Tuesday, June 24, 2025
CSR: Innovative SMEs in the spotlight
BUILDING & LANDSCAPINGGARDENING HOME & LEISUREOUTDOOR LIVINGSERVICES
The trade fair, a long-standing partner of the association, highlighted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Delphine De Labarrière, CSR Manager at INOHA, presented the association, which represents approximately 270 manufacturers of DIY and gardening tools and supports these companies in their transition to more sustainable practices.
Interview with Denis Huet – Aspen Group France
Denis Huet, CSR Director of Aspen Group France, shared his experience of his company's commitment. Since creating its specialized position, Aspen has conducted carbon audits in partnership with INOHA, demonstrating a proactive approach. The partnership not only enabled an initial assessment of the situation, but also the generation of a CSR report highlighting the actions already undertaken. In 2023, Aspen received a COVADI award, highlighting the significant progress made in its CSR approach.
Aspen CSR Actions
Aspen has taken several significant actions:
- Carrying out carbon assessments.
- Preparation of a CSR report.
- Participation in awareness-raising workshops, including the “climate fresco,” aimed at engaging employees in environmental issues.
- Innovations in packaging, with the promise to launch cans containing 50% to 100% recycled material from January 2025.
Interview with François-Xavier Poullier – HBF
François-Xavier Poullier, representing HBF, discussed the company's CSR initiatives. HBF, based in Ariège, has been committed to this approach since 2019, driven by growing internal awareness and growing customer demand.
Decarbonization strategy and product innovation
HBF's strategy is based on four axes, including:
- Local production: HBF aims to increase production on French soil to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Carbon footprint: The SME is also supported by INOHA to assess its carbon footprint and establish reduction targets.
- Product Innovations: HBF is developing a range of products made from recycled materials, such as power strips and eco-friendly packaging.
- Internal initiatives: HBF has implemented actions to improve practices within its headquarters, such as the adoption of hybrid vehicles for its fleet.
Support by INOHA
INOHA plays a central role in supporting SMEs toward sustainable practices by offering carbon assessments and developing decarbonization strategies. Support programs have been implemented to help companies meet regulatory and customer demands.
Towards evolving regulations
The status of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) was also discussed. HBF is not yet affected, but future developments could bring new challenges for companies, prompting them to adapt to sustainability reporting requirements.
Conclusion
The trade show provided an opportunity to share concrete initiatives from SMEs, highlighting their commitment to climate and CSR issues. INOHA positions itself as an essential partner to guide companies in their transition to a more sustainable business model, fostering enriching exchanges and collective skills development around CSR.