• 87% of U.S. firms are maintaining or increasing sustainability spending in 2025, despite mounting political backlash and regulatory uncertainty.
• Nearly one-third admit to “greenhushing”—investing in sustainability while reducing public disclosure.
• 65% view supply chain sustainability as a business advantage that enhances growth, resilience, and customer retention.

Most Companies Still Investing in Sustainability—Just Not Talking About It

A new report from EcoVadis reveals that U.S. companies are doubling down on sustainability investments—even as public discourse around ESG becomes increasingly politicized.

Released on July 15, the 2025 U.S. Business Sustainability Landscape Outlook surveyed 400 U.S. executives at companies with over $1 billion in revenue. The findings show that 87% of companies have either maintained or increased sustainability budgets this year, while many are choosing to communicate less about it publicly.

“Even as the debate over business sustainability heats up, executives are focused on the reality—sustainability is what keeps supply chains running and customers on board,” said Pierre-François Thaler, co-founder and co-CEO of EcoVadis.

Quiet Investment, Loud Impact

• 31% of executives said they are increasing sustainability investments while reducing public communication.
• 8% have gone completely silent, despite staying on track.
• Only 7% have actually reduced their sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability is widely seen as a competitive edge:

• 65% say it enhances growth and risk resilience.
• 62% say it improves customer retention.
• 52% of finance leaders call it a driver of long-term value.

Tech, Transparency, and Regulatory Risk

Despite ESG regulation rollback efforts, nearly half (47%) of C-suite leaders say removing ESG rules would increase supply chain disruption. Another 59% expect labor abuses to rise in such a scenario.

However, compliance remains a challenge:

• Only 13% of firms are on track to meet four major ESG regulations: CSRD, CBAM, SB-253, and Canada’s Modern Slavery Act.
• 33% of execs admit to submitting estimated ESG data they knew wasn’t fully accurate.

Still, most are trying to improve data quality:

• 57% are using ESG risk mapping tools
• 49% have supplier engagement platforms
• 34% are mapping their supply base
• 89% plan further tech investments in the next 12 months

Read the full report here.

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