Sustainability in focus as new requirements are expected

Sustainability issues are high on the agenda for many companies today. The EU has proposed a directive (CSDD - Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directive) concerning the examination of companies in matters related to environmental impact and human rights, a directive that can have a direct impact on the industry. 

- Sustainability is constantly being discussed, and companies must work on these issues to meet the expectations of customers and their own employees today. Many companies are already working ethically, but now it becomes more visible for the entire value chain, says Magnus Viström, Business Unit Manager of Sustainability at SSG Standard Solutions Group.

A core part of SSG's business is the standards they have developed in close cooperation with the industry. These standards are developed according to "best practice", incorporating many aspects to create sustainable facilities that should be safe, efficient, and profitable. The standards are also updated continuously as new insights emerge.

- When making a significant investment, one wants to reduce the risk of something going wrong. This can be achieved by working according to these standards because they are well-developed, proven, and embraced within the industry.

Many are affected by CSDD

The new directive, which is expected to be implemented, will have consequences for many companies, especially larger ones, but smaller businesses are also indirectly affected.

- The idea behind CSDD is to ensure the entire supply chain. It will become harder to avoid and think that these are issues that do not concern me. Even a small company is affected if you want to sell to a larger corporation. If you do not meet the established requirements they have, you may not have the opportunity to deliver.

Sustainability in the industry

Magnus Viström believes that SSG will be able to serve as a unifying force for the industry when it comes to sustainability issues and the increased demands that will be placed in the future.

- First and foremost, we need to see exactly where it lands and how it will be implemented. But it's good if the industry can speak with a unified voice on this. It's clear that you need to get a handle on your value chains because they will be scrutinized," says Magnus Viström.