Sustainability: Trends for 2025 for Companies

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In 2025, the European Commission will focus on accelerating the circular economy, with a strong commitment towards implementing the Circular Economy Act. The appointment of Jessika Roswall as Commissioner for Environment and Circular Economy will help make the topic central in Green Deal 2.0. Targeted incentives and investments will be expected, promoting a single market for waste and the demand for secondary materials. Among the main tools will be the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), adopted in 2024, which will ensure consumers the ability to repair appliances and electronic products, with a new platform useful for connecting consumers and repairers. Additionally, the Commission will update the bioeconomy strategy, and a new regulation on packaging is

In 2025, Rome will host the conclusion of the work on finance for biodiversity under the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The COP16bis, which will take place from February 25 to 27, will be an unmissable opportunity for Italy to position itself as a key player in biodiversity protection, although the presidency will remain with Colombia. The negotiation will discuss strategies to mobilize 200 billion dollars a year by 2030 (and at least 20 by 2025). Among the priorities will be the finalization of the Monitoring Framework to measure progress on the 23 KMGBF goals, and the adoption of a Planning, Monitoring, Reporting, and Reviewing Mechanism (PMRR), useful for analyzing progress during COP17.

The year 2025 will see an acceleration of sustainability reporting activities by companies thanks to the application of the CSRD Directive, which already involved some companies in 2024. The reporting obligation will concern listed large enterprises with at least 500 employees and at least one of the following characteristics: a balance sheet exceeding 20 million euros and net revenues exceeding 40 million euros. Furthermore, there will be growing attention toward the measurement and communication of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Companies will be required to adopt high transparency standards, not only to respond to regulatory obligations but also to improve their reputation, attract investors, and access capital. In parallel, an increase in consultancy firms specializing in the measurement of double materiality, which will also include aspects related to biodiversity, is expected.

In November 2025, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place in Belém, Brazil. The 196 member countries of the United Nations will meet to assess progress in the Paris Agreement framework and the financial resources available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By February 2025, all countries must present their updates on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming to keep the increase in average global temperature below 1.5°C. The COP30 negotiations will focus not only on energy transition but also on issues of deforestation, climate finance, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity protection to help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

In 2025, innovation will continue to be a fundamental driver for sustainability, focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain for the management of natural resources. Companies will increasingly be inclined to invest in technological solutions to monitor, analyze, and mitigate impacts on nature, biodiversity, and climate, with the aim of optimizing production processes and improving energy efficiency. The link between sustainability and innovation will become increasingly strong, with technology sectors called upon to meet the demand for sustainable solutions that comply with ESG criteria. Moreover, the adoption of technologies for managing environmental data will enable companies to improve their reporting capabilities and predict future impacts, reducing risks associated with climate change and regulatory changes.