Beyond the Certification Badge: Greenwashing or Genuine Impact?

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, there's skepticism about certification alone as an effective solution in distinguishing businesses committed to making a positive impact. This has been fueled by consumer demand , increased regulatory landscape along with debates about the rigor and transparency of the certification processes and how companies may misuse these as a marketing tool rather than as a foundation for genuine change. 

The journey towards genuine corporate responsibility is a complex one, in which transparency, authenticity and continuous improvement are key . However  we also have to recognize the need for a multifaceted approach that includes stronger regulatory frameworks, consumer education, and systemic changes within industries to ensure that businesses contribute positively to society and the environment beyond obtaining certifications.

The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) aims to enhance transparency and accountability by requiring companies to disclose their impact on social and environmental matters. This regulation is expected to bring more consistent, comparable, and reliable sustainability information available to investors, consumers, and other stakeholders. It will help bridge the information gap, allowing for better-informed decisions and contribute to a more sustainable economy by encouraging companies to adopt more responsible practices.

To hear more about how EU CSRD will impact your company and how to avoid green washing listen to our series of podcasts /https://www.intertek.com/form/auditing-aia-podcast/