Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a peripheral concern to a core strategic priority for businesses worldwide. As companies navigate the challenges of climate change, rising consumer expectations and evolving regulatory frameworks, staying informed about the latest CSR trends has become essential. These trends are reshaping not only how businesses interact with the environment and society, but also their own operations.
According to a Deloitte survey, 85% of C-suite level business leaders report an increase in investment in sustainability measures in 2024, up from 75% in 2023. Additionally, 92% of managers believe it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions while still growing their businesses. In fact, for the first time, sustainability measures have begun to show tangible business benefits—such as more resilient supply chains and higher profit margins—outpacing traditional focuses like brand awareness and reputation.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the most significant CSR trends shaping the future of business, from sustainability and ethical supply chains to green technology and transparency. Whether you’re aiming to align your organisation with global best practices or seeking to understand the transformative power of recent CSR developments, you’ll find actionable insights to help you stay ahead and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
CSR trend 1: Sustainability and circular economy practices
As companies race toward carbon neutrality, the focus is on reducing waste and adopting circular economy practices—designing products and services that minimise environmental impact and maximise resource efficiency.
By prioritising waste reduction, product reuse and resource efficiency, Australian companies are shifting from linear “take, make, dispose” models to more regenerative practices. This approach aligns with national sustainability goals and supports global efforts to combat climate change.
This approach aligns with national sustainability goals and supports global efforts to combat climate change. According to a PwC report, if the Asia Pacific region embraced circular economy practices wholly, this would generate US$339.6bn in economic benefits over the next 20 years. This is a clear indication that these practices are not just about lowering environmental footprints but also driving profitability through resource optimisation and innovation.
CSR trend 2: Diversity, equity and inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwords in today’s workplace—they are becoming central to business success. Organisations are taking bold steps to create more inclusive environments, improve gender imbalances, address racial inequities, support minority-led initiatives and ensure accessibility for all.
A report by McKinsey & Company highlights that organisations with inclusive cultures are almost twice as likely to be innovative leaders in their industries. Moreover, companies making concrete progress in DEI are seeing a stronger connection with their customers, especially younger generations, who are particularly sensitive to how companies approach social justice issues.
CSR trend 3: Ethical supply chains and local sourcing
Companies are rethinking their supply chains, recognising that local sourcing delivers multiple strategic advantages beyond just reducing carbon emissions. By building ethical, localised supply networks, businesses can enhance their operational resilience, tap into regional expertise and create lasting value for their communities.
This shift toward local sourcing addresses growing consumer demands for transparency while offering concrete business benefits: reduced supply chain vulnerability, faster response times to market change and stronger relationships with local suppliers and talent pools. Companies that embrace ethical supply chains are finding they can simultaneously strengthen their competitive position and fulfil their social responsibility objectives - proving that local investment can drive both business and community success.
CSR trend 4: Green technology and solutions
As countries across the globe commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, the imperative to be environmentally sustainable is stronger than ever, and Australian businesses are making significant headway in this space.
Investing in green technology is good for the environment. Green office practices and solutions have been shown to improve employee productivity, deliver cost-savings, improve business reputation, increase staff retention and attract new talent.
Kyocera has long advocated for environmentally sustainable solutions, and we are proud to be a part of our customer's sustainability goals. With green technology, such as our patented ECOSYS design and long-lasting that reduce waste, we can help customers reduce their carbon footprint.
CSR trend 5: Increased transparency in business operations
In response to the ever-increasing availability of data and consumer and shareholder demands of once private information, business buyers and consumers want organisations to be honest about their inner workings, particularly their environmental, social and governance disclosures. For example, businesses that have committed to gender balance goals are expected to show they are making genuine steps towards that goal with honest reporting of gender balance statistics in the years up to their target date.
This desire for increased transparency is also a response, in part, to heightened regulatory oversight, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Australia’s Notifiable Data Breach (NBD) legislation. As a result of these changes, consumers want to know how companies use and protect their data upfront.
Greater transparency leads to more trust from consumers, shareholders, employees and the general public—and trust leads to an improved reputation and, eventually, greater profits. Transparency is also essential for maintaining consumer trust and investor confidence. In fact, 78% of business leaders found that ESG reporting is a key factor in attracting investment. We expect this CSR trend to only grow in the coming years.
As we move into 2025, being a socially responsible company is not simply the right thing to do, it is also expected by business buyers, employees, shareholders and end-consumers. Those with well-developed CSR programs will reap many benefits, including greater public trust and an improved ability to attract customers and talent – all of which will ultimately boost your bottom line.
With concerns about the environment growing globally, many organisations are looking for measurable ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Download our guide to learn how you can adopt sustainable business practices in your organisation.
