This report explores how global manufacturers are aligning commodity strategies with key sustainability goals—climate, waste, water, and nature. It uncovers investment hotspots and shows how prioritizing these areas fuels business growth, strengthens resilience, and sharpens competitive positioning in a fast-evolving sustainability landscape.
Delivery
This report comes in PPT.
Key findings
Aligning strategy, execution and communication for impact
In 2025, board-level pressure for climate action surged, but only 53% of companies have a net-zero strategy. With sustainable product launches rising to 62% of the total, execution is outpacing strategy. To stay resilient, companies must embed sustainability into decision-making, and tailor communication across stakeholders to build trust and drive impact.
Efficiency gains show cleaner growth potential
Global GHG emissions keep rising, but efficiency is improving fast – emissions per unit of output fell by 2.3% annually between 2019 and 2024. With more firms adopting net-zero targets, economies are producing more with less carbon. Continued investment in clean energy and technology is key to turning efficiency into real emissions cuts.
Recycling progress signals a shift towards circular growth
Waste accounts for about 3% of global GHG emissions, but efficiency is improving, as recycling growth now outpaces waste generation, particularly in Europe. With two thirds of companies planning to invest in waste and recycling, and the number of products with zero waste claims growing by 18% annually, circular models are becoming mainstream sustainability priorities.
From efficiency to impact: scaling water stewardship in FMCG
Water stewardship is now essential to future-proof FMCG operations, especially in agriculture, which accounts for over 80% of water withdrawals in Latin America and Asia Pacific. Shifting from efficiency to restoration boosts resilience and cuts costs. Scaling water-saving formats in home care and BPC requires linking product innovation to clear economic and consumer benefits.
Beyond organic: Embedding nature-positive growth in FMCG
Nature is now a strategic asset under pressure. With forest and farmland shrinking by 1% annually, and populations surging in sourcing hotspots, FMCGs must act quickly. Beyond organic, scaling regenerative agriculture, deforestation-free sourcing and trusted certifications like Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance are vital to protect supply chains, brand equity and growth.
Why read this report?
Key findings
Environmental challenges are becoming drivers of innovation and growth
Sustainability at the core: Redefining growth, reinforcing resilience
Translating sustainability into impact: Aligning strategy, execution and communication
Emissions are expected to grow, even as companies step up their climate efforts
GHG emissions are increasingly concentrated, with Asia Pacific responsible for 53%
As climate commitments grow, product innovation is becoming a key driver of impact
Examples concerning climate impact
Waste is a growing climate concern and a rising priority for companies and consumers
Recycling is gaining ground in Europe, but plastics remain the critical weak spot
Packaging is the frontline of waste management – recyclability is now the baseline
Examples of waste management
Water stewardship is critical to secure resources for long-term business resilience
From risk to resilience: regional smart water strategies for global FMCG impact
Reigniting water-saving behaviours is critical for BPC and home care brands
Examples of waterless/water efficient products
From overlooked to critical: Nature’s new role in FMCG risk management
The urgency to build resilience through nature-positive sourcing
Beyond organic: Expanding claims for ecosystem stewardship
Examples of sustainably sourced products
Recommendations/opportunities for growth
Compliance is not enough, credibility is the new currency
Businesses need to stop seeing packaging only as a cost – it is its responsibility
Questions we are asking
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