There is a business case for prioritising sustainability that goes well beyond its societal benefits, new research shows. Businesses are increasingly reaping bottom-line benefits from focusing on environmental and ethical issues.The research, carried out by packaging company Smurfit Kappa and Longitude, a Financial Times company, surveyed 200 UK business leaders. It found that 83 per cent of businesses now believe that sustainability is a business opportunity to be exploited. Some 72 per cent expect sustainability to be an enduring trend – and 74 per cent are committed to staying ahead of their competitors on sustainability issues.