Driving circularity forward: our 2025 update

1. Expanding recycle-ready product offerings

Our goal was to be the first company in our industry to offer a full range of recyclable products. While we initially committed to assessing recyclability through ISO 14021, we went even further by implementing our SGS-verified Sustainable Selection methodology, aligned with ISO 20400 guidelines. This approach broadened our evaluation criteria to encompass additional circular attributes, including recycled content, refurbished products, and compostable or degradable materials. As a result, over 80% of our product families now feature at least one item that meets these standards.

2. End-of-Life solutions for used materials

We have successfully collaborated with over 40 partners across Europe to implement collection and recycling programs for selected materials, including used toner and empty ink cartridges writing instruments, batteries (in Slovakia only), and coffee capsules (in Hungary only),. While service availability varies by country due to regulatory frameworks and customer demand, our efforts have put into focus responsible local waste management and material reintegration into manufacturing processes.

3. Reducing non-circular packaging

We committed to eliminating all non-circular primary packaging from the products we sell. By 2025, 67% of our product offering had recyclable packaging and our efforts were guided by a strong focus on Sustainable Selection, where recycle-ready packaging is a  necessary component. 

4. Eliminating single-use plastics in our facilities

Lyreco has eliminated single-use plastics from our premises, aligning with the EU’s Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive.

5. Establishing a circular economy standard for the workplace industry

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have worked to integrate circular economy principles into the workplace industry, mainly through our Lyreco Sustainable Selection methodology, resulting in 94% of our Group suppliers having been assessed to ensure alignment with our sustainability criteria.

Our efforts have been recognized with the Sustainability Excellence – Reseller Award at the 2024 European Office Products Awards.  This recognition affirms our ongoing efforts and highlights our contribution to encouraging broader industry shifts toward more sustainable business practices.

Looking ahead: adapting to evolving regulations and sustainability standards

Our 2020 pledge set a frontrunning initiative, and as Pioneers, we embraced the need to adapt to evolving circular business realities and sustainability regulations, especially with the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), as well as Single Use Plastic Directive and local implementations of the EU Waste Framework Directive.

While some adjustments were necessary, our commitment remained unwavering. This experience sharpened our vision and reinforced our drive for continuous improvement. 

As we move forward, we remain focused on aligning with the latest sustainability frameworks, particularly ESRS, to push circularity further and inspire meaningful change across our industry.