The way we define business success is changing. It’s no longer just about profit—it’s about transparency, ethics, and real sustainability. The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) offer a solid ESG framework, but the real challenge is making these principles count beyond just ticking boxes. We need a Regenerative Economy—one that doesn’t just reduce harm but actively improves the world around us and involves the whole community….

The Six PRI Principles: A Quick Refresher

1. Weaving ESG into Investments – ESG considerations should be part of every investment decision.
2. Active Ownership – Companies must be held accountable for ethical and sustainable practices.
3. Transparency Matters – ESG reporting should be clear, honest, and detailed.
4. Spreading the Word – ESG needs to become the norm across the investment world.
5. Collaboration is Key – Working together strengthens ESG efforts and impact.
6. Accountability and Progress – Businesses must show real ESG action, not just talk about it.

Beyond ESG Compliance: Making It Meaningful

For ESG to drive change, it can’t just be a policy—it has to be a mindset. Companies need to embed it into their entire strategy, from leadership down to daily operations.

What makes the difference?

• Accountability: ESG + ReGen responsibility should be shared across the business, not isolated in a single department.
• Authenticity: ESG + ReGen can’t just be words on a page. It needs to be backed by real action, measurable goals, and visible impact.

Real-World Examples of Regenerative Business in Action

Several global companies are setting the benchmark for regenerative business models, proving that sustainability can be more than a compliance requirement—it can be a driver of innovation and long-term success.

• Unilever’s Regenerative Agriculture Initiative: Unilever collaborates with farmers to implement regenerative agriculture techniques such as crop rotation, no-till farming, and biodiversity enhancement to create more resilient supply chains.
• VF Corporation’s Regenerative Sourcing: Parent company of brands like Timberland and The North Face, VF Corporation is expanding its use of regenerative leather and developing regeneratively grown rubber supply chains in Vietnam.
• Corporate Insetting for Sustainability: Companies are investing in sustainability startups like AgriWebb and Klim to reduce emissions within their supply chains rather than through external offsets.

The Shift to Regenerative Business

While ESG aims to reduce negative impacts, Regenerative Business takes it a step further. It’s about creating businesses that restore, replenish, and generate positive impact—not just minimize harm.

Key principles of regenerative business include:

1. Right Relationships – Aligning business with broader social and environmental well-being.
2. Holistic Wealth – Recognizing the interconnected value of financial, social, and environmental capital.
3. Innovation & Adaptability – Staying ahead of ESG challenges with forward-thinking solutions.
4. Empowered Participation – Ensuring all stakeholders have a voice in decision-making.
5. Honouring Place & Community – Understanding the local and cultural context of business decisions.
6. Creating Abundance – Moving beyond risk management to generate sustainable value.
7. Circulating Value – Promoting economic systems that share value more equitably.
8. Balancing Growth – Expanding responsibly within environmental and social limits.

But how do you turn these into action?

Your success starts at the top, with fully engaged leadership. Move beyond regulatory requirements and aim for real, trackable clearly measurable goals. Stop waving the flag of “doing good”…Test yourself as against peers and industry groups and don’t be afraid to collaborate – it’ll amplify your ESG + ReGen success.

Regen Law: Leading the Way in Regenerative Business Law

As ESG and regenerative business become central to long-term success, companies need expert legal and business strategy guidance to navigate this evolving landscape. ReGen Law specializes in regenerative business law, sustainability-focused legal strategies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), ensuring that businesses don’t just comply, don’t just set a thin veil facade, but embed real, impactful ESG and regenerative principles into their core operations…and follow them.

For deeper insights, check out Private Equity: Reflection on Practical Integration and Application of UN PRI by Beata Dunn, ReGen Law.

Regenerative Business: Build a Net Positive Future | SAP

Can insetting stack the cards towards more sustainable supply chains? | Reuters