Inhaltsverzeichnis
Access to sources of recycled raw materials and the growing importance of sustainability for employee recruitment as top challenges
Industrial companies are currently undergoing a fundamental transformation towards greater sustainability – among other things, through rapid digitalisation, increasing transparency and the development of an integrated circular economy. In many fields, they are thus pioneering a sustainable future. The Sustainable Turn 2025 study by ROI-EFESO and RecycleMe provides an overview of current trends in the field of industrial sustainability and offers insights into the topics that are of concern to decision-makers in industry.
‘When it comes to sustainability, we don’t see the one way, but rather – depending on the business model and industry context – very different challenges and solutions,’ explains Sebastian Diers, Managing Partner ROI-EFESO Germany. ‘With the study, we show what is driving industrial companies on their way to a sustainable future.’
Three developments that industrial companies are currently reckoning with
Based on 13 theses about industry in 2025, which were developed together with industry experts, the study offers insights into the scenarios the industry is dealing with. Among other things, decision-makers expect.
- that companies that want to remain competitive will have to strategically integrate the UN’s sustainability goals comprehensively.
- that a sustainable business philosophy massively increases the chances of hiring and retaining young talent in the long term.
- that secured access to recycled raw material sources will become a strategic competitive advantage.
‘As differently as the opportunities and risks of individual developments are assessed, the fundamental understanding that the industrial future must be rethought is unanimous,’ summarises Dr. Kai Magenheimer, Partner at ROI-EFESO. ‘The success of the Sustainable Turn depends largely on the integration of sustainability into the strategic orientation of the company and a consistent operationalisation.’
Sabrina Goebel, General Manager of RecycleMe in Germany, sees the results of the study as confirmation of her team’s work: ‘It is very encouraging to see that manufacturing companies recognise the importance of sustainable business models. There is currently a great deal of activity at all levels in the areas of the circular economy and recycling in particular – in the market, in legislation and also in the consumption behaviour of end users.’
Exploratory study design
For the study, decision-makers at the top two management levels of manufacturing companies were interviewed. The spectrum of companies includes the food & beverage, mechanical engineering and consumer goods industries, from medium-sized companies to international corporations. All respondents play a leading role in the transformation. The respondents evaluated the formulated theses in terms of probability of occurrence and impact on their company and were able to add how their organisations are preparing for the developments.
Click here to access the study.
