provides a linkage to actionable sustainable practices, as a guided structure through five stages of industrial production, and makes suggestions for actionable outcomes for researchers, industries, and policy, encouraging a more comparative approach to and integrated management of CFP in core industrial strategy to enhance sustainability benefits.