deSter releases 2024 ESG report
deSter releases its third annual ESG Report
deSter has revealed its third annual ESG Report. This 2024 edition marks the most comprehensive report to date for deSter, reflecting the company’s deepening commitment to transparency, responsible growth and creating meaningful impact.
“As our business evolves, so does our responsibility,” said Stef Van de Perre, President and Managing Director of deSter. “This report is more than a summary of data — it is a reflection of who we are, what we value, and where we are heading. It illustrates the real-world actions behind our #PeoplePlanetProduct vision and the partnerships that fuel our progress.”
Key highlights from the 2024 ESG report include:
Strategic growth and industry recognition
- Achieved EcoVadis Platinum rating — placing deSter among the top 1% of companies globally in sustainability performance.
- Earned multiple industry accolades: two German Design Awards, four TravelPlus Awards and one Onboard Hospitality Award.
- Welcomed new airline partners, including Riyadh Air and United Airlines, and deepened collaborations with key customers such as Cathay Pacific, Finnair and Discover Airlines.
- In the food service sector, expanded our smart reusable solutions into sports and events, introduced home-compostable cutlery for major QSR chains and launched a material-efficient product line tailored to the U.S. market.
- Earned multiple industry accolades: two German Design Awards, four TravelPlus Awards and one Onboard Hospitality Award.
- Strengthened market presence at key events, including WTCE and IFSA Expo.
- Fully integrated Nupik into our operations under the new brand name deSter x Nupik.
#PeoplePlanetProduct in Action
People:
- Conducted the first global employee survey, capturing valuable feedback to drive continuous improvement.
- Reduced voluntary employee turnover to 7.5 percent, well below the 10 percent target.
- Achieved a strong positive Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)
- Piloted a supplier carbon engagement program to extend sustainability efforts throughout our supply chain.
- Launched new community initiatives including the deSter Packathon, education programs in the U.S., and global volunteer activities.
Planet:
- Two of four manufacturing sites are now ISO 14001 certified. With all sites to be certified by end 2025
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent compared to 2019, exceeding our 2025 and 2030 targets ahead of schedule.
- Secured SBTi approval for our net-zero targets.
- Reduced operational waste by 34 percent and increased recycled waste to 63 percent since 2019.
Product:
- 94 percent of packaging revenue now comes from reusable, recyclable, or compostable solutions.
- Increased revenue from reusable and compostable products to 64 percent, up from 62 percent in 2023.
- Reduced single-use plastic sales by weight by 41 percent since 2019.
- Launched our Product Carbon Footprint tool, aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
- 45 percent of food contact materials are FSC- or PEFC-certified.
- 71 percent of fiber-based products are PFAS-free, on track for 100 percent by 2026.
Governance
- Proactive alignment with emerging EU regulations, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and European Deforestation Regulation.
- Maintained zero cases of whistleblowing, corruption or unfair competition.
“Sustainability is not a side project at deSter – it is embedded in everything we do,” said Philippe De Naeyer, Director Sustainability/ESG, deSter. “We are proud of the progress we have made, but even more committed to the road ahead. By working closely with our customers, suppliers, and communities, we believe we can drive real change – for people, for the planet and through every product we create.”
The full deSter ESG Report 2024 provides deeper insight into the initiatives, data and people behind deSter’s impact journey.
"A warm thank you to all our customers, employees, suppliers, and partners who help bring our sustainability vision to life every day. Through action and close collaboration, we can truly make a difference," deSter said in its press release.
