📄 ECU Sustainability Awards 2025 

Annex A: Detailed Categories & Subcategories

• In-depth explanations of each category & subcategory
• Guidance on selecting the right category for your project
• Examples of eligible projects for Retail, FMCG, and Solution Providers

📄 ECU Sustainability Awards 2025 

Application Template

🔹 What’s inside?

• Step-by-step application form
• Mandatory and optional sections for submission
• Tips on crafting a strong application with measurable impact
📥 [Download Now]

A Word from Our CEO
“The ECU Sustainability Awards are more than just awards—they represent a movement.”
A movement that brings together visionary businesses, innovative leaders, and bold changemakers who see sustainability not as an obligation, but as a strategic advantage.

Taking part in these awards means joining a network of companies that are reshaping industries, proving that sustainability and commercial success go hand in hand. The process itself—reflecting on your impact, sharing your journey, and inspiring others—is just as valuable as winning.

I look forward to celebrating the winners on April 15th, but above all, I applaud every company that steps forward to be part of this movement. Because the future of business is sustainable, and it starts with those who dare to lead.”

Casper Haring
CEO
European Conferences United

Retailers

Henkel Sustainability Awards for Retail

For retailers who are reshaping the shopping experience through sustainable practices—integrating circularity, reducing waste, and leading the way in responsible retail.

FMCG Manufacturers

LPR / Europool Sustainability Awards for FMCG

For FMCG manufacturers committed to creating products that are good for the planet and good for the consumer, driving responsible production and sustainable innovation.

Solution Providers

European Circular Retail Foundation Awards for Solution Providers

For innovators providing services, technologies, and solutions that empower retailers and FMCG companies to achieve greater sustainability and efficiency.

Sustainable Leadership & Excellence
This category honors organizations that embed sustainability into their core strategy, setting new industry benchmarks through visionary goals, strong governance, and impactful leadership.

🏆 For companies that:
✔ Drive sustainability at a corporate level
✔ Influence industry standards and policies
✔ Integrate ESG into governance and decision-making

Beyond compliance. Beyond expectations. True leadership.

Commercial Initiatives
This category honors businesses that use their market influence to advance sustainability, driving change through innovative products, responsible marketing, and consumer engagement.

🏆 For companies that:
✔ Launch sustainable products or packaging
✔ Run campaigns that promote responsible consumption
✔ Engage consumers in circular economy initiatives

Sustainability meets market impact. Drive change.

Operational Improvements
This category honors businesses that optimize internal operations to enhance sustainability, improving supply chains, production, and resource efficiency for lasting impact.

🏆 For companies that:
✔ Reduce emissions, waste, or resource use
✔ Improve logistics and supply chain sustainability
✔ Integrate eco-efficiency into daily operations

Behind-the-scenes innovation. Lasting sustainability.

Sustainable Leadership & Excellence Category
For companies that embed sustainability into their core strategy, this category allows one submission per company, showcasing a holistic, long-term commitment to industry leadership.

Commercial & Operational Categories
For companies delivering specific, high-impact projects, these categories allow multiple submissions, highlighting market-driven initiatives (Commercial) or operational transformations (Operational).

What are the ECU Sustainability Awards?
An annual recognition celebrating outstanding sustainability achievements by retailers, FMCG companies, and solution providers that drive positive environmental, economic, and social impact.

What initiatives are awarded?
Projects and strategies that contribute significantly to:

✔ Environmental management – Reducing carbon footprint, waste, and resource consumption
✔ Economic efficiency – Driving sustainability while ensuring business growth
✔ Social responsibility – Promoting fair labor, ethical sourcing, and community impact

Why participate?
🏆 Position yourself as a sustainability leader – Gain industry recognition and inspire your team
🤝 Exclusive networking opportunities – Connect with top business leaders at the awards gala
🌍 Increase your impact – Winners receive international visibility and media exposure

Who can apply?
✅ Retailers – Leading the shift toward responsible shopping experiences
✅ FMCG Manufacturers – Creating sustainable products for a better future
✅ Solution Providers – Delivering innovations that help businesses achieve sustainability goals

Register your interest by email to  sustainability-awards@conferences-united.pl and submit your application through our online platform: 

https://we.tl/r-sgR6gK4liT

Key Dates

📅 Registration Deadline: February 28, 2025
📅 Submission Deadline: March 21, 2025
📅 Finalist Announcement: April 9, 2025
📅 Awards Ceremony: April 15, 2025 (part of the European Circular Retail Congress)

How to Participate?
Participation is Free & Open to All

The ECU Sustainability Awards are free to enter, ensuring all businesses have the opportunity to showcase their sustainability leadership. We seek compelling submissions that highlight real impact and innovation.

All participants are invited to the awards ceremony on April 15, 2025. If your project is nominated, we encourage a company representative to attend. Finalists may also be invited to share insights in a panel discussion—participation is optional.

Steps to Participate
1. Download Key Materials – Access all guidelines, category details, and the application template directly from our website.
2. Submit Your Application – Complete and submit your entry by March 21, 2025, ensuring it aligns with the category requirements.
3. Clarifications (if needed) – Our team may request additional details until March 28, 2025, to ensure a smooth evaluation.
4. Nomination Announcement – Finalists will be notified by April 9, 2025.
5. Attend the Awards Ceremony – Join us on April 15, 2025, to celebrate sustainability leaders shaping the future of business.

Henkel, as a leader in sustainability, strives to pioneer new sustainable solutions while managing business responsibly and ensuring economic success. This approach defines all our actions—across the entire value chain. We want to share our enthusiasm for sustainability.

I am happy and proud that we can be the partner of the Sustainability Award for retail networks in Poland, as this idea is very close to my heart. I am already looking forward to celebrating with the winners during the Poland & CEE Retail Summit 2025 / European Circular Retail Congress in April!

Kiril Marinov 

General Manager
Henkel