INTRODUCTION
The presentation of the Best Sustainable Product of the Year 2024-2025 is a great opportunity to reflect on the progress of sustainable business. Once again, Miranda Haak from DuFinco had the honour of introducing the winners during an inspiring event. The winners are companies and products that not only excel in innovation, but also contribute to a more sustainable world:
The Sustainable Fashion category: Undiemeister Mellowood underwear
Sustainable Food Category: Jumbo carrots from regenerative farming
Non-food category: Dreft laundry detergent caps in 100% recycled cardboard packaging
These awards show that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand and that every contribution to a more sustainable world counts.

The importance of sustainability
During the ceremony, Miranda emphasised the crucial role of sustainability in business. The future demands products and services that put people and planet first," she said. Sustainability is no longer an optional strategy, but a necessity for long-term success and social relevance.
Changing regulations
A key theme of the meeting was the changing European sustainability regulations. Miranda discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This directive requires companies to report comprehensively on their sustainability efforts from the 2024 financial year (for listed companies) and 2025 (for large non-listed companies).
Miranda also highlighted the European Commission's plans to merge the CSRD, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the European Taxonomy. This consolidation should reduce the regulatory burden, but does not mean that companies will have to report no more or much less. The core of the legislation remains intact and companies will still be required to disclose their sustainability performance. It is important that legislation supports companies in transparent and effective reporting, without adding unnecessary complexity,’ Miranda said.
The core of the legislation remains intact and companies will still be required to disclose their sustainability performance. It is important that the legislation helps companies to report transparently and effectively, without adding unnecessary complexity," says Miranda.
What does this mean for businesses?
The CSRD provides a framework for assessing sustainability performance in three key areas
Environmental impact: such as CO2 emissions and water use
Social responsibility: such as working conditions and diversity
Governance: such as transparency and ethical management
A company is considered large if it meets at least two of the following three criteria
· At least 250 employees
· At least €40 million turnover
· At least €20 million on the balance sheet
Listed SMEs will follow from 2026. Many large companies have already started to implement these standards, giving them an edge in an increasingly competitive market.
Call to action
Miranda closed the meeting with a strong call to action for businesses. Sustainability should be seen as an opportunity, not just an obligation. Today's winners show that innovation and sustainability are inextricably linked. Together, we can set a positive standard for the future.
Building a sustainable future together
The Best Sustainable Product of the Year 2024-2025 awards demonstrate that sustainable innovation is not only necessary, but also achievable. These products inspire us all to look beyond the status quo and actively contribute to a better world.
Want to know more about how your organisation can contribute to sustainability and comply with the new regulations? Contact miranda.haak@dufinco.nl.
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