The Hague, 25 April 2025 — As the first CSRD reports begin to surface across Europe, companies are facing the steep challenge of aligning with the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. While many are succeeding in meeting the technical requirements, a growing number are missing a key ingredient: a clear and cohesive sustainability narrative.
Early CSRD reports show progress — but little connection
According to PwC’s recent article, Initial CSRD insights, organisations are making strong progress in areas like double materiality and environmental disclosures. But many reports present a fragmented view — rich in metrics yet lacking the ‘red thread’ that connects strategy, action, and impact.
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Frameworks first — purpose second?
“Too many CSRD reports are written from the outside in — built to match frameworks instead of reflecting a company’s purpose,” says Elizabeth Joss, Director at WordWorx, a sustainability communications consultant. “Without a strong narrative, it’s difficult for stakeholders to understand what the company stands for and where it’s going.”
A missed opportunity to build trust
The result is a missed opportunity to build trust and engage key audiences. A well-crafted sustainability narrative doesn’t just support compliance — it elevates it. It transforms complex data into a story that is both credible and compelling.
“CSRD reports that connect dots — from material topics to future goals — stand out,” Joss adds. “It’s not just about what you disclose, but how you communicate it.”
Turning CSRD reports into powerful stories
As CSRD reports become the new standard for sustainability transparency, companies have a unique opportunity to use them as storytelling tools — not just compliance documents. Those who succeed will be the ones who embed narrative thinking into their reporting process from day one.
WordWorx supports organisations in developing meaningful narratives for reports, offering services from content strategy and interview-based copy to full report writing and editorial review.