Trend watch: standards & certifications in 2026

By the end of 2025, over 78% of European procurement officers reported that sustainability certifications had become a decisive factor in supplier selection—up from just 54% in 2022. This seismic shift reflects not merely regulatory compliance but a fundamental restructuring of how organizations evaluate, verify, and communicate environmental performance. As the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) enters full enforcement and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposes unprecedented traceability requirements, understanding the evolving landscape of standards and certifications has become essential for any procurement team navigating the 2026 market. This buyer's guide examines what's working, what isn't, and how leading companies like Schneider Electric have implemented certification frameworks that deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.

Why It Matters

The European sustainability standards landscape has undergone remarkable transformation between 2024 and 2025. According to the European Commission's 2025 Green Deal Progress Report, companies subject to CSRD requirements now represent approximately 50,000 organizations across the EU—a fourfold increase from the initial scope. The financial implications are substantial: non-compliance penalties under CSRD can reach up to 10 million euros or 5% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.

Beyond regulatory compliance, standards and certifications have become powerful market differentiators. Research from the European Environment Agency (EEA) indicates that products carrying recognized sustainability certifications commanded an average price premium of 12-18% in 2025, while certified suppliers experienced 23% shorter sales cycles compared to non-certified competitors. For heat pump manufacturers—a sector particularly relevant to Europe's electrification goals—EN 14825 certification and Eurovent performance verification have become table stakes for market access.

The traceability imperative has intensified dramatically. The EU's Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements, scheduled for full implementation across priority sectors by 2027, demand comprehensive lifecycle data that existing certification frameworks must accommodate. In 2025, an estimated 340 billion euros in European trade was subject to some form of sustainability certification requirement, with projections suggesting this figure will exceed 500 billion euros by 2028.

For procurement professionals, this environment presents both opportunity and complexity. The proliferation of standards—the International Trade Centre documented over 300 voluntary sustainability standards operating in European markets as of late 2024—creates genuine challenges in distinguishing rigorous, science-based certifications from superficial greenwashing exercises. This buyer's guide aims to cut through that complexity.

Key Concepts

Standards vs. Certifications: While often used interchangeably, these terms represent distinct concepts. Standards are documented agreements containing technical specifications or criteria used as rules, guidelines, or definitions. Certifications are formal attestations—typically issued by accredited third parties—that a product, process, or organization meets the requirements of a particular standard. ISO 14001 is a standard; a Bureau Veritas-issued ISO 14001 certificate is a certification. Understanding this distinction is essential when evaluating supplier claims.

Supply Chain Resilience: In the context of sustainability standards, resilience refers to a supply network's capacity to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions while maintaining sustainability commitments. The European Resilience Directive (2024/1760) explicitly links resilience requirements to certification frameworks, requiring companies to demonstrate that certified suppliers have business continuity mechanisms that preserve environmental performance during crisis conditions. Post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and the 2022-2023 energy crisis demonstrated that sustainability commitments often eroded under pressure—a pattern robust certification frameworks now aim to prevent.

Traceability: The ability to track materials, components, and products throughout their lifecycle—from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life processing. Modern traceability extends beyond chain-of-custody documentation to include embedded environmental data: carbon footprints, water usage, and chemical content. The EU's forthcoming Battery Regulation and the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) establish traceability as a legal prerequisite for market access, elevating its importance within certification frameworks.

Heat Pumps and Electrification Standards: Heat pumps represent Europe's primary pathway for building decarbonization, with 2024 installations reaching 3.2 million units—a 15% increase over 2023 despite challenging market conditions. Relevant standards include EN 14511 (testing conditions), EN 14825 (seasonal efficiency calculations), and the emerging European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) Quality Label. For procurement teams, understanding the interplay between mandatory CE marking, voluntary quality labels, and performance warranties is critical.

Circular Economy Certification: As Europe advances toward its 2030 circular economy targets, certification frameworks have evolved beyond traditional recycling metrics. The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ standard, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Circulytics assessment, and sector-specific schemes like the European Recycling Industries' Confederation (EuRIC) EuCertPlast program now provide graduated pathways for demonstrating circular practices. These frameworks increasingly address design for disassembly, material health, and regenerative material sourcing.

What's Working and What Isn't

What's Working

Schneider Electric's Multi-Standard Integration Approach: Schneider Electric's implementation of an integrated certification management system—deployed across its European operations between 2023 and 2025—demonstrates a best-practice approach that procurement teams should evaluate. Rather than treating each certification as an isolated compliance exercise, Schneider developed a unified data architecture that feeds multiple certification requirements from a single source of truth. Their EcoStruxure Resource Advisor platform now automatically generates documentation for ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and EU Taxonomy alignment, reducing certification maintenance costs by an estimated 40% while improving audit pass rates to 98.7%. The lesson for procurement: prioritize suppliers who demonstrate systematic approaches to certification rather than collecting certificates as isolated achievements.

EHPA Quality Label Adoption in Heat Pump Markets: The European Heat Pump Association's Quality Label has emerged as a genuine differentiator in European markets, with 2025 data showing that labeled products captured 67% of the professional installer market despite representing only 45% of available models. The label's success stems from its combination of product performance verification, installer certification requirements, and mandatory five-year warranty provisions. Procurement teams in the building sector report that specifying EHPA Quality Label products has reduced post-installation warranty claims by 34% compared to non-labeled alternatives.

Blockchain-Enabled Traceability in Recycling: The RecyClass certification platform, enhanced with blockchain verification capabilities in 2024, has successfully addressed long-standing credibility concerns in recycled content claims. Major European FMCG companies including Nestlé, Unilever, and Henkel now require RecyClass certification for plastic packaging suppliers, with the blockchain component enabling real-time verification of recycled content percentages. Early adopters report that blockchain-verified RecyClass certification has reduced greenwashing disputes by 78% while accelerating supplier qualification timelines.

Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Alignment: Companies with validated Science Based Targets have demonstrated superior decarbonization performance. A 2025 CDP analysis found that European companies with SBTi-validated targets reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions 2.5 times faster than non-committed peers. For procurement teams, requiring SBTi commitment from strategic suppliers provides a robust indicator of credible climate action—more meaningful than generic "net zero" claims.

What Isn't Working

Certification Fragmentation and Audit Fatigue: Despite efforts toward mutual recognition, European suppliers frequently face overlapping, sometimes contradictory certification requirements. A 2024 survey by the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME) found that SME suppliers underwent an average of 4.7 sustainability audits annually, with only 23% of audit content being unique across assessments. This fragmentation imposes disproportionate burdens on smaller suppliers while failing to generate proportionate sustainability insights. Procurement teams should actively support industry efforts toward audit consolidation, including the Together for Sustainability (TfS) initiative and SEDEX mutual recognition agreements.

Self-Declared Environmental Claims: Despite tightening regulations, self-declared environmental claims remain problematic. The European Commission's 2025 sweep of online retail found that 42% of sustainability claims could not be substantiated when challenged, with "eco-friendly," "sustainable," and "green" being the most common unverified descriptors. The incoming Green Claims Directive (expected enforcement 2026) will require third-party verification for environmental marketing claims, but procurement teams should already be demanding certification evidence rather than accepting marketing assertions.

Electrolyzer Certification Gaps: Despite massive investment in European hydrogen production—electrolyzer manufacturing capacity in Europe reached 3.5 GW annually by end of 2025—certification frameworks for green hydrogen have lagged behind deployment. The EU's Delegated Acts on Renewable Hydrogen define additionality and temporal correlation requirements, but independent certification infrastructure remains underdeveloped. TÜV SÜD and DNV are emerging as leading certification bodies, but procurement teams acquiring hydrogen or hydrogen-derived products should carefully evaluate the rigor of any "green hydrogen" claims until certification standards mature.

Insufficient Verification of Scope 3 Emissions: While Scope 1 and 2 emissions certification has become relatively standardized, Scope 3 (value chain) emissions—often representing 70-90% of a company's carbon footprint—remain inadequately verified. The GHG Protocol's Scope 3 Calculation Guidance provides methodology, but third-party verification of Scope 3 claims remains inconsistent. Procurement teams should specifically inquire about suppliers' Scope 3 verification practices rather than accepting unaudited self-reported figures.

Key Players

Established Leaders

Bureau Veritas: The French multinational provides certification services across ISO management systems, product conformity, and specialized sustainability schemes. Their 2024 acquisition of Impactiva strengthened capabilities in social compliance auditing. Bureau Veritas certified over 180,000 organizations to environmental management standards in 2024.

TÜV Rheinland: The German testing and certification provider has become a dominant force in renewable energy certification, including solar module testing and emerging hydrogen certification. Their Green Product Mark certification covers over 2,500 product categories.

DNV (Det Norske Veritas): The Norwegian classification society has expanded aggressively into sustainability verification, particularly in energy transition sectors. DNV's Renewable Energy Certificate verification and hydrogen certification programs are widely recognized in European markets.

SGS SA: The Swiss inspection and certification company operates the world's largest network of certification bodies. SGS's 2024 Climate Change Services division generated revenues exceeding 400 million euros, reflecting growing demand for carbon and sustainability verification.

DEKRA: Germany's DEKRA provides extensive product safety and sustainability certification, with particular strength in automotive and industrial sectors. Their Green Electricity certification and sustainable mobility programs serve major European manufacturers.

Emerging Startups

Circularise (Netherlands): Provides blockchain-based traceability and Digital Product Passport solutions enabling certification of recycled content and material composition. Raised 12 million euros Series A in 2024, with customers including BASF and Covestro.

Worldly (formerly Higg Co., US/Europe): Delivers unified sustainability measurement platform adopted by major fashion and consumer goods brands. Their Materials Sustainability Index now covers over 100,000 materials with verified environmental impact data.

Emitwise (UK): AI-powered Scope 3 emissions measurement and verification platform. Their automated supplier engagement tools have reduced Scope 3 data collection time by 80% for enterprise customers.

Clarity AI (Spain): Machine learning-driven sustainability analytics platform providing independent verification of ESG claims. Partnered with major European asset managers for investment-grade sustainability verification.

Sweep (France): Enterprise carbon management platform with integrated certification tracking capabilities. Raised 100 million USD Series C in 2024, indicating strong market validation of integrated approach.

Key Investors & Funders

European Investment Bank (EIB): The EU's climate bank committed 36.5 billion euros to climate action in 2024, with significant allocation supporting certification infrastructure development and sustainable finance verification systems.

Breakthrough Energy Ventures: Bill Gates-founded climate fund has invested heavily in verification technology startups, including measurement and certification infrastructure enabling authentic climate claims.

HSBC Asset Management Climate Tech Venture Fund: Dedicated climate technology fund with significant European focus, investing in traceability and certification technology enablers.

Demeter Partners: French climate-focused private equity firm actively investing in certification technology and sustainable industry solutions, with 1 billion euros under management.

SET Ventures: Dutch-based sustainable energy technology investor supporting certification and verification technology development across the energy transition value chain.

Examples

1. Vestas Wind Systems' Supplier Certification Program (Denmark/EU-wide)

Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, implemented a comprehensive supplier sustainability certification program in 2024 requiring all strategic suppliers to achieve either ISO 14001 certification or equivalent environmental management system verification within 24 months. By Q3 2025, 94% of strategic suppliers (representing 89% of procurement spend) had achieved compliance. The program included tiered support mechanisms: Vestas provided free pre-audit assessments to 340 suppliers, subsidized certification costs for 127 SME suppliers, and established a preferred auditor network offering 25% discounted rates. Measurable outcomes include a 12% reduction in supply chain carbon intensity, 18% improvement in supplier environmental incident reporting, and €4.2 million in waste reduction across certified suppliers. The implementation cost approximately €8.7 million but generated estimated savings of €23 million through reduced supply chain disruptions and quality improvements.

2. IKEA's Circular Certification for Furniture Components (Sweden/Poland)

IKEA's 2024-2025 pilot program in Poland required wood component suppliers to achieve FSC Chain of Custody certification and the newly developed IKEA Circular Material Standard (ICMS), addressing recyclability and recycled content. Of 47 participating suppliers, 38 achieved full ICMS certification within the pilot period. Certified suppliers demonstrated 34% higher recycled material content on average and 28% improved end-of-life recyclability scores. IKEA's implementation approach included on-site technical assistance teams, pre-competitive collaboration workshops where suppliers shared best practices, and premium pricing (3-7%) for certified materials. The pilot's success has driven IKEA to mandate ICMS certification for all European wood suppliers by 2027, with expansion to textile and metal suppliers planned for 2028.

3. Ørsted's Hydrogen Certification Framework (Denmark/Germany)

Ørsted, the Danish renewable energy company, developed a pioneering hydrogen certification framework for its German operations in 2024, anticipating EU regulatory requirements. The framework requires third-party verification of renewable electricity sourcing (temporal correlation verified hourly via blockchain), electrolyzer efficiency certification (TÜV SÜD verified), and transport chain emissions documentation (DNV verified). First deliveries of Ørsted-certified green hydrogen to German industrial customers began in September 2025, commanding premium pricing of €2.40/kg above uncertified alternatives. The certification framework required 18 months of development and approximately €3.2 million in implementation costs but has positioned Ørsted as a preferred supplier for German chemicals and steel manufacturers requiring verifiable green hydrogen credentials.

Action Checklist

• Audit your current supplier base for sustainability certification status, categorizing suppliers by certification type, issuing body, and expiration date
• Develop a tiered certification requirement matrix aligned with supplier strategic importance and spend concentration
• Establish mutual recognition agreements with key certification bodies to reduce audit redundancy for suppliers serving multiple business units
• Implement contract language requiring suppliers to maintain certification status and provide 90-day advance notice of any certification lapses or scope changes
• Create a supplier development fund (0.1-0.3% of annual procurement spend) to support SME suppliers in achieving required certifications
• Deploy Digital Product Passport-ready traceability requirements in new supplier contracts to prepare for 2027 DPP mandates
• Require third-party verification of all Scope 3 emissions claims from suppliers representing >5% of category spend
• Establish a quarterly certification review process integrated with supplier performance management systems
• Join industry pre-competitive initiatives (TfS, SEDEX, sector-specific bodies) to influence certification harmonization and reduce supplier burden
• Develop internal training programs ensuring procurement staff can evaluate certification credibility and identify greenwashing indicators

FAQ

Q: How should procurement teams evaluate the credibility of unfamiliar sustainability certifications? A: Apply the ISEAL Credibility Principles as a framework: examine whether the certification requires third-party auditing, whether the standard-setting process includes meaningful stakeholder consultation, whether the scheme includes robust complaints and appeals mechanisms, and whether the certification body itself is accredited by a recognized authority (such as national accreditation bodies under the European co-operation for Accreditation). Red flags include proprietary standards owned by industry associations without independent governance, self-declaration mechanisms without verification, and absence of public audit summaries or certificate registries.

Q: What is the relationship between EU Taxonomy alignment and sustainability certifications? A: EU Taxonomy alignment represents a regulatory classification of economic activities as sustainable, while sustainability certifications provide evidence supporting that classification. Taxonomy alignment increasingly requires certified data—for example, demonstrating that a building meets the taxonomy's climate change mitigation criteria may require EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings, certified measurement of operational emissions, or verified use of certified sustainable materials. Procurement teams should view certifications as evidence pathways toward Taxonomy compliance rather than as alternatives to Taxonomy requirements.

Q: How are AI and digital technologies changing sustainability certification? A: Three primary shifts are occurring. First, remote auditing using IoT sensors and video verification, accelerated during the pandemic, has become standard practice for certain certification elements, reducing costs while enabling more frequent verification. Second, blockchain-based traceability systems enable real-time verification of certified status and prevent fraudulent certificate claims. Third, AI-powered document analysis is accelerating audit preparation and evidence review. However, human judgment remains essential for nuanced assessment of management systems and organizational commitment—technology augments rather than replaces professional certification practice.

Q: What premium should procurement expect to pay for certified products and suppliers? A: Premiums vary substantially by sector and certification type. Research across European markets indicates: recycled content certification commands 8-15% premiums in packaging; organic certification in food ingredients averages 15-30% premiums; ISO 14001-certified suppliers typically do not command direct premiums but demonstrate 10-15% lower total cost of ownership through reduced quality incidents; verified green hydrogen commands 20-35% premiums over grey hydrogen. Procurement teams should evaluate certification premiums against risk reduction value, including regulatory compliance assurance, supply chain resilience, and reputational protection.

Q: How should organizations prepare for the EU Green Claims Directive? A: The Green Claims Directive, expected to enter force in 2026 with enforcement from 2027, will require pre-substantiation of environmental claims, third-party verification for most environmental marketing, and prohibition of generic claims like "eco-friendly" or "sustainable" without specific substantiation. Procurement teams should immediately audit current product and supplier marketing for unsubstantiated claims, require suppliers to provide certification evidence for any environmental claims used in marketing, and develop internal guidelines distinguishing between verifiable certified claims and prohibited generic assertions.

Sources

• European Commission. "Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive Implementation Report." Brussels, 2025.

• European Environment Agency. "Sustainability Certifications and Market Premiums: 2025 Analysis." Copenhagen, 2025.

• International Trade Centre. "Standards Map: The Global Database of Voluntary Sustainability Standards." Geneva, 2024.

• European Heat Pump Association. "Market Statistics and Quality Label Impact Assessment 2024-2025." Brussels, 2025.

• CDP. "Science Based Targets: European Corporate Progress Report." London, 2025.

• Schneider Electric. "Sustainability Integration Annual Report: Certification and Compliance." Rueil-Malmaison, 2025.

• RecyClass. "Blockchain Verification Implementation: Impact Assessment." Brussels, 2025.

• UEAPME. "SME Sustainability Audit Burden Survey." Brussels, 2024.