ESG sustainability is increasingly important for domestic SMEs

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 02. 12. 11:49

Sustainability and corporate governance (ESG: Environmental, Social, Governance) aspects are gaining increasing importance among Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is supported by the ESG survey conducted by the Hungarian Economic Development Agency (MGFÜ), which examined the situation of enterprises already dealing with ESG, with a special focus on companies participating in the Modern Model Plant Program.

ESG readiness of SMEs

90% of the enterprises participating in the survey are small and medium-sized enterprises, operating in various industries, including metalworking, component manufacturing, machine tool wholesale, medical device manufacturing, and household textiles and ready-made textile goods manufacturing.

The research also showed that nearly three quarters of enterprises have already encountered a situation where they had to fill out a sustainability questionnaire as a supplier. However, only one SME has experience in preparing a sustainability report.

Digital presence and ESG software usage

According to the survey, less than two-thirds of companies have an online platform that presents their sustainability performance and commitments. The use of ESG software is still not widespread, but many companies operate corporate governance systems that support some aspects of ESG.