In the high-stakes world of private equity, a single misstep can unravel a deal, damage a reputation, and erode value. Today, the most significant and often overlooked risks don't appear in a balance sheet. They hide in a company's environmental footprint, its social practices, and its governance structure. This is why ESG due diligence is no longer a 'nice-to-have', it's the new, non-negotiable standard for protecting and creating value.

Businesses that treat EcoVadis as optional are already losing ground. From securing better finance rates to winning high-value contracts, an EcoVadis rating can directly impact your bottom line. More and more organisations, across industries, are demanding suppliers demonstrate measurable ESG performance and EcoVadis has become the global benchmark.

Join our monthly B Corp roundtable to discuss the New Standards and learn from other businesses how they are tackling them.

The EU’s PPWR, in force from Feb 2025, takes effect mid-2026, requiring all packaging operators to comply with new design, production, and waste rules

The EU’s Green Claims Directive, adopted in early 2024, ensures businesses’ environmental claims are precise and transparent. Aimed at curbing greenwashing, it mandates scientific proof for labels like “eco-friendly,” protecting consumers and demanding corporate accountability.

The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective June 20, 2025, sets strict sustainability rules for all products in the EU. Fully applied by early 2027, it mandates durability, minimal virgin materials, and digital product passports, fostering a circular economy and driving eco-friendly innovation.

In a significant move, the EU’s Omnibus Package has watered down the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). While SMEs and non-EU companies benefit from relaxed compliance, critics warn transparency may suffer. Extended deadlines, simplified standards, and postponed audits offer short-term relief but risk inconsistent data. This post outlines the changes, their impact, and how businesses can adapt.