CSRD: 3 key learnings from Novasol Chemicals' journey

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in the modern world. For Novasol Chemicals, a long-time advocate of sustainability, this journey has been a continuous evolution. As Novasol Chemicals adapted to the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), they uncovered three key insights that reshaped their approach to sustainability. With Futureproofed, part of Sweco, as their trusted partner, Novasol turned these learnings into a structured strategy that not only ensures compliance but enhances their competitive edge.

As a global player in chemical distribution, Novasol had already been working on their sustainability strategy for several years. However, the introduction of the CSRD presented new challenges and requirements that demanded a more structured and comprehensive approach. While their priority was ensuring alignment with the new ESG framework and reporting demands, their ultimate goal was to transform their sustainability efforts into a competitive advantage.

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Partnering with Futureproofed for success

Recognizing the complexity of the CSRD, Novasol turned to Futureproofed, part of Sweco, a trusted partner they had worked with for their carbon management and carbon footprinting. Futureproofed’s structured methodology and human-centered approach made them the perfect choice to help Novasol comply with the CSRD while refining their overall sustainability strategy.

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“Futureproofed impressed us with their approach, simplifying things and making them understandable. Their direct, human-centered attitude, and competitive pricing made them the obvious choice.”

– Hilde De Baere, HR Quality and Regulatory Manager, Novasol Chemicals.

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A structured path to sustainability

Futureproofed’s engagement with Novasol began with a double materiality assessment—a key step in CSRD compliance. This assessment helped the company identify which topics were most relevant to both their impact on the environment and society, and the risks and opportunities they faced from sustainability issues.

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Surprisingly, the assessment revealed that some areas, such as transport and packaging, which Novasol had previously prioritized, were less significant to their sustainability strategy than anticipated. On the other hand, new areas requiring more focus were identified. This systematic approach provided Novasol with clarity and a renewed focus on where their efforts should be directed.

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“We discovered surprises through the assessment. Topics we didn’t think were significant turned out to be more important, and others we assumed were critical had less impact than expected.”

– Hilde De Baere, HR Quality and Regulatory Manager, Novasol Chemicals.

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Turning compliance into opportunity

The impact was immediate. Novasol’s core team quickly understood how the CSRD could be managed with a structured approach, and they gained confidence that compliance was not only achievable but could lead to meaningful improvements in their business practices.

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“The structured approach showed us that not only could we meet the regulatory requirements, but we could also have a meaningful impact, strengthening our communication with suppliers and customers.”

– Hilde De Baere, HR Quality and Regulatory Manager, Novasol Chemicals.

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Through a detailed gap analysis, they are now refining their strategy, setting clear targets, and improving their communication with both suppliers and customers. Thanks to this collaboration, Novasol is positioned to not just meet regulatory requirements but to leverage sustainability for long-term competitive advantage.

Three key sustainability learnings

Thanks to their collaboration with Futureproofed, Novasol Chemicals is navigating the CSRD with confidence and clarity, translating compliance into business opportunities. Their journey shows that sustainability isn't just about reducing carbon footprints—it's about understanding the broader ESG landscape and using it to drive growth and competitiveness. For Novasol in particular, these are 3 key learnings:

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1. Clarity through structure: Futureproofed’s structured approach helped Novasol prioritize what matters most. Through a double materiality assessment, the team identified surprising insights—areas they initially thought were key, like packaging and transport, turned out to be less critical, while other aspects they hadn’t considered needed more focus. This clarity allowed them to make informed decisions and prioritize their efforts.
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2. Carbon accounting is essential but not enough: Novasol had already worked with Futureproofed on their carbon footprinting journey, which is a crucial element of any sustainability strategy. However, the CSRD goes beyond carbon emissions to encompass broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics. While carbon footprinting remains a vital part of sustainability, it alone does not fulfill the comprehensive reporting and impact requirements that the CSRD demands.
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3. Turning compliance into competitive advantage: The structured methodology and insights gained not only helped Novasol comply with CSRD regulations but also enabled them to refine their strategy. As a result, they are now better equipped to communicate with customers and suppliers about their sustainability initiatives, strengthening their position in the market. Sustainability is not just a compliance issue—it’s a driver of business growth.

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As Novasol Chemicals continues their sustainability journey, they’re positioned not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to leverage sustainability as a core part of their business strategy. Futureproofed’s expertise has made the CSRD process manageable and impactful.