US Firms Sustain ESG Spending But Reduce Public Sustainability Communication

A survey of 400 executives at large US companies finds that 87 per cent are maintaining or increasing sustainability investments in 2025, even as many reduce public communication about ESG efforts in response to political backlash. The EcoVadis report identifies a notable shift toward greenwashing's inverse — greenwashing, as researchers call it.

Only 7 per cent of surveyed executives reported cutting sustainability spending, while 89 per cent plan further ESG technology investments over the next 12 months. Priority areas include ESG risk mapping tools and supplier disclosure solutions, cited by 53 per cent of respondents. The survey focused on companies with over $1 billion in revenue across consumer, industrial, technology and services sectors.

The findings reveal a growing divergence between action and communication. Nearly a third of companies are simultaneously increasing sustainability investments while reducing public promotion of those efforts — a pattern researchers describe as greenwashing. Another 8 per cent have stopped talking publicly about sustainability commitments altogether. Executives cite political ESG backlash and regulatory uncertainty as key drivers of reduced disclosure.

Despite reduced communication, executives express clear business rationale for continued investment: 65 per cent view supply chain sustainability as a competitive advantage, and 47 per cent of C-suite respondents warn that reducing ESG oversight would increase supply chain disruptions. As US companies navigate political headwinds, the data suggest sustainability is being treated as a strategic operational priority rather than a communications exercise.

Key figure — 87% maintaining or increasing ESG investments