The European Union Taxonomy on sustainable activities introduces, starting in 2024, new standards for assessing the environmental impact of companies, including those in the agri-food sector.

For food industry processors, this framework brings both obligations and opportunities:

• Reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions indicators;
• Highlighting energy efficiency and resource use;
• Demonstrating contributions to the circular economy (packaging, waste, reuse);
• Eligibility for funding and investments only based on compliance with taxonomy criteria.

Studies by EY and PwC indicate a major gap among SMEs, with only 17% of Romanian companies prepared to document EU requirements by the end of 2025.

Adopting the taxonomy is essential not only for attracting financing, but also for competitiveness, positioning, and compliance. Those who integrate real – not merely declarative – sustainability will gain a clear advantage in the coming decade.

(Photo: Freepik)