TÜV Nord began with a keynote speech on the latest trends in the certification landscape. The consulting firm Treuhand then provided information about the EU’s ‘Omnibus’ procedure, which aims to simplify sustainability reporting regulations (CSRD), the Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD) and other legislation, while reducing bureaucracy for companies. The presentation also showed how the requirements for sustainability and taxonomy reporting will evolve until 2028, including for medium-sized companies.

Another area of focus was the Green Claims Directive, for which the legislative process has not yet been completed. This EU directive aims to establish clear regulations for environmental advertising claims. In Germany, existing legislation such as the German Act against Unfair Competition (UWG), the latest draft of the Empowering Consumers for the Ecological Transition Directive (EmpCo Directive) and relevant court rulings were presented. It became clear that, in future, the institutions and companies involved will have to check and substantiate sustainability statements much more strictly.

In its role as host, Broetje-Automation presented the core elements of its IMS, including its well-established network of representatives, as well as its systematic approach to quality management, occupational health and safety, environmental protection, information security, data protection, and energy management. The IMS has been a key driver of sustainability reporting at Broetje-Automation. We have since published our second sustainability report on a voluntary basis and plan to obtain an Ecovadis rating this year, in addition to official reports and ratings from the UNGC and CDP.

The network meeting concluded with an open exchange and a tour of the production hall, providing a successful setting for practical insights and valuable discussions.