This project has been recognised as a commendation of the 2025 Responsible Care Awards.
TT Gaskets, a Nordic manufacturer of technically advanced gaskets, shims, and insulations has published the world’s first verified sustainability report based on the VSME standard (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs), setting a new benchmark for transparency and responsibility in the SME sector. This initiative, which has received the Responsible Care Award 2025, demonstrates that sustainability is not limited by company size – it can, and should, be embedded at every level of the value chain.
A strategic tool for transparency and accountability
The VSME standard, published by EFRAG in December 2024, is designed to help SMEs disclose sustainability data consistently and transparently. Although it is not a regulatory requirement, TT Gaskets recognised it as a strategic opportunity to enhance transparency, respond to customer expectations, and prepare for upcoming EU sustainability directives, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
The reporting journey began in early 2024, with preliminary exercises to map out sustainability performance and targets. As the VSME standard evolved, the team adapted swiftly, consolidating data from multiple internal sources, verifying calculations, and designing the report so that all figures and methodologies can be easily updated annually. The final report was externally verified to enhance the credibility. The effort reflects a deep commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of the company’s operations.
The VSME-based report is more than a formal document – it is a practical tool that enables TT Gaskets to respond to sustainability data requests efficiently and consistently.