2025 was an interesting year for sustainability as some companies pulled back on their sustainability efforts, while others embraced sustainability and clearly made the business case. We also saw an attack on our public lands, the rollback of the Inflation Reduction Act, and outright climate denial by the Trump administration. Three clear takeaways from 2025 for me are that:
- Sustainability Regulations Are Expanding—Fast: Companies can either adapt now—intentionally, strategically—or be forced to adapt later under pressure by EPR, Climate Disclosures, and PFAS bans.
- Retailers Expect More From Their Suppliers: Major retailers like Walmart, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods and others are no longer just encouraging sustainability—they expect it.
- Consumers Aren’t Paying More For Sustainability—But They Expect Better: While there are studies that state consumers will pay more for sustainable products, saying you will and actually spending your money are two different things. However, they do expect safer and more sustainable products as the baseline.
In short, regulations accelerated, retailers raised expectations, and consumers demanded sustainability. Regulations accelerated all while tariffs reduced margins and operating costs continued to rise. At Emerger Strategies, we fulfilled our mission: To measure & improve our clients’ sustainability performance, all while boosting profits.
I am proud to share that we fulfilled our mission in 2025 by helping our clients make the business case for sustainability.
Making the Business Case for Sustainability in 2025
Since our inception in 2016, Emerger Strategies has helped clients reduce operating expenses by more than $411,242—all while:
- Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Cutting operational and packaging waste
- Transitioning to more sustainable packaging solutions
- Improving compliance with rapidly evolving sustainability regulations
In 2025 alone, we reduced our clients operating expenses by $81,242, and our work continued to demonstrate that sustainability is efficient, practical, and profitable when aligned with business strategy.
Real Results: Sustainability That Delivers Measurable ROI
Crazy Creek: Lower Costs + Lower GHG Emissions
In 2025, Emerger Strategies supported Crazy Creek in identifying cost-saving sustainability opportunities across operations. Results:
- $1,242 in reduced operating expenses
- 34.25% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions
This is what efficient sustainability looks like: lower costs, lower emissions, and smarter operations.
Blue Sky: Protecting Retail Revenue Through Sustainability Leadership
For brands selling into major retailers like Walmart and Target, sustainability performance directly impacts revenue. In 2025, we helped Blue Sky:
- Reduced Scopes 1-3 GHG emissions 15% compared to 2021 baseline
- Achieved near-term GHG emissions reduction goals ahead of schedule
- Improved their CDP score from D to B
- Achieved Walmart Giga Guru status
- Strengthened retailer trust and long-term relationships
- Protected millions of dollars in revenue tied to key retail accounts
We also helped Blue Sky avoid a minimum of $50,000 in potential EPR for Packaging fines by:
- Measuring packaging data accurately
- Reporting in compliance with emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations
Perhaps most importantly, we delivered these outcomes at 37% less cost than hiring, training, and retaining a full-time Sustainability Manager—proving the value of an outsourced sustainability team.
Sustainability Partnerships That Scale Impact
In 2025, collaboration was essential to scaling sustainability across the fishing and outdoor industry.
AFFTA
We partnered with AFFTA to:
- Delivered a custom Sustainability Toolkit for members
- Provided sustainability-related education webinars for members, such as Completing a Sustainability Assessment, How to Measure Scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions, and others
- Equipped brands and retailers with clear, actionable guidance
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
Aongside Alex Lauver of Douglas Strategies, we presented at the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect Show, delivering:
The session focused on practical, revenue-protecting strategies retailers can implement immediately.
Educating Anglers & Brands Through The Sustainable Angler Podcast
PC: Nick Price Photograpy
In 2025, The Sustainable Angler podcast continued to grow as a trusted voice at the intersection of fishing, conservation, and sustainable business. 2025 podcast impact:
- 21 new episodes released
- 53,000+ total downloads (since 2018)
- Actionable guidance for anglers and brands to:
- Advocate for public lands
- Take climate action
- Understand sustainability-related regulations
We also launched a special brand-focused series: “The Rise of Sustainability-Related Regulations: EPR, Climate-Related Disclosures, PFAS, and Green Marketing Claims” with James Pollack of Marten Law, helping brands navigate regulatory risk with confidence.
Giving Back: Conservation, Climate, and Public Lands
As a proud 1% for the Planet member, we donated 1% of sales to organizations aligned with our values, including:
In addition, we:
Advocated for public lands, climate action, and NOAA funding in Washington, D.C. with Ocean Conservancy.
Advocated for public lands and climate action through virtual fly-ins with:
- The Conservation Alliance
- Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Advocacy remains a core part of our work—because healthy ecosystems are the foundation of a healthy outdoor industry.
New Thought Leadership: The Laws of Nature for Sustainable Business
In 2025, we launched The Laws of Nature for Sustainable Business blog series, a framework connecting:
- Natural laws
- Sustainability regulations
- Business risk and opportunity
- Income Statement & Balance Sheet
This initiative tied real-world regulations—such as EPR, climate-related disclosures, and PFAS—to the systems brands already depend on, helping leaders better understand why sustainability requirements are accelerating.
New Sustainability Consulting Services Launched in 2025
To meet growing client needs, Emerger Strategies expanded our services, including:
- Retailer Sustainability Compliance Packages
- Sustainable Packaging + EPR Compliance
- Sustainability Sales & Marketing Services
- Nature Strategy & Science-Based Targets for Nature
Each service is designed to help brands move faster, reduce risk, and unlock value from sustainability investments.
Free Resource for Brands
In 2025, we also launched a free educational resource: The Sustainability Checklist for Fishing & Outdoor Brands. This tool helps brands:
- Understand what retailers and regulators expect
- Identify gaps in sustainability performance
- Take clear, confident next steps
Download The Sustainability Checklist for Fishing & Outdoor Brands.
Looking Ahead: Profitable, Compliant, and Nature-Positive
Everything we did in 2025 reinforces a simple truth: Sustainability is no longer altruistic—it’s operational, financial, and strategic. At Emerger Strategies, we’re proud to help fishing and outdoor brands:
- Measure what matters
- Improve sustainability performance
- Protect revenue
- Reduce costs
- Strengthen retailer relationships
- And build long-term resilience
I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to all of our clients who have supported our work over the years. Thank you to all of the guests on The Sustainable Angler who have inspired anglers and other brands to take action. Finally, thank you to all of your for taking the time to read our blog and listen to the podcast. You support means the world to me.
Ready to make the business case for sustainability?
Let’s measure, improve, and grow—together.