2026 Executive Outlook | Christian Fournier, Beneva

A major transformation will take the property and casualty insurance industry by storm in 2026 — the integration of sustainable claims practices, notably through the adoption of circular economy principles. Maybe it won’t happen that fast, but it should, and here’s why.

Climate change is hitting hard. Increasing frequency and intensity of floods, wildfires and storms is putting the resilience of communities to the test. At the same time, our lifestyles place growing pressure on the environment. We are drawing on the resources of future generations.

Traditionally, claims management has followed a linear model: materials are torn out, damaged goods are discarded, and reconstruction is done identically. This model generates a significant amount of waste, increases greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the depletion of natural resources. It overlooks the potential for reuse or recovery of existing materials.

Our industry has an opportunity to initiate a strategic shift by laying the groundwork for more sustainable claims practices. This change could take shape through the introduction of processes supporting a circular economy; each claim would become an opportunity to preserve, reuse and redistribute.

For example, policyholders should be encouraged to preserve materials and goods by repairing rather than demolishing or replacing them. The implementation of optimized drying standards could help save materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill. To make this possible, we need to work with suppliers who will embrace these practices with enthusiasm.

The benefits would be numerous: reducing environmental impact, extending the useful life of goods, supporting vulnerable populations and creating local loops that strengthen business autonomy. This paradigm shift would require time, effort and collective mobilization, but it would also position insurers as key players in the ecological transition.