Sustainability as a new guiding principle: in spite of the farewell to ESG? -- drupa - 2028 - Messe Düsseldorf
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Sustainability as a new guiding principle: in spite of the farewell to ESG?

















Not so long ago, ESG – an acronym for environmental, social and corporate governance – was an indispensable part of strategy presentations in boardrooms and to investors. Today, the term appears less and less in the public statements of listed companies. This trend reflects growing doubts about whether a focus on ESG helps companies deliver on their financial promises – particularly in terms of shareholder returns. But declaring ESG 'dead' for this reason misses the point - even if it makes for a catchy headline. Because while ESG may have lost its popularity as a buzzword among investors and in boardrooms, the principles that underpin ESG – namely sustainability – are more important than ever.

Sustainability: a change without investor lenses

The move away from ESG as a financial marketing tool is part of a deeper shift: sustainability is no longer just a means to satisfy investors or meet certain criteria. Rather, it has become a legal and operational imperative, driven primarily by regulatory requirements such as the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The CSRD requires all major companies operating in Europe to measure and report on their sustainability efforts. This is no easy task. Companies now have to quantify their environmental impact. This includes hazards such as solvent contamination, as well as energy and water consumption. For sectors like the printing industry, which has been criticised in the past for its environmental footprint, the challenge is also an opportunity.

Preparing for the era of sustainability

Like many other industries, the printing industry must adapt to this new reality. The CSRD sends a clear signal that sustainability is no longer an option, but an essential part of business viability. To meet the CSRD, companies must not only collect data, but also understand it, improve their processes and transparently communicate their progress.

Companies that take a proactive approach to these changes will benefit. Numerous examples at drupa 2024, particularly at the touchpoint Sustainability, illustrated this in a variety of ways. By demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, companies can change public and industry perceptions. For the printing industry, this means that its companies can lead the way with innovations in recyclable materials, energy-efficient processes and efforts to minimise waste.

External sustainability expertise fosters change

The complexity of regulations such as the CSR Directive has led to the growth of a dedicated industry of sustainability specialists. Global consultancies such as Deloitte, EY and PwC, technology leaders such as IBM and SAP, and many specialised niche providers are helping companies gather data and derive effective actions. For the printing industry, these partnerships can provide valuable insights and tools to effectively manage change.

The way forward: reinvention and opportunity

As sustainability will inevitably become more important in the coming years, the industry has the opportunity to reinvent itself. For the printing industry, this means innovating, rethinking business models and positioning itself as a sustainable alternative in a highly competitive market. CSRD is just the beginning of an era of change that is far from over.

By taking sustainability beyond compliance, printing companies can align themselves with broader societal goals, improve their resilience, and secure their place in a rapidly changing business landscape. So ESG or sustainability is not a question. Sustainability is not a trend, it is the future. Whatever the banner, the time to act is now!

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