Sustainability Meets Growth 2025

Images: Getty Images Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2025 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Foreword Executive summary Introduction 1 Boosting economic and environmental impact: Sustainability as a business enabler 1.1 Reducing costs and emissions through operational efficiency 1.2 Strengthening talent attraction and retention 1.3 Unlocking new business models and revenue 2 Manufacturing SMEs and mid-sized companies’ perspectives on environmental sustainability 3 An actionable sustainability roadmap for SMEs and mid-sized manufacturers 4 Supporting SMEs and mid-sized manufacturers to advance their environmental sustainability goals Conclusion Appendix Contributors Endnotes3 4 5 7 7 7 8 9 11 17 22 23 24 26 Sustainability Meets Growth: A Roadmap for SMEs and Mid-Sized Manufacturers 2