In this article, we take a deep dive into some of the best sustainability reports out there. Using real-world examples from leading global companies, we'll highlight what they're doing well, what could be improved, and what you can learn to improve your own sustainability reporting.
In a world where sustainability is a growing priority, the ability of a company to clearly and convincingly communicate its environmental and social impact has never been more important. Sustainability reports are not just compliance tools, they are brand statements. In this article, we take a deep dive into some of the best sustainability reports out there. Using real-world examples from leading global companies, we'll highlight what they're doing well, what could be improved, and what you can learn to improve your own sustainability reporting.
Sustainability reporting plays a critical role in demonstrating transparency, building trust, and showing alignment with broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. As businesses face increasing pressure from customers, investors, and regulators, a well-structured sustainability report becomes a crucial tool for communication and accountability. A strong sustainability report:
From our research, the best sustainability reports share a few key traits:
Big goals and great consumer engagement, but a split online experience limits impact.
Nike’s “Move to Zero” platform is a strong sustainability commitment, aiming for zero carbon and zero waste. Their 2025 targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 0.5 million tons, diverting 100% of supply chain waste from landfill (with at least 80% recycled), and reducing freshwater usage by 5% per kilogram in textile dyeing and finishing.
Nike’s sustainability content is split between the main consumer-facing site and a secondary corporate impact subdomain. On the main site, users can explore initiatives like Nike Refurbished, the Recycling & Donation programme, and detailed information on sustainable materials (e.g. recycled polyester, sustainable cotton, and recycled nylon). Product care content and guides for extending product lifespan are also present.
More comprehensive reporting and progress updates are housed on the subdomain: https://about.nike.com/en/impact, but this section is not easy to find from the main site. The downloadable PDF reports are part of a broader Impact Report and offer a lot of value but feel disconnected from the user journey.
Visit Nike's sustainability page.
Nike is doing many things right and has a bold vision. By improving navigation and connecting their reporting more directly with consumer-facing content, they could significantly enhance the user experience and increase the impact of their sustainability message.
A brand that lives and breathes sustainability, but could make its data more accessible.
Patagonia’s approach to sustainability is embedded deeply in its brand identity. From product development to activism, the brand positions environmental and social responsibility at the core of everything it does. This is reflected in the way sustainability content appears across the entire site, rather than being confined to one section.
Patagonia doesn’t just talk about sustainability—it demonstrates it through action. Their online content features grassroots engagement through Patagonia Action Works, support for action-oriented programmes, and detailed breakdowns of materials and production methods. The Spring 2025 line includes 98% of products made with preferred or recycled materials. All cotton is organically grown, and down is 100% responsibly sourced.
They also offer extensive insights into processes like dyeing, chemical recycling, and finishing. Their supply chain is addressed in detail, with transparency initiatives covering wool, forest stewardship, and broader environmental impacts.
However, climate goals are not well signposted. While they do exist on a subpage and include scientific rationale, they are not front and centre. There is no easily accessible downloadable sustainability report, beyond Patagonia’s B Corp documentation.
Visit the Patagonia site.
Patagonia is one of the most authentic examples of sustainability being part of a company’s DNA. While their decentralised approach reflects a philosophy of openness, they could increase their credibility with a more formal and easy-to-access reporting format.
Strong on frameworks and transparency, but too complex for casual readers.
H&M has been building its sustainability credentials for over 30 years and it shows. The brand’s reporting is structured around three pillars: Innovation, Promoting Transparency, and Stakeholder Engagement. Their digital platform reflects this, with pages covering everything from climate goals to membership in impact-focused associations.
H&M’s site includes a downloadable sustainability report archive stretching back to 2002—an exceptional resource for those wanting to track progress over time. Their current goals include achieving net-zero across the supply chain by 2024 and advancing circular production models. They provide clear insights into the frameworks they follow and disclose membership in various global initiatives.
They also publish science-based targets with specific deadlines, though these are not easy to find and often buried within dense copy. Materials information is available but similarly difficult to locate. Overall, the site prioritises depth and completeness over simplicity.
Visit H&M's Sustainability page.
H&M offers one of the most thorough sustainability reporting ecosystems available online. However, its presentation is geared towards stakeholders who have the time and interest to dig deep. Simplifying navigation and highlighting key takeaways would enhance accessibility without compromising credibility.
A strategic, data-driven approach with exceptional content depth, though it misses an opportunity to tell a clearer, more cohesive story.
Amazon's approach to sustainability reporting is broad, comprehensive, and packed with data. The company structures its online sustainability hub around five clear focus areas: Driving Climate Solutions, Reducing Waste and Packaging, Protecting Natural Resources, Advancing Human Rights, and Innovating Products and Services. These pillars serve as entry points into a rich ecosystem of articles, regional breakdowns, and downloadable reports.
Amazon provides some of the most detailed and accessible ESG performance statistics of any brand we reviewed. Key achievements are prominently displayed, such as:
The company also claims to be the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy globally for the fifth consecutive year and maintains extensive partnerships with solar and wind energy projects. These statements are backed by links to downloadable reports and regional summaries that offer further transparency.
In terms of consumer engagement, Amazon integrates its sustainability efforts into everyday shopping behaviours. It offers easy access to programmes like Amazon Trade-In, product refurbishment and pre-owned sales, and filtering options for certified sustainable products.
Visit Amazon's sustainability page.
Amazon’s sustainability reporting is a prime example of how to do data disclosure well. The depth, organisation, and transparency are impressive. However, the absence of a unified, customer-friendly story weakens the impact. Adding a clear roadmap and a more engaging narrative voice could elevate Amazon’s already-strong performance into an industry benchmark.
A best-in-class example of how to present sustainability reporting with product-level detail, user-focused design, and robust performance metrics.
Apple sets the benchmark for online sustainability reporting by combining strategic depth with sleek, accessible design. The company’s dedicated environment section reflects its overarching goal to become carbon neutral across its entire business, including supply chain and product lifecycle. What sets Apple apart is its ability to break down complex impact data into relatable, engaging formats.
Apple’s reporting covers every aspect of the product lifecycle. Users can access environmental reports not only by product category (like iPhone, iPad, or Mac) but often down to specific models. This level of granularity is unique and reinforces their commitment to transparency.
Some key achievements highlighted include:
Apple also reports on initiatives in carbon removal, water conservation, and renewable energy. Their communication strategy blends bite-sized highlights with access to full corporate-level PDF reports and detailed product disclosures.
View Apple's sustainability page.
Apple’s sustainability reporting strategy combines transparency, detail, and accessibility. The use of product-level environmental reporting is particularly effective and represents a standard other brands would do well to follow. Their content makes sustainability both measurable and personal, demonstrating that technical depth and consumer relevance can go hand in hand.
Combining traditional reporting with accessible storytelling, Henkel demonstrates how to meet corporate expectations while connecting with broader audiences.
Henkel has developed a dual approach to sustainability communication: offering a comprehensive Sustainability Report for analysts and professionals, and a more user-friendly Sustainability Magazine aimed at wider audiences. This shows a keen understanding that different stakeholders consume information in different ways.
Henkel’s online sustainability hub is easy to find and filled with topical sections covering climate, circularity, and nature protection. Their goals include:
Henkel uses a number of robust metrics to track progress. Noteworthy achievements for 2024 include:
Their site also highlights their use of independent sustainability assessments such as EcoVadis, Sustainalytics, and ISS ESG, which reinforces credibility.
View Henkel's sustainability page.
Henkel strikes a balance between depth and accessibility. Their reporting structure respects the complexity of sustainability issues while offering more approachable formats for those less familiar with the subject. With clearer goal timelines and a shift towards more emotive storytelling, Henkel could further enhance their already solid sustainability communications.
High-level commitments without the supporting depth leaves General Motors’ reporting feeling underdeveloped.
General Motors (GM) frames its sustainability reporting within a broader ‘Impact’ section that also covers areas like employment, safety, and philanthropy. Sustainability is clearly important to the brand, with key targets including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2024 and using 100% renewable energy across US operations by 2025, and globally by 2035.
While the goals are ambitious and commendable, the online presence doesn’t do enough to support or explain them. The dedicated sustainability content is light, with very few pages diving into specific programmes or achievements. There’s a noticeable absence of metrics, stories, or evidence to show how GM is tracking against its stated aims.
Their downloadable PDF report does exist and includes relevant information, but it feels disconnected from the broader user experience. A visitor to the site would likely struggle to find the report or understand GM’s sustainability priorities without serious digging.
View GM's sustainability page.
GM shows that it understands the strategic importance of sustainability. However, its reporting lacks the depth and detail needed to build stakeholder trust or clearly communicate progress. A more immersive and data-backed experience would help translate their goals into credibility.
A company with plenty to say, but without the structure or clarity to make its message land.
Ford has built up a substantial repository of sustainability content, primarily in the form of downloadable documents. These include sustainability reports from 2021 onwards, as well as additional materials on human rights, climate change, and water management. Their sustainability goals include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 globally and 2035 in Europe.
There’s a strong sense that Ford is doing meaningful work, with mentions of water savings, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. However, very little of this is visible through the website itself. The online narrative is sparse, and users are pushed toward the PDF report as the main information source.
Achievements are often presented as headlines, like saving billions of gallons of water or reducing waste, but lack context or supporting data. Users are left without a clear sense of the journey or how these achievements tie into long-term goals.
Visit Ford's sustainability page.
Ford’s sustainability communications are heavily document-based and fall short on accessibility. By elevating web content to match the depth of its reports, Ford can make its sustainability message more compelling and easier to digest.
Comprehensive reporting paired with deep dives into materials and supply chains, though hampered by a dense and fragmented structure.
Nestlé offers one of the most detailed sustainability platforms among major global brands. The content is extensive and easy to find via the homepage, with a structured focus on themes like regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, and sustainable sourcing.
Nestlé is clearly tracking and reporting on a wide range of topics. Their targets include reaching net-zero emissions by 2025 and sourcing 50% of key ingredients through regenerative agriculture practices by 2030. Material sourcing is well documented, covering inputs like cocoa, dairy, fish, soy, and spices. These insights are often backed by data showing progress over time.
However, despite the wealth of information, navigating the site can be a challenge. Pages are heavily text-based, often buried in sub-navigation layers. It takes time and effort to piece together a full understanding of Nestlé’s progress and goals.
Visit Nestle's sustainability page.
Nestlé demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through rigorous data and transparent reporting. However, the delivery falls short of its potential due to a cluttered and text-heavy presentation. Improving navigation and layout would better showcase the depth of their efforts.
An ambitious ESG programme let down by unclear report formats and scattered presentation.
PepsiCo’s sustainability platform is centred around Pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), a holistic framework designed to address agriculture, supply chain, and consumer wellbeing. The brand’s site contains an impressive variety of content, from detailed breakdowns of goals to human-centric video profiles of employees contributing to sustainability work.
PepsiCo has committed to achieving net-zero by 2024 and provides performance metrics across key areas. Information is available for the past three years, offering a good view of progress over time. Their pillars of focus: Agriculture, Supply Chain, and Consumer Support, each have rich supporting content.
However, there’s confusion around their downloadable reports. Visitors are faced with multiple similarly titled documents (e.g., ESG Summary, ESG Performance Metrics, Overview), making it unclear which to read first or whether they overlap.
Visit Pepsico's sustainability page.
PepsiCo is doing a lot right, with deep reporting and engaging media formats. But the effectiveness of their communication is hindered by confusing labels and scattered structure. A better content hierarchy and report clarity would elevate their already-impressive sustainability efforts.
A purpose-led brand with strong B Corp credentials, diluted by an inconsistent digital experience. Danone puts sustainability at the heart of its corporate identity. As a B Corp, it highlights Health, Nature, and Communities as its three core pillars and aligns its strategy closely with social impact and environmental goals.
Danone’s commitments are ambitious and specific. They include cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.3% by 2030 and delivering safe drinking water to 20 million people by 2025. Their eight climate programmes cover key topics like Packaging, Logistics, and Ingredients, and a downloadable PDF report provides comprehensive coverage.
Many of Danone’s individual web pages are well written and scannable, offering clear insights into specific themes. However, the user journey is fragmented. Visitors must hop between many sections to piece together a full picture, which may deter less committed readers.
Visit Danone's sustainability page.
Danone is driven by purpose and shows solid sustainability credentials, both in targets and in reporting structure. But the overall experience suffers from fragmentation. A more unified content structure would allow Danone’s strong values and achievements to shine through more effectively.
Our review uncovered several recurring issues:
From the companies reviewed, here are some best practices to consider:
A great sustainability report does more than tick boxes. It tells a story of commitment, progress, and future ambition. By learning from the best sustainability reports in the industry, you can ensure your own efforts are clear, credible, and impactful.
Take a moment to evaluate your current reporting. Are you showcasing your sustainability journey in the best possible light? For more insights and support, explore our full library of sustainability resources here on Sustainable Product Index.
