A new study by the platform provider IntegrityNext, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), has examined the development of sustainable procurement: It is moving away from intention toward active implementation, according to a press release dated September 5. Based on assessments from 105 procurement and supply-chain experts from Europe, North America and the United Kingdom, the study shows how ESG criteria are increasingly integrated into supplier management—and where challenges still remain.
While regulation, according to the study authors, is often the trigger, it becomes clear that companies are equally motivated by strategic goals such as reputation, resilience and innovation. Although most of the companies surveyed in the study already report visible benefits – including greater transparency, stronger supplier relationships and fewer ESG risks – the majority still finds it difficult to make the financial ROI measurable. This, however, has no impact on investment willingness: according to the survey results, 90 percent plan to expand their activities in sustainable procurement
– with a focus on knowledge and qualification, the integration of ESG along the entire procurement process, and the use of digital tools.
From awareness to action
The study concludes that sustainable procurement has developed for many companies into a central pillar. 70 percent of companies have already implemented initiatives in the area of sustainable procurement, and 82 percent of respondents regard sustainability in procurement as a strategic priority. This broad engagement signals growing maturity and shows the shift from awareness to action, with a clear focus on scale and impact, according to the study authors.
Nick Heine, co-founder and CCO of IntegrityNext, explains:
“We see that the topic of procurement with regard to sustainability has reached a new level of maturity. Most companies are no longer debating the 'whether' but the 'how'. This shift marks the beginning of a more strategic phase in which ESG is systematically anchored and should yield measurable impact.”
Resilience for uncertain times
Against the backdrop of regulatory changes,
the study analyzes that regulation is often the trigger, but strategic corporate goals also drive sustainable procurement. Almost eight in ten companies (78 percent) name corporate goals as the driving factor – a clear signal that ESG is no longer just about compliance, but also about competitiveness. Among the most important goals are reputation (65 percent), strengthening resilience and risk management (52 percent), efficiency gains (44 percent) and innovation (39 percent).
Despite regulatory uncertainties, trade restrictions and geopolitical challenges, the study indicates that most companies stay the course or intensify their efforts: 64 percent of respondents continue or intensify their initiatives. This shows that many companies see sustainable procurement as a way to bolster their resilience in uncertain times, it says.
Companies clearly acknowledge the benefits of sustainable procurement according to the study, but in practice they encounter substantial hurdles. The biggest challenge remains impact measurement: 50 percent of respondents have difficulty quantifying the results of their initiatives and proving tangible outcomes. Limited budgets,
unreliable ESG data from suppliers, internal silos and lack of expertise further hinder progress. These factors illustrate the need for better KPIs, reliable data and stronger cross-functional collaboration.
Despite existing difficulties in impact measurement, according to the study 85 percent of companies report concrete benefits of sustainable procurement – including greater transparency, stronger supplier relationships and reduced risks. Only ten percent were able to quantify ROI so far. Yet most companies recognize that avoiding disruptions, protecting reputation, and proactive action in the regulatory environment justify investments. 86 percent of companies emphasize that missing investments in sustainable procurement pose a significant risk.
Looking ahead: Three investment priorities
Companies continue to invest in sustainable procurement according to the study: 90 percent plan investments in people, processes and digital solutions. The three most important priorities are employee training and upskilling, the integration of ESG criteria along the procurement process, and the development of impact measurement and reporting. In addition, many rely on digital tools to improve transparency
