We rarely think about it, but a shampoo bottle thrown away today will persist for approximately 450 years. Over time, it breaks down into tiny pieces that spread through nature and even end up in our own bodies. For Lyan Garritsen and Mark Sanders, that was reason enough to act. From their kitchen table, they started Shampoo Bars, now a brand that has already saved millions of plastic bottles. Their mission is clear: make the plastic-free bathroom the new standard.

The graphic industry is changing rapidly. Digital tools have made much standard print unnecessary. Small print shops are closing, training programmes are disappearing, and true craftsmanship is becoming rare. At the same time, customers expect more: standout print, exceptional quality, and responsible production. Yet Drukkerij de Bij in Amsterdam stands strong. This family-owned business is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and according to owner Norbert van Schie, that’s no coincidence. By consistently prioritising sustainability, quality, and people, De Bij has stayed agile in a shifting market.

On 29 September, the European Council adopted new rules to simplify and clarify the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). These changes reduce paperwork and costs for businesses while maintaining strong climate ambition. Even with the simplification, about 99% of CO₂ emissions from CBAM goods will still be included.

Having a baby often means filling your house with new things. From prams to co-sleepers, from carriers to car seats. Most of these products are only used for a short time and then end up in the attic or on a second-hand site. Julie Munneke-Tromp saw this first-hand and decided things had to change. Five years ago, she started with a handful of her own baby items. Today, that idea has evolved into Tiny Library: a circular library for baby products that offers parents convenience and flexibility, helping to make the world a more sustainable place.

Festivals are known for music, freedom and creativity. But behind the scenes, it’s about very different themes: water, energy, transport, food and waste. How do you organise all that in a way that’s not only practical, but also sustainable? Rob van Wegen, Sustainability Coordinator at Kultlab (known for festivals such as Wildeburg and Wilde Weide), demonstrates that festivals are the ideal setting for experimentation and learning.

Voluntary sustainability reporting is no longer an exception; it’s becoming the norm. Where sustainability used to follow rules and regulations mainly, businesses are now taking the initiative themselves. Research by Visma shows that 22% of companies already report voluntarily, and another 27% are considering it. In total, 68% of entrepreneurs say sustainability reporting is important. The Exact SME Monitor by The Hague University of Applied Sciences confirms this: 26% of small and medium-sized businesses already share results externally, and another 26% are preparing to do so. More than half of SMEs are therefore already demonstrating their sustainability efforts, or planning to do so.

Parcel delivery is essential, but it also has environmental impacts. Vans often drive half empty, boxes are filled with air, and carriers plan their routes without coordinating with each other. Jeroen Gehlen, co-founder of Wuunder, observed these inefficiencies firsthand for years at PostNL and TNT Express. He decided things had to change. Smarter, greener, and without extra cost for the customer.

An event creates connection, impact and momentum, but it always leaves a footprint. From catering and decoration to transport and waste: everything has an impact. No one knows this better than Brownys. For more than 25 years, the agency has been a trusted name in the events world. With the motto "making elephants fly," it’s all about delivering exceptional experiences, quality, and making the impossible possible. Sustainability has always played a role, but often in the form of separate initiatives. Now, Brownys wants to embed it structurally, both in the organisation and in their events. We spoke with owner Nick Bruynesteijn and sustainability coordinator Dieuwertje Plantinga about their ambitions, challenges and lessons learned.

The way we design our living environment has a significant impact on how healthy, connected and resilient we are both as people and as a society. Yet nature is still too often seen as a cost or a backdrop. Nico Wissing wants to change that. For over 40 years, he has worked as a landscape designer towards a world where nature is not the final touch, but the starting point.

An increasing number of businesses aim to demonstrate that they do more than just make a profit. They aim to contribute to a fair and sustainable economy in a way that is both measurable and credible. Today, over 10,000 companies worldwide are certified as B Corps. That recognition comes with responsibility: as a B Corp, you’re expected to show how your business creates impact, and how it keeps improving. By combining your certification with a VSME sustainability report, you take this even further. VSME provides a clear, professional, and EU-aligned format for reporting and communicating your impact, both internally and externally.

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and unfair industries in the world. Many fashion brands produce cheap products using harmful materials and under poor working conditions, often with little or no transparency. In 2011, Paulien Wesselink decided it was time to do things differently. She founded O My Bag, a bag brand that proves style and sustainability can go hand in hand. With fair production in India, innovative materials, and complete transparency, the brand demonstrates that you can run a successful business while doing good.

Good news for small and medium-sized businesses: on 30 July, the European Commission formally adopted the VSME standard as a Recommendation. This is a big step forward. For the first time, there is one clear reporting standard that is understood across all EU member states. No more confusion from different sustainability questionnaires, just one practical, consistent approach for SMEs.