Global Sustainability Trends: How Businesses Can Lead
From November 10th to 21st, global leaders will meet in Belém for COP30, a critical moment for climate diplomacy and business strategy. For FMCG companies, this summit signals that environmental risks have become board-level priorities.
Droughts, deforestation, and water scarcity are increasingly disrupting supply chains, while consumers demand greater transparency.
Source: Euromonitor Voice of the Industry Survey, April 2025 (n=258) and April 2024 (n=499)
Insights from the Global Sustainability Trends Report
This article highlights findings from the Global Sustainability Trends: Embracing a Lower Carbon Future report, showing how leading companies turn sustainability into a driver of resilience, innovation, and growth.
Execution is advancing faster than strategy: although 62% of companies plan sustainable product launches, only 53% have a formal net-zero strategy. Furthermore, only 6% feel they communicate their sustainability efforts effectively to consumers.
Key Actions for Leadership
- Sustainability leadership requires integration across the entire business, not isolated projects.
- Despite increased momentum, global greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise by 0.4% annually until 2029.
- Systemic challenges remain, but progress is evident in some brands.
Examples of Corporate Progress
Brands like Strong Roots and Neutral Foods use verified carbon data to gain consumer trust and differentiate themselves in crowded markets. Transparency regarding carbon footprint is emerging as a vital competitive advantage.
Waste still significantly contributes to environmental impact.
"Sustainability leadership isn’t about isolated initiatives – it’s about integration across the business."
Author's summary: Businesses must embed sustainability into all operations to navigate rising environmental risks, meet consumer demands, and turn carbon transparency into a strategic advantage.