2026 is shaping up to be another year of uncertainty and opportunity for sustainability teams. As regulations shift, scrutiny intensifies, and economic pressures grow, success will depend on flexibility, proof over promises, and collaboration across value chains. In this post, we share key insights and practical questions to help CSOs and sustainability leaders plan for resilience, move beyond carbon tunnel vision, unlock circular value, and prepare for what comes next.

In 2026, EcoVadis has shifted from a nice-to-have to a commercial requirement for promotional companies, with brand customers demanding higher scores, faster timelines, and stronger evidence to win and retain business. This blog breaks down what’s changed in EcoVadis assessments and shares a practical, evidence-first approach—based on our experience helping companies move from Bronze to Gold with lean teams—that reduces internal burden while aligning sustainability efforts with real customer expectations.

This year asked us to navigate a landscape defined by constant shifts, regulatory whiplash, and rising expectations. At Marshall Sustainability, we spent 2025 helping clients stay steady through the push-and-pull of political change, evolving rules, and heightened scrutiny. From recalibrating strategy and purpose to readying for new regulations, shaping consumer-tested messaging, and guiding impact reporting, our work reflected the tension between progress and resistance that defined the year. As we close out 2025, one theme is clear: adaptability, clarity, and conviction remain the cornerstones of meaningful sustainability leadership.

Despite the noise about rollbacks, the broader reality is that sustainability is not retreating but rather reshaping how business works. Most companies are staying committed to their targets, consumers still reward brands that do good, global regulations continue to tighten, and investors remain focused on ESG performance. With nonprofits and civil society keeping pressure high, sustainability has shifted from a compliance exercise to a core driver of resilience, innovation, and long-term value.

In today’s polarized world, brands that lead with integrity and stay grounded in their purpose earn lasting trust. Purpose isn’t about universal approval, it’s about authentic alignment. Let us help you build a purpose strategy that helps your brand hold steady when the noise gets loud.

2025 Climate Action Summit for Kansas City

EcoVadis - Strengten customer relationships with EcoVadis

Summary of key insights from our team's time at Climate Week NYC 2024 covering highlights across policy, new frameworks, GHG accounting and measurement updates, research reports and personal reflections.

Top online executive business courses on sustainability.

Looking for an affordable way to brush up on your sustainability know-how? These low-cost and free courses are quick, self-paced dives to help you brush up.

Free and low-cost courses on the business of sustainability.

There is a wealth of resources available online that teach about the science of climate change and sustainability practices, but it can be difficult to know where to start. These resources will help you grasp the basic science and provide deep dives within specific areas.