The Initiative Online Print e.V. (IOP) is providing clarity on how to meet sustainability reporting requirements. With a hands-on bootcamp in Essen, the IOP ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) working group introduced a practical format designed to support member companies in preparing their sustainability reports. The aim of the event was to define key criteria for creating tailored yet standards-compliant reports, offering participants a clear roadmap. This is particularly relevant for small and medium-sized online print businesses that are not directly subject to the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), but are increasingly facing expectations from clients, banks, and partners.
“Sustainability must not remain a black box. With this bootcamp, we are providing guidance and a shared foundation for how ESG topics can be systematically integrated and communicated within companies – as an integral part of business strategy, not just a ‘nice to have,’” explains Roland Keppler, IOP board member and initiator of the bootcamp.
Why is the sustainability report relevant?
The program is based on the VSME standard for voluntary sustainability reports in SMEs and provides step-by-step guidance on how companies can develop their individual ESG strategy, perform a materiality analysis, and collect ESG metrics. It is not about academic theory, but rather pragmatic implementation support: from identifying relevant issues to developing concrete measures to standard-compliant reporting. Felix Zimmermann, an expert in the field of ESG, provides content support for the IOP.
“Many online printing companies have long since implemented measures for energy efficiency, waste prevention, or in the social sphere—they just don't know how to present this in a structured way. This is exactly where our bootcamp comes in,” says Zimmermann.
Initiative Online Print moves forward
With the bootcamp, the IOP is once again taking on a leading role. Especially in times when political guidelines are volatile and paralyze entrepreneurial activity, the IOP's offerings provide its member companies with guidance for action.
“We want our members to not only be compliant, but also to actively take advantage of the opportunities offered by sustainable business practices,” emphasizes Dominik Haacke, acting member of the IOP Executive Board. “Because one thing is clear: those who ignore ESG not only squander trust, but also competitiveness.”
The Initiative Online Print supports its member companies not only in the area of ESG, but also regularly engages with other key topics and trends. For example, there are additional bootcamps and working groups focused on artificial intelligence. Just a few weeks ago, the IOP also introduced its own EUDR-X exchange framework to support compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation. Members benefit directly from the association’s ongoing commitment to driving progress within the industry.
“The ‘twin transformation’ of sustainability and digital transformation are the strongest levers in a market that constantly puts companies under pressure to innovate,” says Bernd Zipper, CEO of Initiative Online Print.
“Sustainability must not remain a black box. With this bootcamp, we are providing guidance and a shared foundation for how ESG topics can be systematically integrated and communicated within companies – as an integral part of business strategy, not just a ‘nice to have,’” explains Roland Keppler, IOP board member and initiator of the bootcamp.
Why is the sustainability report relevant?
The program is based on the VSME standard for voluntary sustainability reports in SMEs and provides step-by-step guidance on how companies can develop their individual ESG strategy, perform a materiality analysis, and collect ESG metrics. It is not about academic theory, but rather pragmatic implementation support: from identifying relevant issues to developing concrete measures to standard-compliant reporting. Felix Zimmermann, an expert in the field of ESG, provides content support for the IOP.
“Many online printing companies have long since implemented measures for energy efficiency, waste prevention, or in the social sphere—they just don't know how to present this in a structured way. This is exactly where our bootcamp comes in,” says Zimmermann.
Initiative Online Print moves forward
With the bootcamp, the IOP is once again taking on a leading role. Especially in times when political guidelines are volatile and paralyze entrepreneurial activity, the IOP's offerings provide its member companies with guidance for action.
“We want our members to not only be compliant, but also to actively take advantage of the opportunities offered by sustainable business practices,” emphasizes Dominik Haacke, acting member of the IOP Executive Board. “Because one thing is clear: those who ignore ESG not only squander trust, but also competitiveness.”
The Initiative Online Print supports its member companies not only in the area of ESG, but also regularly engages with other key topics and trends. For example, there are additional bootcamps and working groups focused on artificial intelligence. Just a few weeks ago, the IOP also introduced its own EUDR-X exchange framework to support compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation. Members benefit directly from the association’s ongoing commitment to driving progress within the industry.
“The ‘twin transformation’ of sustainability and digital transformation are the strongest levers in a market that constantly puts companies under pressure to innovate,” says Bernd Zipper, CEO of Initiative Online Print.
