Top 7 Sustainability Trends To Watch In 2025

As we look towards 2025, sustainability is redefining how businesses operate, with the supply chain sector taking center stage.

It is no longer about efficiency; it’s about building sustainable systems that can adapt, grow and support the planet. From carbon-neutral logistics to digital transparency, companies now view sustainability as an essential part of supply chain success.

Here are the key sustainability trends set to shape the supply chain industry in 2025 and how forward-thinking solutions, like those from Infios, can help businesses take meaningful strides.

1. Carbon reduction and net-zero commitments

With businesses globally racing toward net-zero emissions, supply chains are under increasing scrutiny to reduce carbon footprints.

The supply chain sector contributes significantly to emissions, with studies revealing that eight key supply chains (including food, electronics and automotive) account for more than 50% of global greenhouse gases [1]

Decarbonizing these supply chains could have a transformative impact on corporate climate initiatives, with the World Economic Forum suggesting that addressing emissions across supply chains could reduce overall environmental impact significantly while having minimal effect on consumer prices

In 2025, this trend will drive changes across logistics, transportation and warehousing as companies look for ways to cut emissions without sacrificing service quality.

By optimizing route planning, monitoring transportation costs and improving fleet efficiency, companies can achieve considerable progress towards their carbon reduction goals. Moreover, by gaining greater visibility into transportation expenses, companies can also make smarter decisions around fuel usage and vendor selection, which contributes to cost savings and carbon footprint reduction. Finally, implementing technology to optimize operations enables companies to achieve both cost savings and a reduced environmental impact—a crucial dual benefit in today’s climate-conscious landscape.

Through the combined power of Freight Audit and Payment (FAP) and Transportation Management System (TMS), companies can streamline their transportation operations, cut emissions and meet ambitious carbon goals without compromising service quality.

Learn more about how Infios’s Freight And Audit Payment Solution and Transport Management System can help in carbon reduction and net-zero commitments.

2. Digital transparency and traceability

Today’s customers and stakeholders demand transparency, particularly regarding sourcing, labor practices and environmental impact.

By 2025, digital traceability will be integral to supply chains, allowing companies to track products from origin to endpoint with unprecedented clarity. Research shows that 70% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that provide full product traceability. [2]

Businesses that embrace traceability can respond more effectively to recalls, comply with regulations and assure customers of sustainable sourcing practices.

Experts' tip

Incorporating digital platforms that support traceability is essential. Infios’s warehouse management systems (WMS) offer powerful visibility and inventory tracking capabilities, enabling businesses to maintain accurate data at every supply chain stage, building trust with consumers and partners alike.
Learn more about traceability with Infios’s warehouse management systems (WMS).

3. Circular supply chains

The circular economy—focused on reducing waste by reusing, refurbishing and recycling materials—is now extending to the supply chain.

According to Accenture, circular supply chains could boost economic growth by 4% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. [3]

Designing supply chains that feed back into production allows companies to minimize waste, cut costs and improve resource efficiency.

In 2025, more businesses are expected to adopt circular supply chain practices, with reverse logistics (managing returned products) playing a significant role.

Experts' tip

Infios supports these initiatives by offering solutions that streamline inventory, returns management, and enable efficient handling of returns and remanufacturing processes.

Businesses can implement circular practices by using technology to manage returns effectively, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

Read more about Infios’s Order Management System and Slotting Solutions optimize inventory placement and streamline fulfillment processes to support sustainability.

4. Energy efficiency in warehousing and distribution centers

Warehousing and distribution centers are essential parts of the supply chain but are often energy intensive. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a 30% increase in energy use in these facilities by 2030. To meet this demand sustainably, businesses are prioritizing energy efficiency over sheer energy consumption, finding ways to use less power without sacrificing productivity.[4][5]

By 2025, many facilities are expected to incorporate energy-efficient technologies, including robotics and automated systems, which can optimize energy use during high-demand periods and scale back during off-peak hours. 

Experts' tip

Infios’s Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and warehouse automation solutions allow businesses to operate more efficiently, reducing the need for constant lighting, heating, or cooling across large warehouse spaces.

Small adjustments across multiple facilities can yield significant sustainability gains.

Read more about Infios’s flexible scalability with Autonomous Mobile Robots.

5. Efficient packaging and reduced waste

With global plastic waste at alarming levels, the supply chain industry is moving toward eco-friendly packaging materials and designs.

By 2025, companies are expected to adopt more sustainable materials and minimize excess packaging, balancing protection with environmental responsibility.

Research from McKinsey reveals that reducing packaging by just 10% across global supply chains could eliminate nearly 50 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Many companies are making this shift: for instance, Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging initiative has reduced packaging waste by 500,000 tons since its inception. [6] [7]

6. Last-mile optimization

Last-mile delivery is one of the most challenging aspects of the supply chain, where companies often see the largest carbon footprints.

Optimizing the last mile—using electric vehicles, drones or consolidation strategies—will be essential for companies looking to minimize environmental impact.

Last-mile delivery contributes to supply chain emissions, accounting for over half of logistics costs. Solutions that enhance last-mile efficiency, such as route optimization and delivery consolidation, could reduce transportation emissions by 20-30%, an essential step as demand for quick, sustainable deliveries rises. [8]

By 2025, businesses will explore multiple last-mile options to meet demand in a greener way.

7. Workforce wellness and ethical labor practices

Environmental, Social and Governance practices (ESG) go beyond environmental concerns, extending to social responsibility within the supply chain.

Supply chains that prioritize ethical labor practices and workforce wellness not only contribute to social sustainability but also experience measurable productivity benefits, with ethical practices linked to 12% higher productivity and significantly lower turnover rates. [9]

This commitment is becoming essential as consumers increasingly support brands with transparent, ethical practices.

By 2025, companies will increasingly focus on ethical labor practices, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and overall wellness for employees.

Experts' tip

Infios’s Labor Management Solution can make a significant difference by optimizing workforce allocation and streamlining tasks, helping to reduce excessive workloads and creating a safer, more sustainable work environment.

This solution ensures efficient labor distribution, supports employee well-being, and boosts overall productivity, aligning with sustainability goals in a meaningful way.

Find out more about the Labor Management Solution at Infios.

Conclusion: building a future-ready, sustainable supply chain

Sustainability is shaping the future of supply chain management, and by 2025, businesses will need to adopt clear, measurable practices to stay competitive.

From carbon reduction and traceability to ethical labor practices and energy-efficient facilities, these trends show how ESG practices are influencing the entire supply chain. By adopting these sustainability trends, businesses can forge a resilient, future-proof supply chain that supports long-term growth and a positive environmental footprint.

Embracing sustainability and improving ESG activities isn’t simply good for business; it is essential for building a supply chain ready to face the future’s challenges.

References:

[1] World Economic Forum: Supply chains can be a climate game-changer. Here's why. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/01/tackling-supply-chain-emissions-is-a-game-changer-for-climate-action/

[1] World Economic Forum: Supply chain sustainability is key to achieving climate goals: Here's how organizations can get started. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/04/why-supply-chain-sustainability-key-to-achieving-climate-goals/

[2] Accenture: How supply chain sustainability helps unlock resilience and growth https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/supply-chain-operations/supply-chains-key-unlocking-net-zero-emissions

[3] Accenture: The power of circular venture building https://www.accenture.com/nl-en/blogs/insights/the-power-of-circular-venture-building

[4] Mckinsey: Playing offense with green tech to achieve net-zero emissions https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/playing-offense-with-green-tech-to-achieve-net-zero-emissions

[5] [9] Bain: Operations and Supply Chain Decarbonization: Lower Emissions, Higher Performance. https://www.bain.com/insights/operations-and-supply-chain-decarbonization-lower-emissions-higher-performance-ceo-sustainability-guide-2023/

[6] McKinsey: Decarbonizing logistics: Charting the path ahead. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/decarbonizing-logistics-charting-the-path-ahead

[7] World Economic Forum: Supply chain sustainability is key to achieving climate goals: Here's how organizations can get started.  https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/04/why-supply-chain-sustainability-key-to-achieving-climate-goals/

[8] BCG: Why Some Companies Are Ahead in the Race to Net Zero. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/why-some-companies-are-ahead-in-the-race-to-net-zero-and-reducing-emssions