Climate change, driven largely by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from anthropogenic activity, demands urgent global decarbonisation. Industry contributes 30–35% of global GHG emissions, with manufacturing value chains playing a pivotal role. This paper explores decarbonisation measures within manufacturing, focusing on both material and energy-related measures. Emphasizing efficiency and substitution, it outlines actionable strategies at process and system levels towards net zero carbon emissions. Supported by literature analysis and case studies, a structured framework is presented enabling to assess and prioritize decarbonisation efforts, aligned with planetary boundaries. Based on this, future research demands are derived and discussed.