The commitment is there, but Hungarian companies experience sustainability as a constraint

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 11. 21. 11:45

A joint survey conducted by the Budapest University of Economics and IPSOS highlighted that Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not always consciously and strategically manage sustainability. The majority of businesses apply sustainability as a result of legal obligations and expectations towards suppliers, rather than with their own strategic approach.

According to the survey, although the majority of SME managers are committed to sustainability, they do not consciously integrate it into the life of their business. Although legal obligations provide a framework for sustainability, it is difficult without personal commitment and setting an example.

The research also showed that SME decision-makers often do not use international standards beyond legal requirements and do not have tools to reduce environmental impacts. At the same time, it is gratifying that 80 percent of the respondents actively support the protection of the environment, for example by reducing waste or recycling.