Clarkston’s team of consultants highlighted the top sustainability trends that businesses should consider. See an excerpt of the trends report below, and read all 6 trends for 2025 by downloading the full report here.

2025 Sustainability Trends

As we move into 2025, sustainability continues to be a growing priority, shaping innovation across all industries. With 85% of customers shifting their purchases to be more eco-conscious in the past five years, businesses have and must continue to make sustainability a key component of their long-term strategy. 

Companies are responding to demand for ethical, low-impact products by expanding and adjusting their offerings. Meanwhile, stakeholder engagement is growing as organizations recognize and prioritize the value of customer, employee, and community insight. Regulatory pressures are also rising, pushing businesses to meet stricter standards than ever before. Finally, companies must rethink their sourcing and distribution from the ground up, using new technologies and applications to revamp their supply chain sustainability strategy. In this report, we outline six key sustainability trends to look out for in 2025. 

Trend #1: The Shift from Responsive to Proactive Sustainability

In the past, sustainability efforts have typically focused on reducing harm done to the environment, such as minimizing waste and limiting greenhouse gas emissions. However, businesses are realizing that this approach is no longer sufficient for handling mounting climate and environmental pressures. Moving forward, companies must adopt a proactive sustainability strategy, shifting from simply reducing their footprint to creating positive environmental impact through regeneration and restoration. 

Unilever is an example of a consumer products company that has not only committed to reducing their impact but also to creating a regenerative system. The brand has committed to achieving net zero across their complete value chain by 2039, showing extensive responsive sustainability. They are also investing in regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million hectares of land by 2030. Not only is Unilever minimizing their impact on the environment, but they are also working to restore its health. Patagonia has integrated a similar strategy into their supply chain by investing in regenerative agriculture for materials like cotton. As we’ve seen with Unilever and Patagonia, businesses are committing to more intense, proactive strategies to create more positive change. 

This shift isn’t limited to a handful of companies. Over half of the largest 2,000 publicly traded companies have set goals for achieving net zero, showing a commitment to comprehensive sustainability. By establishing ambitious, proactive initiatives, these companies are redefining sustainability and setting new standards that aim not only to mitigate harm but to regenerate ecosystems. As more businesses adopt this forward-thinking approach, proactive sustainability is becoming a crucial driver for long-lasting environmental change. 

Trend #2: The Continued Rise of Plant-Based and Local Food Offerings

In recent years, there has been increased advocacy for sustainable food operations, from sourcing methods to transportation of the products. Overall, 72% of customers surveyed believe that eating more sustainably is imperative. This demand for more environmentally friendly food options has led to a significant rise in the availability of plant-based meals as more companies expand their product portfolios. For example, Ikea has pledged to serve 50% plant-based meals in its stores by 2025, showing how retailers are embracing more sustainable dining options. 

The plant-based food market is predicted to reach $162 billion by 2030, growing from $29.4 billion in 2020. This rapid expansion is indicative of changing consumer preferences, as more customers seek alternative products that align with their sustainability and individual health values. In addition, the plant-based ingredients category is expected to reach a staggering $13 trillion by 2025, further highlighting the potential for growth in this industry. 

The restaurant industry is also responding to this trend by focusing more on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Chefs and restaurant owners are increasingly prioritizing fresh and local produce to create menus that not only support local economies but also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. As awareness of the environmental impacts of our food choices continues to grow, the rise of local and plant-based options marks a shift toward a more sustainable food industry. Continue reading by downloading the full report below.

Download the Full 2025 Sustainability Trends Report Here

Read last year’s Sustainability Trends Report here.

Contributions from Sam Weitzel