Tag: sustainability reporting

This study assesses the sustainability reporting practices of large food-processing companies in the Visegrad countries from the perspective of the EU Taxonomy. The analysis covers the 2021–2023 period, during the transition from the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Using a qualitative content analysis and a relative scoring method based on the six environmental objectives and 33 related activities defined in Regulation (EU) 2020/852, we evaluate both the occurrence and quality of disclosed sustainability information. The sample includes large companies representing more than half of sectoral financial indicators in each country. Results show that climate change mitigation receives the highest relative scores across all countries, followed by sustainable water use, biodiversity protection, and circular economy objectives, while climate adaptation and pollution prevention remain less developed. Mandatory reports consistently outperform voluntary ones in quality. The findings highlight both sector-specific sustainability priorities and the significant role of regulatory requirements in enhancing transparency and comparability in sustainability reporting across Central Europe.

This study examines the organisational readiness of the Hungarian agricultural and food industry to introduce and implement effective sustainability reporting regimes from a supply chain perspective, with a focus on knowledge exchange and practical partnerships with regulators and academic institutions. The methodology for this qualitative study was designed to capture the complexity of evolving sustainability reporting practices and organisational responses in Hungary’s agri-food sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve companies, specifically selected as they are subject to the CSRD and EU Taxonomy. The findings reveal a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape in the approach to sustainability and ESG reporting within the Hungarian agro-food industry, underscoring its practical impact on corporate strategies and reporting. By embracing standardised measurement systems and supporting public-private collaboration, Hungarian agricultural companies– and the rural communities that depend on them – can achieve measurable, internationally-respected progress in sustainability, resource use, and market resilience. This study provides practical guidance for companies and policymakers, prioritising comprehensive data models for supply chain disclosures and planning for multi-year capabilities development.