There are many complexities when trying to tackle the climate crisis but at CDS we believe a Circular Economy offers exciting ways to re-design our businesses, rethink how we consume and ultimately regenerate our planet and society. This Weekly newsletter will highlight key developments in the industry and exciting material and business model innovations. The New Year holiday offered a time to reflect on our sustainability progress in 2023 and key developments for 2024.

What consumers care about when it comes to sustainability Deloitte (opens new window)

Levers for 2024

Legislation will begin to escalate in 2024. Within the EU, Large businesses will be required to report on their social and environmental impacts as part of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Clamping down on ESG, this directive will affect large businesses within or trading with the EU with the view to extend to smaller businesses in a couple of years. (IBM – What is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)?) (link opens new window)

Frances’ AGEC Law is consolidating labelling standards and France has brought in compulsory composting in households. France Government – Ecological Transition (link opens new window)

Wales will demand Workplace recycling from April 2024. There are many more in the pipeline as the EU builds on their Circular Economy Action Plan exploring EcoDesign requirements, re-use and reparability intiatives. Wales Gov. Workplace Recycling (link opens new window)

Ultimately, consumer demands are changing. More people are willing to pay more for sustainable products and expect social and environmental purpose within businesses or they turn round and say no.

Issue 02