"The share of S&P 100 companies using 'ESG' in their sustainability report titles dropped from 40% in 2023 to just 6% in 2025. But the work hasn't stopped."
"When the brands getting it right say nothing, the people who depend on that story lose more than a narrative. Farming communities lose the market signal that makes regenerative practices economically viable."
"Greenwashing lawsuits are real, regulatory scrutiny is tightening, and overclaiming—even when the underlying work is solid—has become a liability."
"According to a 2025 EcoVadis study, 87% of U.S. companies have actually increased sustainability spending even with regulatory uncertainty."
The decline in S&P 100 companies using 'ESG' in sustainability reports indicates a shift towards silence among credible brands. Despite this, 87% of U.S. companies have increased sustainability spending. The fear of greenwashing lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny has led brands with credibility to stop communicating their efforts. This silence negatively impacts farming communities, ecosystems, employees, and consumers who would support sustainable practices if informed. The situation reflects a broader issue of accountability and transparency in sustainability efforts.
Read at Fast Company
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