At a recent panel hosted by the German Logistics Association (BVL), leaders from across industries gathered to discuss the evolving role of sustainability in business, especially considering the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The discussion, led by Yvonne Bonventre of BLG Logistics, reflected a growing divide among European companies.

With the postponement of Brussels' omnibus legislation, many businesses are rethinking their pace. A live audience poll revealed that while 50% of companies have slowed their sustainability efforts, nearly 45% are continuing theirs with full force. This split underlines the uncertainty surrounding how and when to act.

The Head of Marketing at sustainability software firm Verso and a lecturer on the topic, Nuvia Maslo,  reminded attendees that sustainability can offer a competitive edge. Political regulation is necessary, she argued, to create a level playing field across industries.

Marcus Wieser of the Geis Group echoed this sentiment. “However, the EU must quickly clarify the changed requirements, because we want to tackle this,” he said, stressing the need for clarity from the EU. Although rules and guidelines help standardize expectations, he emphasized that what's more important is actual progress, like deploying electric trucks, using HVO100 fuel, and reducing CO2 emissions. “Our shareholders don’t ask about paperwork; they ask about impact.”

Still, Wieser expressed concern about the sluggish rollout of e-mobility infrastructure across industries, which is holding back progress.

Read More: What Are The Challenges Of Sustainability In Business?

L’Oréal’s François Le Tourneau pointed out that new standards always invite pushback, particularly around costs. He noted that it was the same with IFRS. Now, with CSRD affecting multiple departments, collaboration within companies has become essential. He called for secure data sharing and industry cooperation rather than competition on sustainability.

Le Tourneau, who also sits on the executive board of the Alice platform, is working on decarbonization projects using digital twins, virtual models of physical systems, to better understand and reduce emissions. One example includes Ikea’s new intermodal train system for shipping goods across Europe.

“Sustainability should be a common theme for all of us, not a competitive issue,” he said. 

For all the talk of compliance, governance remains the real engine of sustainability. It’s about action, not just reporting. Businesses must evaluate their risks, influence, and opportunities to lead meaningful change.

Also Read: Top 5 Social Sustainability Examples You Need To Know

As Maslo summed up, companies must ask themselves a tough question: “Who do we want to be: A front runner driving developments forward, or just complying with regulations as precisely as possible?”

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Source: DVZ