The perception of business is evolving. Today, ESG and Zero Waste initiatives are gaining importance, enabling companies to achieve success while acting for the benefit of the community and the environment. This approach is becoming a direction for modern business development, not only for ethical reasons but also for legal ones. The European Union’s directive on sustainability reporting[1] requires companies to clearly report their actions in the ESG area. Although the new regulations pose a major challenge for companies, there are those that prove that sustainable development is not only ethical but also practical and beneficial for business. Joanna Legutko, Vice President of W.Legutko, explains how efforts toward sustainable production and social responsibility can contribute to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and building a strong market position.
The adoption of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) by the European Parliament is a step toward creating a more sustainable, climate-neutral economy. Additionally, both customers and investors are placing increasing importance on sustainable development; therefore, ESG and Zero Waste actions are not only a response to climate challenges but also a key to building lasting business value. Socially responsible organizations are becoming role models, proving that sustainable development can go hand in hand with commercial success.
What changes await Polish companies?
The goal of the CSRD directive is to harmonize sustainability reporting standards and increase their comparability, as well as to contribute to building a more sustainable economic system in the European Union.
– Under the new regulations, from 2026, companies employing over 250 people will be required to prepare detailed non-financial reports on social and environmental risks and the impact of their activities on people and the environment. According to the European Commission, this could involve up to 50,000 companies across Europe, which is a nearly 10-fold increase. Although the CSRD directive will now have to be implemented into Polish law, it is a clear signal that sustainable development and transparency of actions are becoming increasingly important for corporations – emphasizes Joanna Legutko, Vice President of the Management Board of W.Legutko.
For companies, ESG is thus becoming not only a matter of image but also a legal requirement, obliging them to report transparently and in detail on how their operations affect the environment and the community. The changes will require them to strategically rethink their business models and implement effective reporting and oversight mechanisms to meet the new EU standards.
Effective management of natural resources
EU requirements, however, are not the only motivator for change. The ESG concept is becoming an important element of the strategy of many companies, which prove that it also brings tangible business benefits. Effective use of natural resources in a company is crucial for both sustainable development and operational efficiency, and consequently for cost optimization. Sustainable production is primarily about caring for the natural environment, so it is worth for companies to focus on reducing the use of chemical substances. Especially in the gardening or agricultural industry, the use of ecological plant protection products and caring for biodiversity growth is becoming increasingly important. Given the increasingly noticeable climate change and the deepening problem of drought, the most rational way to use water management is to collect and exploit rainwater for production processes. Another important aspect is effective energy management, including investments in renewable sources such as solar energy, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers CO2 emissions.
– Respect for the land is the foundation of our operations, and we show it in many ways, including in the area of water management. We are concerned about its dwindling resources, which is why we collect and store rainwater, taking care of its rational use. We power our office buildings and warehouses using photovoltaic farms, which allows us to optimize energy consumption. We also have electric car chargers on our company premises. These actions not only reduce our carbon footprint but also contribute to reducing operating costs – explains Joanna Legutko, Vice President of the Management Board of W.Legutko.
Ecological production not only has a beneficial impact on the environment, but it also becomes a benchmark of concern for the common good, a company’s commitment to sustainable development, and strengthens brand trust.
Sustainable practices
Equally important as the reasonable use of natural resources is the effective use of secondary raw materials. Reducing the use of plastic and recovering materials used in production or packaging is becoming increasingly important in the production process. – Recycling cardboard packaging works great. Those that are in intact condition are used multiple times, while those that are no longer suitable for use are shredded and used as filler to secure shipments – adds Joanna Legutko. Implementing such solutions brings economic benefits to companies by reducing costs and increasing competitiveness.
– We are all increasingly aware of the fact that human activity has a significant impact on the planet. In our company, we are constantly looking for solutions that will contribute to better resource management and more effective use of all available raw materials. That is why we have introduced, among other things, bird food that we produce from damaged or unpromising seeds, thanks to which we reduce the amount of bio-waste. We see the tangible effects of our actions: we use less plastic, less paper, and optimize costs. We ensure that zero waste is not just an idea, but a direction for real action – explains Joanna Legutko, Vice President of the Management Board of W.Legutko.
Social responsibility
Modern enterprises also play an increasingly important role in solving social and environmental problems. Actions such as supporting local communities or investing in education, health, and sustainable development not only strengthen the company’s reputation but also build trust and loyalty among customers and employees. In the long term, companies that engage in social initiatives often experience better relationships with stakeholders, which translates into stability and business success.
– ESG is not just about pro-ecological actions; it is also about actions for the community, not just the local one. As a company, and above all as gardening enthusiasts, we wanted to instill a love for plants in the group we consider most important – children. That is why we have once again organized the #ZDROWOROSNA campaign, which aims to build ecological awareness as well as healthy eating habits among the youngest. For years, we have also been providing lesson materials not only to educational institutions or orphanages. Additionally, we effectively support women in the labor market, who make up over 80% of all employees in the company and 77% of our managers – explains Joanna Legutko.
ESG and Zero Waste actions are not only a response to ecological challenges but also a key to building consumer trust and lasting relationships with contractors. By taking action for sustainable development or caring for the community, modern enterprises can play an important role in solving social and environmental problems. This is particularly important in the context of growing expectations from both customers and the European Parliament, which is consistently developing its sustainable development policy.
Source: W.LEGUTKO/Good One PR
[1] https://www.gov.pl/web/finanse/dyrektywa-o-sprawozdawczosci-przedsiebiorstw-w-zakresie-zrownowazonego-rozwoju-juz-opublikowana