The Role of ESG Data
A recurring theme was data. No matter the size of the company, data collection and reporting remain a challenge. Businesses are under increasing regulatory pressure, especially in Europe, but Sofia stressed that reporting cannot be the end goal.
Reporting shouldn’t be only for reporting - we want to use data to take decisions and make the most impact.
Events like the summit create a valuable space for knowledge-sharing, where companies at different stages of the value chain can exchange examples, ideas, and approaches.
Challenges in Circular Business Models
When asked about the barriers to circularity, Sofia pointed to two main challenges:
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Where to begin. Circularity is not a binary concept - it exists on a spectrum. Many companies already have practices that could be considered “circular,” but they may not label them as such. Recognising these as starting points can help businesses build momentum.
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Balancing sustainability with quality. In industries such as electronics and batteries, there is often a perceived trade-off between using secondary materials and maintaining product performance. Partnerships with end-of-life players, however, are showing that recycled inputs can meet - and increasingly match - the quality of virgin materials.
How Customer Expectations Have Shifted
Over the years, SK Tes has seen a clear evolution in what ESG-conscious customers expect:
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Then: The focus was on compliance, health and safety, and proper handling of hazardous waste. These were the non-negotiables.
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Now: Clients view compliance as a baseline. They expect partners to demonstrate measurable ESG progress across all three pillars:
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Environmental - emission reduction and climate commitments.
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Social - diversity, non-discrimination, and fair opportunities.
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Governance - transparency, ethical systems, and strong reporting.
“Our clients are making their own commitments on climate change,” Sofia explained. “As part of their supply chain, they expect us to have a plan - and to take action - to reduce emissions and strengthen ESG across the board.”
Looking Ahead: The Digital Product Passport
Sofia also highlighted one of the most exciting developments shaping the future of circularity: the Digital Product Passport. First being rolled out in Europe for batteries, it will act as a digital twin of the product, containing information on:
By increasing transparency, the passport will push both consumers and companies to demand more sustainable, circular practices. “This will change how we approach circularity - and accelerate adoption far beyond Europe,” Sofia predicted.
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