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China's reforestation efforts

Ask a fashion executive why their brand hasn't tightened its supply chain and you'll hear the usual answer: it's complicated, it takes time, audits are hard. Then look at what actually happened once Milan prosecutors got involved. Dior, Armani, Valentino and Loro Piana didn't need years. They needed months. Within months of being placed under judicial administration, each of them had overhauled supplier vetting and tightened oversight enough to have that administration lifted again. That's the real story behind the wave of Made in Italy scandals now reaching Chanel, Bulgari and Moncler: these companies could have done this all along. They just didn't, until a court made it a legal risk instead of a reputational one.

For many SME owners, sustainability still feels complex. You hear about CO2 emissions, ESG and CSRD and assume it is mainly relevant for large corporations. In reality, sustainable progress often starts with small and practical steps. One step stands out as the most important: understanding your CO2 footprint.

In this series, we explore companies that are already creating real, measurable positive impact today. Organizations proving that sustainability can be practical, innovative, inspiring, and commercially successful. What are they doing right? Which strategic choices drive their impact? Most importantly: what can you as an SME learn from them? Today’s case: Lidl: ranked the most sustainable supermarket in the Netherlands according to the Superlist Green 2025.

In recent years, sustainability reporting has gained momentum. With the arrival of CSRD, ESRS, and other European regulations, it appears that there is primarily something for large companies. EFRAG is entering into dialogue with large companies about voluntary sustainability reporting. Read more about this in this blog.

Sustainability in 2026 is no longer about intentions alone. It’s about action, transparency and measurable results. What once felt optional has become an essential part of how you run and grow your business. With stricter regulations such as CSRD, rising expectations from customers and increasing pressure on resources, entrepreneurs are being challenged to make smarter choices. In this article, we share the key sustainability trends for 2026.

On 15 June every year, Global Wind Day is celebrated around the world. A day dedicated to the power of wind energy. But for entrepreneurs, this day is about more than renewable energy alone. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and long-term thinking come together.

In this series, we look at companies that are already making a positive impact today. What are they doing well? What choices are they making? And above all: what can you, as an SME, learn from this and how can you apply it yourself? In this edition, we focus on a Dutch retailer known for simplicity, affordability and surprisingly effective sustainability efforts: Zeeman.

World Environment Day 2026 will take place on 5 June in Baku, Azerbaijan. The global event calls for urgent climate action and highlights solutions such as renewable energy, forest expansion and zero‑waste initiatives. Millions across 150+ countries will unite to create a safer, healthier and more sustainable future for people and planet.

The European Commission has released its official simplification review of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), confirming a significant reduction in the expected administrative burden for companies. According to the Commission, the simplification measures introduced since the regulation’s adoption have lowered annual compliance costs by approximately 75%, with the majority of savings benefiting micro and small operators. At the same time, the Commission has resisted political pressure to reopen or delay the core elements of the law. The EUDR’s substance remains intact, and the implementation timeline continues to move forward, providing clarity for companies that have already invested in compliance preparation.

Value is never abstract. Businesses are valued based on expected future cash flows and the risk attached to those cash flows. For SMEs, ESG has become one of the most effective levers to influence both sides of that equation. This article looks at ESG through a valuation lens: risk premium, discount rates, multiples and timing. And it answers a very concrete question many SME owners ask: What actually happens to the value of my business if I make it more future‑proof?

Biodiversity: a day dedicated to rainsing awareness about the richness of life of Earth. Read more about this day below!