Sustainability

In 2024, Topa has once again taken a major step in further reducing its Company Carbon Footprint (CCF). Compared to 2023, our emissions dropped by almost 14%, down to 880.72 tonnes. This means our total CO₂ emissions have decreased by 47% since 2021, well above this year’s target of 30%. In addition to the annual CCF CO₂ emissions calculation by ClimatePartner, Topa also underwent an external audit by EcoVadis this year. You can read the results of both audits in this article.

We’re aiming for less
“We’re aiming for less” this is our commitment to customers, suppliers, and employees. Less waste, less material usage, and lower CO₂ emissions, both in our products and our operations. We not only focus on the amount of recycled material used but also on reusability and the level of biodegradability. Internally, we take measures to reduce energy consumption, further green our vehicle fleet, and minimise waste streams.

CCF results 2024

In 2024, our total CO₂ emissions fell further to 880.72 tonnes, compared to 1,021 tonnes in 2023. This represents another major step forward. Since 2021, when emissions totalled 1,660 tonnes, we have achieved a 47% reduction. This far exceeds our internal target of -30%, as well as the Dutch national goal under the Paris Climate Agreement, which mandates an 11% reduction, and the revised national 2030 reduction target of 55% (with an ambition of 60%).

After a slight increase in 2023, waste emissions have also dropped again, from 211 tonnes to 195 tonnes of CO₂.

This reduction is the result of specific improvements in:

• Heating: from 373 tonnes to 318 tonnes of CO₂
• Vehicle fleet: from 137 tonnes to 108 tonnes of CO₂
• Electricity: 0 tonnes of CO₂ (fully green energy)
• Waste: 195 tonnes of CO₂

Financial climate contribution: strengthening internal measures

Since 2020, Topa has consistently worked on reducing CO₂ emissions through internal improvements, as outlined above. In addition, we make a financial climate contribution for the residual emissions we still produce as an organisation. In 2024, we continue to support the Renewable Energy Asia project, which invests in wind, solar, and hydropower energy. This year, we offset 881 tonnes of CO₂, bringing our total contribution since 2020 to 6,005 tonnes of CO₂.

As a result, we continue to hold the title “Company with a financial climate contribution” (May 2022 through April 2026).

PPWR and PCF: ready for the future

On 12 August 2026, the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into effect. This European legislation aims to reduce packaging waste, increase recycling, and encourage reuse.

Topa is particularly focused on pillars 2, 3 and 7 of the PPWR:

• Recyclable packaging: only products that are easy to recycle, such as mono-materials
• Minimum percentage of recycled content: aligned with the stricter requirements for 2030
• Clear labelling and information: transparent sorting instructions and indication of recycled content

We translate the PPWR requirements into concrete product advice, make our product range more sustainable, and help customers transition to compliant packaging on time. We also provide customers with increasing insight into the lifecycle of our products through lifecycle analysis (LCA), as part of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF).

EcoVadis

Alongside our internal CCF reductions, we also undergo external evaluation. That’s why we were once again audited by EcoVadis, which assesses over 100,000 companies globally on four key areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

In September 2025, Topa once again received the Bronze EcoVadis medal. Our overall score rose from 58 to 69 points, placing us in the 83rd percentile. This means we are now in the top 17% of all companies assessed worldwide (previously 32%). While we are still just 2% short of a Silver medal, this marks a clear step forward.

Topa will continue its efforts in 2025 to further improve our scores across all four EcoVadis evaluation criteria. The appointment of Meghna Varman as ESG Compliance Officer underscores our commitment to strengthening these efforts structurally.

Future plans 2025

For 2025, we have set a further reduction target of -5% compared to 2024, keeping us on track for a total reduction of -35% since 2021. We aim to achieve this through further implementation of our updated mobility plan, switching to Ecogas as of 1 January, actively working on energy efficiency, and expanding our sustainability data. The waste reduction plan has now been completed; in the coming period, we will focus on leveraging those results and addressing new focus areas such as gas usage.

We are also committed to improving our EcoVadis score, aiming for a higher medal. Our QSHE team has been strengthened with the arrival of Meghna Varman, who as ESG Compliance Officer will focus on further professionalisation and embedding of our sustainability efforts.

“With a 47% reduction since 2021, we have shown that structural measures work,” says Tom Vermeersch, Sustainability Project Manager at Topa. “But we’re not stopping there. In 2025, we will take new steps to reduce our CO₂ footprint further, including switching to Ecogas and intensifying our focus on energy efficiency. With our strengthened QSHE team, we are even better equipped to achieve our goals. Together, we go for less.”