Sustainability: key trends for companies in 2025

Circular economy, biodiversity, climate action and more - these are just some of the key sustainability trends expected to shape 2025 and capture the interest of companies.

In this first 2025 edition of Biodiversity Talks, 3Bee's weekly newsletter, we explore the latest insights and priorities in the sustainability landscape. Discover how these trends are setting the stage for meaningful action and progress this year.

Accelerating the circular economy in Europe

In 2025, the European Commission will focus on advancing the circular economy with a strong push to implement the Circular Economy Act. The appointment of Jessika Roswall as Commissioner for Environment and Circular Economy will put the issue at the heart of the Green Deal 2.0. This will include targeted incentives and investment to promote a single waste market and increased demand for secondary materials. A key tool will be the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), to be adopted in 2024, which will ensure consumer access to repair services for appliances and electronics through a new platform connecting consumers and repair professionals. The Commission will also update the bio-economy strategy and introduce a new packaging regulation to make all packaging recyclable by 2030.

Biodiversity in the spotlight: COP16bis in Rome

From 25 to 27 February, Rome will host the conclusion of the discussions on biodiversity finance as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This event, known as COP16bis, is a unique opportunity for Italy to establish itself as a leader in biodiversity conservation, even though the presidency remains with Colombia. Negotiations will focus on mobilising $200 billion per year by 2030 (with at least $20 billion by 2025). Key priorities include finalising the monitoring framework to measure progress on the GBF's 23 targets and adopting a planning, monitoring, reporting and review mechanism (PMRR) to track progress ahead of COP17.

Sustainability Reporting: The CSRD comes into force

In 2025, corporate sustainability reporting will gain momentum with the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), already affecting some companies in 2024. The reporting obligation will extend to large listed companies with at least 500 employees and at least one of the following criteria: total assets exceeding €20 million or net revenues above €40 million. Greater emphasis will be placed on measuring and communicating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Companies will need to adopt high standards of transparency not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to enhance their reputation, attract investors, and access capital. Concurrently, demand will rise for consulting firms specializing in double materiality assessments, including biodiversity-related aspects.

Increased focus on climate action: COP30 in Brazil

In November 2025, COP30, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference, will take place in Belém, Brazil. Representatives from 196 UN member states will assess progress under the Paris Agreement and the availability of financial resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By February 2025, all countries must submit updates to their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which aim to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C. Discussions at COP30 will focus on energy transition, deforestation, climate finance, nature-based solutions and biodiversity conservation to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Technology for environmental monitoring and data management

Innovation will remain a cornerstone of sustainability in 2025, with a focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain for natural resource management. Companies will increasingly invest in technological solutions to monitor, analyse and mitigate impacts on nature, biodiversity and the climate, with the aim of optimising production processes and improving energy efficiency. The link between sustainability and innovation will become stronger, with the technology sector rising to the challenge of providing ESG-compliant sustainable solutions. In addition, the adoption of environmental data management technologies will improve companies' reporting capabilities and enable them to predict future impacts, mitigating risks associated with climate change and evolving regulations.

Element-E Platform by 3Bee Ecosystem for climate, nature and biodiversity

In this context, the Element-E Platform by 3Bee Ecosystem supports companies with non-financial reporting and the development of an effective e-Strategy to achieve environmental goals. Starting with a dual materiality assessment, we accurately identify material issues: financial materiality is analyzed in a company-specific manner. On the other hand, impact materiality is examined by considering the intensity, extent and irreversibility of impacts, both current and future, again by analyzing specific cases. Finally, non-material issues are justified by detailing policies, actions and objectives for a transparent and strategic approach. With objective, transparent and continuous data, we help companies develop sound strategies for environmental protection and regeneration in line with ESRS standards.

Want to know more? Discover the Element-E Platform, by 3Bee Ecosystem ?? https://www.3bee.com/en/platform/