Global Sustainability Trends: How Businesses Can Lead
From November 10th to 21st, global leaders will convene in Belém for COP30, a critical event not only for climate diplomacy but also for business strategy. For FMCG companies, the summit highlights that environmental risks have become top priorities at the board level.
Environmental Challenges Affecting Businesses
- Droughts, deforestation, and water scarcity are disrupting supply chains.
- Consumers increasingly demand transparency regarding sustainability efforts.
Source: Euromonitor Voice of the Industry Survey, April 2025 (n=258) and April 2024 (n=499)
Insights from Global Sustainability Trends Report
The Global Sustainability Trends: Embracing a Lower Carbon Future report shows how companies use sustainability to drive resilience, innovation, and growth. Execution now leads strategy:
- 62% of companies plan sustainable product launches.
- Only 53% have a net-zero carbon strategy.
- Just 6% feel they effectively communicate sustainability to consumers.
Key to Leadership in Sustainability
Sustainability leadership requires holistic integration across all business operations, not isolated projects. Despite growing efforts, global greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise by 0.4% annually until 2029.
However, real progress is visible. Brands like Strong Roots and Neutral Foods use verified carbon data to build consumer trust and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Transparency on carbon emissions is becoming a major competitive advantage.
Impact of Waste
Waste contributes significantly to environmental issues, reinforcing the need for businesses to address sustainability comprehensively.
"Sustainability leadership isn’t about isolated initiatives – it’s about integration across the business."
Author’s summary: Leading companies embrace sustainability as an integrated strategy to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, growth, and consumer trust.