• 92% of companies say sustainability is now essential to business success — up from 87% in 2024.
• PLM users lead the pack, with 88% reporting strong support for compliance, versus 60% of non-users.
• Data quality remains a major barrier, with only 37% saying their compliance efforts are well supported.

Sustainability and business success are converging — fast.

According to The Future of PLM and Digital Engineering, a new global study by Aras, 92% of organizations now see sustainability as vital to business performance, up five points from 2024.

Driving this alignment are Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, which are proving essential in both regulatory compliance and operational agility.

“Sustainability today is about aligning regulatory compliance with operational excellence,” said Roque Martin, CEO of Aras. “Organizations that embed sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations are better positioned to adapt, compete, and grow – regardless of how the requirements evolve.”

PLM Users Are Ahead of the Curve

Among PLM users, 88% say their systems effectively support sustainability compliance, compared to just 60% of those without PLM. These systems help track product data, integrate suppliers, and manage rising regulatory pressures — including the EU’s CSRD and the Digital Product Passport.

Digital maturity also accelerates innovation. 87% of PLM users are leveraging AI in product development, significantly outpacing the 59% adoption rate among non-PLM users. The findings make clear that PLM has evolved from an engineering tool to a strategic enabler of digital transformation.

RELATED ARTICLE: Salesforce Reveals the Gap Between Sustainability Commitments and Business Integration

Data Challenges Threaten Progress

Despite momentum, only 37% of companies say their compliance initiatives are “well supported,” and 18% admit their systems fall short. Common issues include poor data quality, siloed tools, and inadequate oversight — all of which pose growing business risks.

“Without trusted data, organizations struggle to make informed decisions or future-proof their operations,” the report warns.

The Bottom Line for Executives

With regulatory demands intensifying and digital competition rising, the takeaway is clear: Modernizing systems and securing data foundations is no longer optional.

“Now is the time for businesses to act,” the research concludes. “Sustainability, compliance, and digital leadership are converging — and PLM is at the center.”

Read The Future of Product Lifecycle Management and Digital Engineering here.

Follow ESG News on LinkedIn