UK industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must fall by more than 90% over the next 30 years to reach net zero GHG emissions targets by 2050. Current industrial decarbonisation policies fall far short of what is required and so there is an urgent need to consider the design and implementation of new policies to deliver wide-scale and rapid reductions in industrial emissions. We propose that:policy must address multiple challenges to decarbonisation and go beyond an overarching carbon reduction mechanism.there is no 'policy panacea' and policy solutions need to be flexible and adapt over time.a number of principles should guide effective policy design (co-ordinated, lean, consistent, and phased). Action to cut industrial GHG emissions must be taken quickly, and there are many uncertainties about the policy interventions that will work best. This research will help to inform decision makers about the policy areas that merit further consideration and scrutiny