Digital transformation can help manufacturing companies in China improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibility performance. The study found that for every 1% increase in digital transformation, ESG responsibility performance improves by 0.124%. Digital strategy is more important than digital technology in this improvement. Factors like total factor productivity, information transparency, and investor stickiness also play a role in how digital transformation affects ESG responsibility performance. This research provides new insights to help manufacturing companies worldwide meet ESG responsibilities and reduce global carbon emissions.