For years, going green was seen as a ‘nice-to-have’ – a flashy PR move or a way to tick a few corporate responsibility boxes.
But those days are over.
Sustainability has moved beyond marketing and now has a huge impact on running a successful business.
Regulations are tightening, customers are demanding change, and companies that fail to keep up risk falling behind.
The good news? If done right, sustainability can actually boost your business’s bottom line.
The regulatory shake-up
The UK is stepping up its game on environmental laws, and businesses of all sizes need to take note. Here is what is coming:
- Recycling overhaul – From 31 March 2025, businesses in England will have to separate their waste into different recyclable streams (glass, metal, plastic, paper, and food). If you have fewer than ten employees, you get a temporary pass until 2027, but why wait?
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – By October 2025, companies that produce packaging will have to take financial responsibility for its entire lifecycle. In simple terms: more sustainable packaging, or higher costs.
- Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate – The UK is phasing out petrol and diesel cars by 2030. If you have a business fleet, now is the time to start planning your transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
There is also the Plastic Packaging Tax, which saw an increase to £217.85 per tonne in April 2024. If your packaging contains less than 30 per cent recycled plastic, this tax applies to you.
The hidden costs of doing nothing
Some businesses still see sustainability as a burden but ignoring it could cost you dearly.
Supply chains are getting stricter. Larger companies are under pressure to report on their suppliers’ environmental impact.
You could be cut from contracts if your business is not meeting sustainability standards.
Sustainability-linked finance is no longer a niche offering.
Lenders are now factoring environmental impact into their decisions, meaning businesses with strong green credentials will access better terms and easier funding.
Consumers care
A Deloitte study found that over 60 per cent of shoppers prefer to buy from sustainable brands.
If you are not actively reducing your environmental impact, you are handing customers over to greener competitors.
Turning compliance into a business advantage
Sustainability is an opportunity to drive growth. Here’s how:
- Cutting costs – Investing in energy-efficient technology, reducing waste, and optimising resources can lower operational costs.
- Building brand trust – Businesses that authentically commit to sustainability can attract loyal customers and create stronger relationships.
- Standing out in your industry – Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Companies that embrace greener practices now will set themselves apart from competitors in the future.
Practical steps to start today
Not sure where to begin? Here are some easy wins:
- Audit your current impact – Where is your biggest environmental footprint? Identify areas to improve.
- Set measurable goals – Reduce emissions, cut waste, or improve energy efficiency, but make sure you track your progress.
- Invest in greener tech – From solar panels to EV fleets, sustainability-focused investments can pay off in the long run.
- Engage your team – Make sustainability part of your workplace culture. Small behavioural changes add up.
- Tap into Government incentives – There are tax breaks and grants for businesses investing in sustainability. Don’t leave money on the table.
If you would like more advice on sustainable business practices, contact our team today.