Finland SMEs face rising sustainability reporting pressure

The European Union obliges large companies to publish annual sustainability impact reports. Although the rule does not directly bind small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), big firms are increasingly demanding detailed environmental, social and governance data from their suppliers.

Project manager Maarit Jaakola of Turku University of Applied Sciences warns that Finnish SMEs, especially those in maritime and other industrial supply chains, must be ready to collect and present information on emissions, workforce practices and supply‑chain management to stay competitive.

A recent OP Pohjola large‑company study found that 40 % of major firms may replace suppliers if they cannot meet tighter sustainability requirements. To support SMEs, Turku University of Applied Sciences and Yrkeshögskolan Novia are offering a free workshop series in October, helping companies draft their own sustainability reports.