EcoVadis has awarded deSter a platinum rating, the highest possible in its system. The EcoVadis platinum rating places deSter in the top 1% of all companies rated.
Previously, deSter held a Gold rating but over the past year improved its score from 76 to 84 out of a possible 100 points, recognising commitment to sustainability and good environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Ecovadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of sustainability ratings. They compare a company’s performance with all rated companies in the EcoVadis database, which includes more than 130,000 companies, over the previous 12 months. These are companies from all industries, not just related ones.
A gategroup member, deSter has also been named a leader in carbon management, the highest level on this topic. It reflects best-in-class commitment to reporting and taking action relating to decarbonisation. The company has production units in Hoogstraten (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Lima (Ohio, US) and Prachinburi (Thailand) as well as sales offices worldwide.
The Platinum rating reflects a 50% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, achieved mainly through progress relating to product circularity and expanding local production. Focusing on the design and development of circular products increased deSter’s revenue from circular products to 60% of 2023 revenue, with 20% being reusable and 40% compostable.
The company has reduced the weight of single-use plastics sold by 52% since 2019 and is striving to find new ways to further lower that number.
Additionally, deSter has increased the number of audited suppliers and associated corrective action plans related to its sustainable procurement process, also initiating a supplier engagement process on carbon reduction.
Philippe De Naeyer, Director of Sustainability at deSter, commented: “Caring for our planet should be a concern for all of us; we should not wait for others to take action. There is still so much to do to further reduce our impact and to protect our planet and all life on it. I am incredibly proud of our EcoVadis achievement, which is a testament of our commitment to leading our industry and bringing change. I hope it is an inspiration to others.”
