SumUp boosts global ESG drive with 2025 sustainability push

July 28, 2025

Global FinTech SumUp has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to environmental and social responsibility with a broad range of initiatives spanning Latin America, Asia and Europe.

In 2025, the company is continuing its support of sustainability, education, and entrepreneurship projects under its “3Es” framework.

Since 2021, SumUp has dedicated 1% of net revenue from its Solo card terminal to causes aligned with its values, as part of the global “1% for the Planet” movement. Building on this, the company now plans to remove a further 100 tons of plastic waste from Indonesia’s heavily polluted Citarum River, having already helped eliminate 215 tons through its ongoing partnership with River CleanUp.

In Latin America, SumUp is working with Wilderness International to preserve 300,000 m² of rainforest in Peru, helping protect biodiversity while offsetting 18,000 tonnes of CO2. Meanwhile, in collaboration with StoveTeam International, the company is supplying 3,000 fuel-efficient stoves to families across Central America, saving 12 tonnes of CO2 per unit and reducing health risks associated with indoor air pollution.

Beyond its environmental work, SumUp continues to promote global education access and social mobility. The firm’s partnership with U.S.-based NGO Generation has resulted in hundreds of young people across Brazil, Chile and Colombia receiving full-stack Java training, with over 80% of graduates securing jobs in tech.

Additional education-focused partnerships include support for underprivileged children and transgender students in Brazil, and marginalised children in Bulgaria. In MonteAzul favela, SumUp backs programmes that support 350 children monthly with arts, cultural and psychological resources, while in Bulgaria, the Rusalya Association and Dimitar Ekimov Boarding School benefit from financial assistance that helps 50–70 children each year access consistent learning opportunities.

SumUp’s entrepreneurship programmes are also scaling in impact. The firm is collaborating with Indian NGO DharmaLife to support rural women through digital skills and business training via the JAYA programme. The initiative aims to assist 500 women annually and features Roshini, an AI-powered mentor supporting digital education and entrepreneurial development.

SumUp co-founder, Marc-Alexander Christ said, “As the first fintech to sign up to 1% For The Planet in initiative in 2021, a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship is ingrained in the DNA of our company. As a global industry leader, we recognise the importance of empowering individuals worldwide to reach their full potential while championing environmental conservation efforts. Guided by our “3Es” framework – focusing on Environment, Education, and Entrepreneurship. In 2025 we’ve taken action to complete our first double materiality assessment and understand our carbon footprint in preparation for further ESG reporting, doubling down on our commitments to sustainability and social impact initiatives.”