Winners of the Symbol of Sustainability 2025 Announced
For the sixth time, Trade Magazin has launched the Symbol of Sustainability competition. Out of the entries received this year, 20 applicants were awarded across seven announced categories. In addition, at the end of September, the Green Communication Special Award of the Green Division of the Hungarian Marketing Association (MMSZ) will once again be presented, along with the Partnership Special Award of MARS Hungary.
The aim of the Symbol of Sustainability competition is to showcase, through the submitted projects, as many successful initiatives as possible each year on Trade Magazin’s platforms that contribute to achieving a more sustainable future, while keeping the ESG framework in mind.
Initially submitted in five categories, the entries were first pre-screened and then evaluated by a large professional jury online and later in person in the second round. Applications that achieved at least 70% of the maximum possible score received the Symbol of Sustainability recognition. (Details can be found in the table below.)
For the third time, the Green Division of the MMSZ announced its Green Communication Special Award. This award is given to one of the successful applicants of the Symbol of Sustainability 2025 that the Division’s leadership – representing the entire membership – considers the best according to the communication criteria set out in the call for entries.
We are pleased to announce that this year’s special award went to the joint application of Zwack Unicum Nyrt. and the 10 Million Trees Foundation. (Details in the table below.)
In 2025, MARS Hungary once again supported the Symbol of Sustainability competition, also acting as a special award sponsor in the evaluation. MARS is an international leader in sustainability, and beyond supporting the competition, it actively seeks projects with its partners that can serve as examples of such efforts. This year, the MARS Hungary Partnership Special Award went to Auchan Hungary from among the winners of the competition.
This year’s evaluation placed a strong focus on commitments made beyond core business activities and on measurable, verifiable data that prove positive change. Such achievements demonstrate that the awarded applicants set an exemplary standard for other companies, either through their corporate steps or by showing how their brands contribute to sustainability.
It can be said without exception that the winners, whether for corporate or brand-specific initiatives, developments, or investments, stand as role models for both market players and their customers.
The 2025 winners will receive their certificates and special awards at the Business Days 2025 conference on 24 September 2025 in Tapolca, at the Hunguest Hotel Pelion, in the presence of members of the professional jury.
Winners of the Symbol of Sustainability 2025
Applicant Company |
Project |
Summery |
Product category |
||
Assist-Trend Kft. |
Zero Products in Professional Hygiene |
Offers environmentally friendly hygiene solutions, led by the Sutter Zero product line, providing effective, plant-based cleaning agents for the professional sector. The concentrated, sustainable, and health-friendly formulas combine cost-efficiency, safety, and eco-consciousness. |
Bibo Franchise Kft. |
The Eco-Friendly Plastic |
Hungarian-developed bioplastic products that are compostable, reusable, and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions during production. The company has received several professional awards, including from SIRHA Budapest and the Green Innovation Expo. |
HARTMANN-RICO Hungária Kft. |
MoliCare® Washable Absorbent Underwear |
Provides a sustainable medical solution for everyday hygiene challenges with washable absorbent underwear that reduces waste while offering high comfort. Rapidly spreading in the domestic market, it is a significant step towards eco-conscious personal hygiene. |
Herbow International Zrt. |
Souldrops Baby Drop Hypoallergenic Sensitive Laundry Detergent Range |
Safe, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly laundry detergents designed for washing baby clothes, effectively removing stains while using environmentally friendly packaging. The brand is a domestic pioneer in sustainable baby care. |
Service category |
||
E.ON Drive Infrastructure Hungary |
Green Energy, Nationwide Charging Network – Sustainable Mobility for All |
Operates a nationwide electric vehicle charging network powered by 100% green energy, promoting sustainable transportation in Hungary. Strategic partnerships ensure chargers are installed at locations where charging naturally fits into daily activities. |
Revo Union Kft. |
Market-Leading Reuse Systems |
Operates a leading circular reuse system that reduces environmental impact and replaces single-use plastics in hospitality, events, and retail. Its ecosystem covers the entire product lifecycle from manufacturing to collection, washing, and recycling, replacing over 22 million disposable cups so far. |
Technological Solution, process category |
||
SPAR Magyarország Kft. |
Innovative Technological Solutions to Reduce Plastic Use |
Uses technological innovations, recycled materials, and circular solutions to significantly reduce plastic use. Supports sustainability through educational campaigns and responsible waste management practices. |
CSR environmental category |
||
VPK Packaging |
CO₂ Calculator – The Future of Sustainable Packaging |
Measures the full carbon footprint of packaging from production to transport, helping companies make more sustainable decisions. Enhances transparency of indirect emissions in supply chains. |
Zwack Unicum Nyrt. and the 10 Million Trees Foundation |
“A Sip of Nature Every Day” – Joint Mission to Plant Miyawaki Forests |
Introduced the Miyawaki method to Hungary to plant urban mini-forests, aligning with carbon footprint reduction goals and showcasing new forms of corporate responsibility. |
MiReHu Nonprofit Kft. |
Saving Differently |
Aims to reduce food waste through education and community engagement, particularly targeting households and the hospitality sector. Supported by partners such as Hotel Palota Lillafüred. |
Master Good Corporate Group |
Implementing a Circular Economy Model |
Operates sustainably and resource-efficiently with a circular economy model, aiming to become the most sustainable poultry company in Hungary and Europe using green energy and innovative technology. |
Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft. |
Sand Martin Nesting Site on Factory Grounds |
Supports biodiversity through nature-friendly initiatives, such as creating habitats for sand martins, serving both environmental protection and public awareness. |
Rossmann Magyarország Kft. |
Rossmann x Respray Spray Refill Machine |
Revolutionizes the aerosol product market with a sustainable refillable cosmetic system, reducing waste and environmental impact. |
CSR social category |
||
AUCHAN Magyarország Kft. |
“Still Good!” Campaign |
Raises awareness about food waste reduction and conscious shopping in cooperation with Nébih. |
E.ON Hungária Energy Zrt. |
Champions of the Earth |
Sustainability awareness program targeting children and educational institutions, supporting and showcasing local environmental initiatives. |
Essity Hungary Kft. |
Libresse Women’s Health CSR Program |
Raises awareness about endometriosis and women’s health, breaking taboos and supporting communities through donations and campaigns. |
K&H Bank |
K&H Life Skills Program |
Supports young people in state care to prepare for independent living through tailored training and support. |
K&H Bank |
K&H Move! PE Teacher of the Year Program |
Recognizes outstanding PE teachers who promote active, healthy lifestyles nationwide. |
Lidl Hungary Commercial Bt. |
“Circular Economy with Students” |
Educates primary school students on selective waste collection and food waste prevention through national competitions. |
Tesco-Global Stores Zrt. |
“Start for the Future” |
Provides HUF 57 million annually to local organizations running projects for children, youth, and communities. |
Jury Members of the Symbol of Sustainability 2025 |
||
Name |
Organization |
Position |
Zombor Berezvai |
Corvinus University of Budapest; Hungarian Competition Authority |
Associate Professor; Head of Competition Economics and Market Research Office |
Zoltán Fekete |
Hungarian Brands Association |
Secretary-General |
Tamás Gláser |
Brand Way & Compass; VOSZ; Hungarian Trademark Association |
Lead Consultant; Vice-Chair of Supervisory Board; President |
Beáta Gönci |
Hungarian Packaging and Materials Handling Association |
Secretary-General |
Gergely Hankó |
Association of Environmental Service Providers and Manufacturers |
Managing Director |
Zsuzsanna Hermann |
Trade magazin |
Managing Editor-in-Chief |
Hajnalka Kovács-Czövek |
GREEN BRANDS Hungary |
Country Manager |
Dr. Tamás Kozák |
National Trade Association |
Secretary-Director |
Irén Márta |
Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary |
Managing Director |
Katalin Neubauer |
Hungarian National Trade Association |
Secretary-Director |
Szilvia Szabó |
Hungarian Food Bank Association |
Managing Director |
Dr. László Szűcs |
PwC Legal |
Lawyer |
Tünde Turcsán |
YouGov Shopper |
Managing Director |
Attila Vörös |
Responsible Food Manufacturers Association |
Managing Director |
On behalf of the professional jury, we congratulate all winners!
We also encourage all brands and companies to enter the Symbol of Sustainability 2026 competition, where entries do not compete directly with each other within a category, but rather present their own progress towards set sustainability goals. Applicants only need to convince the jury based on their own results, not in comparison to others.
More information: marketing@trademagazin.hu
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