Assessing Manufacturer Compliance with New EU Sustainability Rules

Understanding Manufacturer Readiness for CSRD

In a thorough evaluation recently conducted by Assent Inc., a known leader in supply chain sustainability management, over 150 manufacturers from diverse sectors were assessed regarding their readiness for the newly implemented EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, commonly referred to as CSRD. As this directive evolves and comes into effect, companies must understand its implications and requirements to ensure compliance.

Insights from the CSRD Evaluation

The CSRD mandates an impressive array of over 84 disclosure topics covering approximately 1,000 data points, compelling businesses to adopt heightened levels of supply chain engagement and transparency. Despite a significant majority of manufacturers expressing that they are integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their strategic frameworks, Assent’s findings indicate substantial deficiencies in their reporting capabilities. Alarmingly, three-quarters of those evaluated do not meet the complete CSRD standards.

Critical Areas of Concern

Assent’s research, which included scrutiny of sustainability reports available to the public, identified essential gaps among manufacturers in several key areas:

• Only 24% of assessed companies provided adequate biodiversity disclosures aligned with CSRD requirements, suggesting that many are without structured objectives related to biodiversity.
• 49% of participating companies established targets addressing water consumption and preservation of marine habitats, signifying an urgent need for improved resource management strategies.
• A mere 56% disclosed their Scope 3 emissions targets, highlighting that almost half of the surveyed groups lacked a robust plan regarding emissions reductions throughout their supply chains, which is crucial for comprehensive CSRD alignment.
• 57% of these manufacturers have analyzed their financial risks stemming from material ESG issues, which is fundamental in satisfying investor and regulatory expectations.
• 58% acknowledged their community impacts and set corresponding goals, indicating a need for enhanced community engagement to mitigate potential reputational risks associated with ignored social responsibilities.

A Call to Action for Manufacturers

Jamie Wallisch, a sustainability expert at Assent, remarked on the findings, stating, "Our recent study highlights that manufacturers hold a false sense of security regarding their CSRD readiness. Manufacturers must approach ESG topics materially relevant to their businesses in a more holistic fashion, ensuring they engage with stakeholders across their value chains to identify and address gaps in their CSRD reporting." The imperative to clear these gaps aligns with a broader legal pressure demanding increased levels of transparency and accountability in business practices.

Upcoming Compliance Deadlines

The CSRD establishes specific timelines for compliance. Large publicly-listed companies in the EU must present their inaugural reports following CSRD guidelines by 2025 using data from the fiscal year 2024. Additionally, large EU companies that are not publicly traded will also need to adhere to these revised reporting requirements by 2026. This regulation extends to global corporations with EU subsidiaries that meet the designated size criteria.

Comprehensive Resources for Manufacturers

Manufacturers looking for assistance in filling identified gaps can access the complete report on the CSRD’s implications and further insights. Assent has developed leading solutions aimed at aiding global manufacturers in their compliance journey with the CSRD guidelines. By leveraging effective tools and platforms, companies can optimize their sustainability approaches and fulfill their obligations under the new directive.

About Assent Inc.

Founded in 2010, Assent Inc. provides an essential supply chain sustainability management solution that aids manufacturers globally in addressing both product compliance and ESG requirements. With a commitment to empowering businesses, Assent helps organizations collect and manage necessary supply chain data, aligning with regulations and industry standards to mitigate risks, enhance market access, and promote responsible practices. For further details, manufacturers can visit Assent's official website at www.assent.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSRD?

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a European regulation that requires companies to disclose various aspects of their sustainability efforts, including environmental and social impacts.

Why is Assent Inc. evaluating manufacturers?

Assent Inc. aims to assess the preparedness of manufacturers for compliance with the new CSRD requirements, identifying gaps in their reporting processes.

Which industries were assessed in Assent’s study?

Assent evaluated manufacturers across various sectors, including industrial equipment, electronics, medical devices, and automotive industries.

What key findings were revealed in the assessment?

Critical gaps were identified in areas such as biodiversity reporting, scope emissions targets, and community engagement among assessed companies.

How can manufacturers improve their CSRD compliance?

Manufacturers can enhance compliance by adopting a comprehensive approach to ESG topics, engaging with their supply chains to address specific gaps in reporting, and leveraging resources offered by solutions like those of Assent Inc.

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