How companies are shifting to smarter, subtle messaging on ESG

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Axios or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Companies are shifting towards more refined and strategic messaging on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues
• Rather than going silent amid political backlash, brands like Ralph Lauren and Danone are focusing on aligning ESG communications with their core values and business missions
• This approach helps them avoid missteps and ensures authenticity

🔭 The context: In a challenging political environment, businesses are moving away from reactionary ESG statements and adopting a more thoughtful approach
• Danone, for example, assesses the relevance of external events before responding, ensuring they can make a real impact
• Ralph Lauren emphasizes staying true to its identity instead of rushing to issue statements

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: By refining their ESG messaging, companies can maintain their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity while avoiding public backlash
• This shift enables long-term positive impact on the environment and society without compromising brand integrity

⏭️ What's next: Brands will continue to communicate ESG values, but subtly and strategically
• This method is expected to persist beyond election cycles, reflecting a deeper, more resilient corporate strategy

💬 One quote: "We don’t have to be the first. We don’t have to be the fastest. We have to stay true to who we are," said Ralph Lauren’s Katie Ioanilli

📈 One stat: A 2022 PwC survey found that 83% of consumers think companies should be actively shaping ESG best practices, and 91% of business leaders believe their company has a responsibility to act on ESG issues

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