Outlook 2026: Sustainability Becomes Operational

For years, sustainability has been dominated by target setting, roadmaps, and strategic visions. 2026 marks a turning point: sustainability is moving decisively into operational execution.

The focus is shifting away from defining ever more ambitious goals and toward integration, steering, and resilience. Companies that embed sustainability into everyday processes, decision-making, and value chains will be better positioned to navigate an increasingly volatile environment.

Key Sustainability Trends for 2026

Biodiversity & Circular Economy

The circular economy is evolving from an efficiency topic into a strategic lever for biodiversity. Circular models reduce resource consumption, ease pressure on ecosystems, and strengthen long-term resilience across value chains. Biodiversity is becoming a decisive factor for business models, investments, and regulation.

Product Transparency & Digital Product Passports (DPP)

Product transparency is becoming the new standard. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) consolidate structured information on product origin, materials, sustainability performance, and lifecycle data. They build trust, increase circularity, and reduce greenwashing risks—while regulatory requirements make them increasingly mandatory.

Voluntary Reporting

After years of data overload, a clear shift is emerging: less volume, more relevance. Companies are focusing on targeted, voluntary reporting with real strategic value. Material topics take center stage—supporting stronger management decisions, clearer communication, and greater credibility.

Climate Adaptation, Decarbonisation & Net Zero

The focus is moving from net-zero ambitions to concrete implementation. Emissions reduction across Scope 1–3 is becoming operationally embedded, while physical climate risks elevate resilience to a management priority. Climate strategies are increasingly linked to investment, risk, and transformation planning.

Digitalisation & AI

Digital tools and AI are becoming key enablers of sustainability. They support automated data collection, advanced analytics, and integrated steering—across CSRD, DPP, and Product Carbon Footprints. Transparency, efficiency, and scalability are finally achievable at scale.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

DEI is moving beyond isolated initiatives toward structural integration into leadership, culture, and governance. Authentic inclusion, psychological safety, and fair structures strengthen employee retention and trust in leadership—key foundations for resilient organisations.

Our Take

2026 will define who truly manages sustainability.

The differentiator will not be the boldest targets, but the ability to translate sustainability into operational reality—making organisations more resilient, steerable, and future-proof.