PROTEGO®: First ESG report and carbon footprint with VERSO

The challenge at PROTEGO®

Since its founding in 1954, PROTEGO® has followed the guiding principle: protecting lives, preserving values. This mission is reflected not only in the quality and safety of its products but also in its commitment to sustainability. The company embraces the concept of the circular economy and is actively engaged in areas such as ethical leadership, diversity, occupational safety, and education.

Starting in 2026, PROTEGO® will be subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and will be required to publish an annual sustainability report. In preparation, the company chose to draft its first sustainability report for the year 2022. As part of this process, it also set out to create its first carbon footprint.

The goal was not only to produce the company’s first report but also to establish data collection processes, define responsibilities, and lay the groundwork for future reporting. Since the ESRS had not yet been finalized at the time, the internationally recognized GRI Standards were selected as the reporting framework—offering many similarities with today’s European standards. Additionally, the first sustainability report was intended to serve as a foundation for future reports and for setting up sustainability measures and targets.

The solution

For its reporting efforts, PROTEGO® chose VERSO as a reliable partner. The company uses the ESG Hub for data collection and reporting, and the Climate Hub for its carbon footprint. VERSO Consulting supported PROTEGO® throughout the entire reporting process.

It all began with a stakeholder survey to identify the company’s key sustainability topics. Based on the results, the relevant GRI Standards for reporting were selected. The VERSO ESG Hub then came into play—serving as a central, well-structured platform for all sustainability-related data. The data is accessible at any time and clearly presented, with built-in guides ensuring efficient and accurate data entry.

The internal sustainability report was finalized and exported directly from the ESG Hub as a PDF in the company’s corporate design—including the PROTEGO® logo, visuals, and graphics. Throughout the process, the VERSO support team was always available online and by phone to provide hands-on assistance.

The report also includes PROTEGO®’s first company-wide carbon footprint. All global sites as well as Scopes 1 to 3 were included in the calculation in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The CO₂ footprint was created using the GHG-certified Climate Hub by VERSO’s in-house experts.

The result

With its first sustainability report, PROTEGO® has laid the foundation for further development. Building on this, the company is now developing and implementing measures to achieve its ESG targets. Data collection and key processes are firmly established, and responsibilities have been clearly defined—creating the conditions for even more efficient reporting in the years to come. This frees up valuable time for what truly matters: implementing sustainability initiatives.

The creation of PROTEGO®’s first company-wide Corporate Carbon Footprint was another major milestone. Based on these results, the company can now launch and expand decarbonization strategies, circular economy initiatives, energy-saving measures, and optimization projects to promote responsible resource use.

The collaboration between PROTEGO® and VERSO was a great success. Both teams worked together seamlessly and efficiently. The partnership was characterized by open communication and a high level of professionalism—laying the groundwork for future cooperation. In preparation for CSRD reporting and the use of the ESRS, PROTEGO® is now conducting a double materiality assessment together with VERSO. This will form the basis for future reporting.