Key Impact Points:
- Schneider Electric ranks No. 1 for the second year, leading global sustainability in energy management and software.
- France, Japan, and the U.S. each placed multiple companies in the top 10, spanning tech, pharma, and finance sectors.
- Companies are innovating across packaging, energy sourcing, and emissions reductions amid rising global tariffs and cost pressures.
TIME and Statista spotlight global corporate climate leadership
TIME and Statista have released the 2025 list of the World’s 500 Most Sustainable Companies, recognizing top firms based on 2023 data measuring public commitments and progress toward sustainability goals.
Schneider Electric, headquartered in France, took the top spot for the second year. The company provides both energy management software and advisory services to help businesses lower emissions. In Q1 2025, Schneider exceeded its 2024 sustainability targets, supported EV rollouts for RichLand Logistics, and expanded its Charge Pro EV stations in Europe.
“Schneider…helped pharmaceutical companies including Sanofi (no. 10) and Novartis (no. 11) procure renewable energy for their operations.”
Top 10 rankings reveal cross-sector momentum
The top 10 companies represent diverse industries and global regions:
- Schneider Electric – France – IT, Tech & Software – 93.85
- Telefónica – Spain – Telecommunication – 87.68
- Brambles – Australia – Transportation & Logistics – 86.14
- Temenos – Switzerland – IT, Tech & Software – 85.95
- Moncler – Italy – Apparel, Footwear & Sporting Goods – 85.87
- NRI – Japan – Professional Services & Consulting – 85.77
- NEC Corp – Japan – IT, Tech & Software – 84.91
- NASDAQ – United States – Financial Services – 84.60
- Siemens – Germany – Industrial Manufacturing – 83.43
- Sanofi – France – Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology – 83.31
Sanofi and Novartis drive innovation in pharma sustainability
Sanofi’s strategy goes beyond renewables, targeting waste reduction and material reuse. The company is eliminating plastic from vaccine blister packs by 2028 and piloting reusable insulin pens.
“55% of our vaccines are blister free,” said Sandrine Bouttier-Stref, Sanofi Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Sanofi is also reducing reliance on horseshoe crab blood in bacteria testing, replacing it with synthetic alternatives in French vaccine plants.
At Novartis, sustainability efforts focus on water reuse and chemical waste reduction at manufacturing sites in Austria, Egypt, and Switzerland.
Automakers stay the course despite tariffs
Volvo Cars (No. 91) and Ford (No. 74) are facing external challenges but remain committed to climate targets.
“While we acknowledge the challenges…our vision remains firmly on an electric and more sustainable future,” said Vanessa Butani, Head of Global Sustainability at Volvo Cars.
Volvo has reduced emissions per vehicle by 26% since 2018, with 78% of operational energy from climate-neutral sources. Their new EX30 has the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo EV.
Ford adjusted its 2030 EU all-electric target to a hybrid lineup but reported a 26% year-over-year increase in electrified vehicle sales in Q1 2025.
“Reality has a way of making you adjust your plans,” said Marin Gjaja, COO of Ford’s Model E division.
Related Article: Top 10 Sustainable Brands Redefining the Future of Eco-Friendly Business
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