2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for sustainability, not as a marketing message or a CSR box-tick, but as a measurable, commercial differentiator.
Across the UK, EU and US, the regulatory landscape is tightening. Customer expectations are rising. Supply chains are becoming more demanding. And voluntary frameworks such as EcoVadis, B Corp, CDP and SBTi have shifted from “nice to have” certifications to powerful ways to show your customer you are serious.
For print, packaging, manufacturing and retail supply chains, carbon data is quickly becoming a licence to operate. The businesses that invest now – in automation, verified data and reduction strategies – will secure more tenders, lower their operational costs and achieve long-term resilience.
The businesses that invest now – in automation, verified data and reduction strategies – will secure more tenders, lower their operational costs and achieve long-term resilience.
Why 2026 represents a turning point
A wave of global legislation becomes fully enforceable and Framework requirements more stringent in 2026:
- EcoVadis, CDP and B Corp assessments intensifying: More buyers are mandating participation as a supplier requirement.
- EU CBAM: Importers of aluminium packaging must report embedded carbon emissions and purchase certificates – accuracy is essential to avoid cost exposure.
- California SB 253: Large companies operating in California must disclose Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (Scope 3 mandatory from 2027).
- California SB 261: Biennial climate risk disclosures, with the first due in 2026.
- Digital Product Passport (EU apparel) rollout: Carbon and lifecycle data become mandatory elements of product transparency.
Meanwhile, existing frameworks such as SECR, PPN 006, and Net Zero procurement requirements are becoming stricter and more closely scrutinised, particularly for government and enterprise supply chains.
The message is clear: verified, auditable carbon data is no longer optional. It’s a commercial necessity.
The message is clear: verified, auditable carbon data is no longer optional. It’s a commercial necessity.
Why many businesses still aren’t ready
Despite the urgency, most companies still rely on manual, spreadsheet-based carbon calculations. The figures are sobering:
- Each carbon footprint can take between 60 and 90 minutes – slows down productivity with key staff distracted in administration
- Accuracy varies widely, exposing businesses to audit risk, customer challenges and potential penalties
This approach isn’t scalable and it certainly won’t meet the rapid, high-volume reporting needs coming.
Automation: The fastest route to compliance and advantage
Automated carbon measurement, especially if integrated directly with your MIS or ERP systems – is proving transformative. Companies adopting automation can achieve:
- Up to 95% reduction in calculation time
- 30 – 40% improvement in data accuracy
- 25% more carbon-reduction opportunities identified
- ROI within 3 to 6 months
Automation doesn’t just make carbon measurement easier, it makes it commercially valuable.
Sustainability as a competitive superpower
When carbon measurement becomes embedded and automated, businesses gain immediate strategic value:
Regulatory readiness
Audit-ready data for SECR, CBAM, SB 253/261, PPN 006, CSRD and Digital Product Passports.
No panic. No last-minute work. No guesswork.
Customer confidence and tender advantage
Verified data for quotes, procurement submissions, and sustainability scoring – a major differentiator in tightly contested supply chains.
Operational efficiency
Granular carbon data highlights fuel use, materials, logistics and waste hotspots — enabling cost reductions.
Brand and investor credibility
Stronger EcoVadis scores, B Corp progress, better CDP disclosures and science-aligned pathways.
Faster decarbonisation
Real-time insights show where action will have the biggest impact.
For businesses in the print, packaging and media sectors, CarbonQuota provides the fastest route to turning sustainability into competitive strength.
The CarbonQuota advantage
For businesses in the print, packaging and media sectors, CarbonQuota provides the fastest route to turning sustainability into competitive strength. Our full service suite includes:
- Automated product carbon footprints
Direct MIS/ERP integration delivering instant, verified footprints. - Operational carbon footprints (Scopes 1, 2 and 3)
Covering buildings, people, transport, suppliers and materials. - Carbon reduction strategies
Science-led, commercially realistic pathways aligned to Net Zero, SBTi and many other frameworks. - Support across all major regulations and frameworks
SECR • CBAM • PPN 006 • SB 253/261 • Digital Product Passports
EcoVadis • CDP • B Corp • SBTi • Sedex
This blend of technology, consultancy and sector-specific data gives businesses the clarity they need – and the competitive edge they want.
2026 will favour the prepared. The cost of acting late will be high. The value of acting early is even higher.
With instant carbon footprints, operational visibility and regulation-ready reporting, sustainability becomes more than compliance
