Takeaways

• Mexico ESG push grows, with 88% of companies making public sustainability commitments.
• Consumers remain unconvinced, with 86% demanding stronger, measurable ESG action.
• A widening gap between corporate claims and real-world impact presents both a risk and an opportunity.

The Mexico ESG push grows steadily, with businesses stepping up their sustainability commitments. However, a new report shows that consumers are not yet convinced, highlighting a growing gap between corporate promises and public expectations.

According to the report “Business Perspectives of Mexico for a Prosperous Planet,” developed by the UN Global Compact in collaboration with GlobeScan, 88% of companies in Mexico now publicly commit to sustainability goals. Despite this progress, 86% of consumers say companies must take stronger and more concrete action on environmental protection, human rights, and anti-corruption.

The study combines corporate disclosures with consumer insights for the first time in Mexico. It draws on data from 432 companies, including both SMEs and large corporations, and aligns it with global consumer research across 33 markets.

On paper, companies appear to be making progress. More than 90% have formal codes of conduct and dedicated officers to oversee human rights and labor standards. Around 82% to 85% have also established sustainability committees, indicating that ESG frameworks are becoming more structured within organizations.

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Yet, this institutional progress has not translated into trust. A key issue is the disconnect between what companies report and what consumers perceive. While businesses highlight policies and frameworks, consumers are increasingly focused on tangible outcomes, particularly in areas such as environmental impact.

Mauricio Bonilla of the UN Global Compact noted that while systems are improving, measurable environmental results are still lagging. Biodiversity, in particular, remains under-addressed, even as it gains importance among consumers.

This gap is reflected in declining consumer confidence. Data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) shows that Mexico’s Consumer Confidence Index stood at 46 points in October 2025. The figures suggest that companies must do more to build credibility through transparent reporting and verifiable outcomes.

Skepticism toward ESG claims is also rising. A separate study found that 55% of Mexicans do not fully trust corporate ESG reporting. One reason is the lack of comprehensive data. Only about half of companies track Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, while nearly 75% do not measure Scope 3 emissions, which include supply chain impacts.

Innovation is another weak spot. Just 17% of companies know how much revenue they invest in research and development for low-carbon products, while 62% do not track this at all. This suggests that while ESG frameworks exist, they often lack the data needed to support meaningful action.

Despite these challenges, the report frames the situation as an opportunity. As the Mexico ESG push grows, companies that align their strategies with consumer expectations could gain a competitive edge.

Chris Coulter, CEO of GlobeScan, described the moment as a clear call to action. Consumers are prioritizing environmental responsibility and corporate integrity, and they expect businesses to lead.

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To close the gap, the report recommends stronger collaboration between companies, governments, and stakeholders. It also calls for better integration of sustainability into business growth and greater advocacy for effective public policies.

Ultimately, the message is clear: As the Mexico ESG push grows, companies must move beyond commitments and deliver measurable impact. Those that do are more likely to build long-term trust and resilience in an increasingly sustainability-driven market.

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Source: MEXICOBUSINESSNEWS