Mid-market defies global rollbacks: 86% of firms continue to invest in sustainability
A new report from Grant Thornton reveals that nearly nine in ten (85.9%) mid-market businesses will maintain or increase their investment in sustainability in 2025, despite political and regulatory rollbacks in key markets. The findings challenge the narrative that sustainability is losing momentum and instead position the mid-market as a global force for long-term growth and resilience.
“What’s become increasingly clear from Grant Thornton’s latest International Business Report (IBR) research is that these businesses view sustainability as a path to growth, not an obstacle – and certainly not a compliance box to be ticked,” explains Trent Gazzaway, global head service line capability and quality at Grant Thornton International. “They value the commercial opportunities sustainability can bring and are putting significant resource behind it.”
The Scaling Sustainability report draws on data from over 15,000 mid-market firms across 35 economies. It finds that not only are 85.9% of businesses actively investing in sustainability initiatives, but 54.0% believe these efforts will increase long-term profitability and 51.3% expect a boost in long-term revenue.
Despite changes to regulations like CSRD and SEC climate disclosure rules, 72.9% of firms say they will continue sustainability reporting. Of those, 44.8% think it makes good business sense, and 35.9% say it aligns with the purpose of their business. It’s clear that sustainability has become a core component at the heart of the mid-market, seen as essential to both growth and success.
Given what we’ve found in our data, Grant Thornton advises business leaders to:
Be heard: Mid-market firms must ensure their voices are represented in sustainability discussions around the world. By engaging directly with policymakers, responding to consultations or working collectively through industry groups, these businesses can influence the frameworks that shape their future.
Be evidence led: Sustainability reporting remains a vital commercial tool and the mid-market is committed to continuing its strong work in the area. Reporting is now embedded in their operations as a tool for tracking progress, demonstrating accountability and building trust with stakeholders. Businesses should continue to follow what their data is telling them, regardless of regulatory or political upheaval.
Be focused: Recent regulatory shifts offer an opportunity to streamline sustainability efforts. Firms can now concentrate on reporting areas most relevant to their strategy, enabling higher quality disclosures that align with commercial goals.
Be collaborative: Cost and complexity are common barriers across regions. Businesses should work closely with investors, industry peers and customers to share resources, align expectations and develop scalable sustainability solutions.
Be clear: To maintain stakeholder support, mid-market firms must communicate sustainability in terms that resonate – such as resilience, longevity and commercial value. Reframing the narrative helps position sustainability as a driver of growth, not a regulatory burden.
The message is clear: sustainability is not slowing down – it’s scaling up. And the mid-market can clearly see the value sustainability has to offer.
ENDS
____
Contact us:
(E) kgt@pr.gt.com
(T) (787) 754-1915
You can download the full report in English and Spanish below.
