A new global survey released by Aras in January 2025 reveals a growing alignment between sustainability initiatives and business performance, with digital maturity playing a key role. The report, The Future of Product Lifecycle Management and Digital Engineering, is based on responses from 656 senior executives across Europe, the United States, and Japan, primarily in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors.
According to the findings, 92% of organisations now view successful sustainability programmes as essential to business success—up from 87% in 2024. The research underscores the role of digital tools, especially Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, in supporting regulatory compliance and advancing environmental objectives.
“Sustainability today is about aligning regulatory compliance with operational excellence. Organisations that embed sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations are better positioned to adapt, compete, and grow – regardless of how the requirements evolve,” said Roque Martin, CEO of Aras.
The study found that 88% of PLM users feel their systems sufficiently support sustainability compliance, compared to just 60% of non-PLM users. These companies are more adept at tracking product data, collaborating across supply chains, and navigating evolving regulations such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Digital Product Passport.
The survey also highlights a strong correlation between PLM usage and emerging technology adoption. Among PLM users, 87% reported incorporating artificial intelligence in product development—substantially higher than the 59% among non-users.
However, challenges persist. Only 37% of respondents said their compliance initiatives are well supported, while 18% described their systems as inadequate. Poor-quality data, fragmented digital tools, and a lack of governance remain major barriers to effective sustainability performance.
The report warns that these technical shortcomings carry broader strategic risks. As regulatory demands intensify, the ability to access reliable data and modernise digital systems will be critical for firms seeking long-term resilience and competitiveness.
