Konings strategically embeds sustainability to ensure future-proof growth

From fragmented sustainability efforts to a clear ESG roadmap

Konings is an internationally active co-packing company in the food and beverage industry, known for its flexibility and strong production capabilities for leading brands. With operations across multiple European sites, sustainability and CO₂ transparency are becoming increasingly important in both operational decision-making and customer expectations.

In 2021, Konings reached a pivotal moment. A change in management and a financial restructuring prompted the company to reassess its strategic priorities, including its approach to sustainability. During a previous energy efficiency project, it became clear that Konings needed greater insight into its carbon footprint and international impact in order to make informed long-term decisions.

By 2024, external pressure had increased significantly with the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Sustainability had evolved from a strategic ambition into a reporting requirement. At the same time, internal demand for ESG-related data and reporting continued to grow, while uncertainty remained about which information was relevant, reliable and future-proof. Konings needed structure, direction and practical guidance in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving ESG landscape.

Strategic recalibration, CSRD readiness and scalable sustainability reporting

To support Konings through this transition, Encon developed a phased approach that combined business priorities with evolving regulatory requirements.

In 2021, we updated the company’s sustainability strategy through a two-phase process. We analysed the business model, identified key priorities for the years ahead and mapped out strategic themes such as carbon reduction and international footprint management. This created a solid foundation for future growth and sustainability reporting.

In 2024, this work evolved into a comprehensive Roadmap to CSRD Compliance. The roadmap clarified what the CSRD means for Konings, which data domains needed to be addressed, how governance should be organised and which internal processes were required to ensure timely and accurate reporting. It provided management with a clear action plan, including responsibilities, timelines and resource requirements, making future compliance both achievable and manageable.

In 2025, we further strengthened this foundation by developing a professional sustainability report outside the formal CSRD framework. As Konings is not yet legally required to report, we deliberately opted for a flexible, digital and fully editable reporting format that can easily be updated each year. This approach significantly reduces future reporting effort and costs while ensuring consistency and scalability.

A sustainability framework that grows with the business

The collaboration provided Konings with a clear and future-oriented sustainability framework that strengthens trust both internally and externally. Through the combination of strategic review, CSRD preparation and structured reporting, sustainability is no longer managed in a fragmented or reactive way, but through a coherent, scalable and forward-looking approach.

Management now has a stronger basis for prioritising investments and strategic initiatives, internal stakeholders benefit from clearly defined processes, and the sustainability report enhances credibility with customers, partners and other stakeholders.

As transparency and accountability become increasingly important across the market, Konings is well positioned for the future. The company can respond more efficiently to stakeholder requests, anticipate upcoming regulatory developments and continue building an ESG foundation that evolves alongside its international ambitions.