Sustainability, Italian companies are not stopping: investing pays off (but not for everyone)

Sustainability in Italy is no longer an optional choice. It is now a consolidated strategic direction. The numbers speak for themselves: approximately 8 out of 10 companies continue to invest in sustainability, even in an uncertain and continuously evolving global context.

According to the recent 2026 iSustainability report, the vast majority of Italian enterprises have not reduced their ESG commitments: 77% have maintained their investment plans unchanged, and a further 3% have increased them. This is far from a given, considering the international scenario marked by geopolitical tensions, regulatory changes, and economic slowdowns.

From "mandatory" sustainability to "leverage" sustainability

The most interesting change, however, is not quantitative but cultural.
Today, a remarkable 67% of companies consider sustainability a lever for competitiveness, more than double compared to the previous survey. It is therefore no longer a cost imposed by regulations or external pressure, but a tool to innovate, differentiate, and grow.
This is what is defined as a "third way": a pragmatic approach in which sustainability and business do not conflict, but rather reinforce each other. Investing in ESG means anticipating the market, improving resilience, and building long-term value.

The unresolved issue: the gap between large enterprises and SMEs

While the general picture is positive, structural critical issues are emerging. The main one concerns the gap between large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Large entities have already integrated sustainability into their business models, thanks to resources, skills, and the ability to access dedicated financial tools. SMEs, on the other hand, struggle more: they often lack operational tools, clear metrics, and adequate support to tackle the transition.

This gap risks creating a two-speed production system, where only a portion of the business fabric can fully grasp the opportunities of the ecological transition.

A global context that no longer slows down the transition

Another significant element is the resilience of businesses with respect to the external context. Despite the downsizing of some international climate policies and European regulatory uncertainties, Italian companies are not backing down on sustainable investments.
This indicates the maturation of the production system: sustainability no longer depends exclusively on incentives or obligations, but is recognized as an economically rational choice.

Beyond the numbers: the challenge of quality

However, investing is not enough. The real challenge in the coming years will be the quality of investments.
Critical issues remain regarding the measurement of impacts, adaptation to climate change, and the ability to translate ESG commitments into concrete results. Without adequate tools, the risk is that of "facade" sustainability, incapable of generating real benefits.

Sustainability as the infrastructure of the future

Perhaps the most important fact is another: sustainability has become a structural component of the Italian economy.
It is no longer a sector-specific issue, but a true infrastructure for development. Companies that have understood this are already building a competitive advantage. The rest risk being left behind.

The ecological transition, therefore, is no longer a future prospect. It is already underway. And it concerns everyone.

This article is also published on Nonsoloambiente.it, in Italian. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.