Creating Positive Impact, Together
A Message from Our President
”At the heart of everything we do is our Circle of Excellence – our people, our products and our customers. This focus shapes how we create value, and most importantly, how we move forward.”
I am proud to present our latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report. At Dawn Foods we believe that real progress happens when we move forward together – with our partners, our customers and the communities we serve. In a rapidly changing world, we continue to focus on what matters most – creating long-term value through collaboration, innovation, and responsibility.
A major milestone in 2024 was our acquisition of Royal Steensma, a renowned family-owned bakery ingredients manufacturing company with a legacy spanning nearly 185 years. This was not just a strategic expansion across Europe, it was about combining two organisations that share a commitment to quality, innovation and doing business the right way.
The benefits are already clear, from deepening our innovation capacity through the Food Innovation Academy (FIA), an inspiring educational hub for the local bakery and food industry, to streamlining fruit supply from Thailand to our facility in Franeker, the Netherlands, and to embracing circularity through our collaboration with PeelPioneers, a great upcycling initiative focused on citrus peels – we are seeing how the right partnerships can accelerate not just our business but our shared sustainability ambitions. These early results are a testament to the power of joining forces – learning from one another and leading together.
We also made strong progress on our sustainability journey. This year, we laid the groundwork for compliance with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) where we completed our first double materiality assessment. This will guide our focus going forward and enriched our ambitions for 2025 – including an intensified CO2 emissions assessment and expanded climate risk analysis.
Meanwhile, we have continued to enhance our Better-for-You portfolio, a dynamic product range designed to meet diverse lifestyles and health preferences, whilst maintaining the quality and creativity Dawn is known for.
Throughout the year, we have continued to face global challenges, from volatility of the cocoa market to scarcity in egg supply. Whilst these headwinds are not new, how we respond to them continues to evolve. Our focus remains on supporting our customers with practical solutions, adapting with agility, and staying dependable.
At the heart of everything we do is our Circle of Excellence – our people, our products and our customers. Whether we are developing new recipes, investing in training, or solving supply chain challenges, this focus shapes how we create value, and most importantly, how we move forward.
A big “Thank you” to our teams, our partners, and our customers who make this journey possible. Together, we’re creating positive impact, every step of the way.
Steven Verweij President, Europe & AMEAP
About us
Dawn Foods started in 1920 with a vision to provide bakers with high-quality, great-tasting ingredients. Today, we live up to that vision by inspiring bakery success every day. As a family owned, global bakery leader, we continue to transform the industry and inspire our customers’ success by having the best people in the business, industry-leading products, and meaningful partnerships with our customers – better known as our Circle of Excellence. We have grown a lot over the years but have stayed true to our values and our culture. It is our commitment to Dawn, the baking industry, and to each other that makes all the difference — The Dawn Difference.
Our vision and mission
Our vision: To Inspire Bakery Success Every Day.
Our mission: To delight our customers around the world by delivering the insights, innovations, products, services and bakery expertise that empowers them to achieve their aspirations.
Our values
Our values serve as a guiding light that inspires the best in our people and shapes every aspect of our daily actions and the experiences we deliver worldwide. We take great pride in embodying these values as they form the cornerstone of our approach to serving others. By upholding these values, we aim to foster enduring relationships with our customers and communities, while also fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.
PASSION
We are ENERGIZED by the creativity, INSPIRATION and DEDICATION we witness in our customers and in each other. We strive to infuse that passion into ALL THAT WE DO, from working as teams to give our customers our best, to partnering with our customers to help them move their businesses forward. It’s the spark that sets us apart.
RELATIONSHIPS
Our success comes from nurturing LONG LASTING PARTNERSHIPS We are committed to COLLABORATION and working with each other and our customers so that we all grow and improve. We listen, learn and approach each encounter as an opportunity to work together. Our partners feel VALUED AND HEARD
OPTIMISM
We believe in our people and in the power of POSITIVITY for a better tomorrow. In business, there will always be challenges, but if we choose to address each situation with grace and careful consideration, we are CONFIDENT that positive outcomes will be our result. At Dawn Foods, we have an innate desire to continue to better ourselves, to make the experience our partners have with us smarter, richer and more enjoyable. Our end goal is HAPPINESS—for us, our customers, and their consumers.
PROGRESS
We are proud of OUR ROOTS and will always remember our start as a small bakery business. It’s that humble beginning that helps the Dawn family connect to our customers and understand their goals, struggles and ambitions. And while we will always strive to INNOVATE AND GROW we remember that our family roots drive our PROGRESS TOWARD A BRIGHT FUTURE We started humbly; as bakers at sunrise.
INTEGRITY
Our word is OUR PROMISE and it’s been that way for nearly 100 years. No matter how large we become, we are COMMITTED to being an organization of INTEGRITY and ACCOUNTABILITY for all we say and do. We know that lasting TRUST comes from being true to our words and our choices, and we are accountable to everyone we work with. Building trust with every opportunity.
Our approach
At Dawn, we believe our actions matter and that we have a responsibility to make a positive impact in communities around the world. Our approach to social responsibility aligns to our commitments to our people, our products, and our customers – better known as the Circle of Excellence.
Across Dawn, our approach to social responsibility is centered on progress. As one of our Dawn values, we understand progress and change take time, but everyday changes and improvements help us get a little bit better, every day.
Our pillars
Globally, our initiatives focus on:
• Supporting people, communities, and the baking industry with equitable and inclusive programs that inspire.
• Responsibly creating and distributing our products to improve overall wellbeing and reduce our environmental impact.
• Working with our customers and partners to advance sustainable efforts and ethical practices that make an impact.
People Products Customers
Make a better planet for people and communities around the world
As a global community, we are all connected as people. Dawn is committed to supporting the health, safety, wellbeing, and education of our Team Members, the baking industry, and the communities in which we operate. We put people at the top of everything we do and value diverse perspectives, equality, and inclusion for all.
Operate responsibly with products that delight
From our comprehensive standards for product and packaging development, to our manufacturing and distribution practices, and commitment to high-quality ingredients, we focus on the wellbeing of our customers, their consumers, and the environment.
Develop positive partnerships that make an impact
We work to create a more sustainable and better shared future with partners committed to doing business the right way for our customers and the industry. Our partnerships are focused on responsible sourcing, sustainable efforts, regulatory principles, and stewardship of natural resources.
Our 2024 footprint
in Europe & AMEAP
In January 2024, we expanded our operations through the acquisition of Royal Steensma, which strengthened our capabilities and reach.
As a result, our network has grown from 8 to 12 production facilities, supported by an expanded portfolio, additional R&D locations, and an increased presence across our region.
Today, we operate through a broad and diverse footprint that spans production plants, innovation centers, distribution networks, and sales and marketing offices. This enables us to serve a wide spectrum of customers – from local artisanal bakeries to large-scale industrial manufacturers – with an expanded product offering, new insights and greater expertise.
This strategic growth not only enhances our ability to deliver high-quality products and services but also increases our responsibility to manage our footprint sustainably and equitably across all regions.
12 Locations | Plants & Offices
Manage (Belgium)
Erquinghem-Lys (France)
Darmstadt (Germany)
Elst (The Netherlands)
Franeker (The Netherlands)
Groningen (The Netherlands)
Leeuwarden (The Netherlands)
Vlaardingen (The Netherlands)
Bartoszówka (Poland)
Bielsko-Biała (Poland)
Palmela (Portugal)
Evesham (UK)
Regional Head Office
Europe & AMEAP
Amstelveen (The Netherlands)
5 Sales and Marketing
Offices Europe
Budapest (Hungary)
Oosterhout (The Netherlands)
Elst (The Netherlands)
Poznan (Poland)
Barcelona (Spain)
Sales and Marketing Office
5 Distribution Centers
Długołęka (Poland)
Duchnice (Poland)
Gądki (Poland)
Rumia (Poland)
Palmela (Portugal)
12 R&D locations
Manage (Belgium)
Erquinghem-Lys (France)
Darmstadt (Germany)
Franeker (The Netherlands)
Groningen (The Netherlands)
Innovation Hub - Dinteloord (The Netherlands)
Elst (The Netherlands)
Leeuwarden (The Netherlands)
Vlaardingen (The Netherlands)
1 Sourcing Plant Asia
Chang Mai (Thailand)
Bielsko-Biała (Poland)
Palmela (Portugal)
Evesham (UK)
Make a better planet for our people and communities
Our 2025 ambitions for People
1
2
Enrich communities by actively supporting with funds & products and encouraging our Team Members to actively engage and volunteer in their communities. 3
Supporting the future of bakers and the bakery profession with bakery trainings and collaborating with schools and academies.
Supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of our Team Members and offering continuous development opportunities for all.
Corporate Giving Programme
Maximise our impact on communities by donating Dawn products and monetary funds in all countries where we have a presence.
Launch Volunteering Programme and enable Team Members to volunteer in a community initiative 1 day/year.
Intensify our Partnerships with bakery schools and academies.
Offer 1 new Training & Development Opportunity per Team Member/per year.
3 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in place
Promote the Importance of Mental Health with 3 new initiatives.
2024 highlights an
introduction
At Dawn, our people are at the heart of everything we do − and our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reflects that belief. I continue to be proud of the meaningful ways we are investing in our Team Members, supporting our local communities, and advancing our shared values.
In collaboration with teams across the organisation, in 2024 we deepened our community engagement and strengthened partnerships with local organisations. These actions are not only good business − they are the right thing to do.
Gijs Heidstra
Vice President People & Culture
Europe
& AMEAP
A highlight for me was the team volunteering initiative in The Netherlands where 30 of our Amstelveen Team Members packed birthday boxes for families who needed a helping hand to celebrate their children’s birthdays. It was such a fun and worthwhile event, and our team left the event having made a real difference.
Being part of our Global Diversity Month panel in October was a privilege – it allowed me to share my personal story and explore the value of neurodiversity in teams, and strengths it brings to the workplace.
Learning and Development remained a key focus this year. Our office-based Team Members took part in DISC personality workshops, designed to enhance self-awareness and improve collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders. We also had 18 new People Leaders join our Ignite New Leader Programme to equip them with the tools and resources to be a successful leader.
Finally, I would like to highlight Step-tember! Over 100 Team Members took part in the two-week step challenge walking over 14 million steps – what a commitment! We will roll this initiative out globally in 2025 and invite all Team Members to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
In 2024, we made significant strides in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable workplace. From launching new diversity and wellbeing initiatives to expanding our employee development programmes, our efforts are rooted in the belief that when our people thrive, our company – and the communities we serve – flourish.
Our contribution
With our product ambitions and programmes in action, we contribute to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): Total number of Team Members
1. Through initiatives such as our Corporate Giving Programmes, we focus on supporting underprivileged communities by providing monetary funding and product donations.
4. Our partnerships with bakery schools enable us to help sustain the bakery profession for the future. Through our internal programmes, we encourage our own teams to continue to learn and develop.
5. In a male-oriented industry, we are committed to promoting women and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Our Women’s Leadership Development Programme is a great example of our efforts in this space.
10. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are in our DNA and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive working environment for all Team Members. Everyone is able to bring their true self to work every day.
Enrich communities
Corporate Giving Programme
At Dawn, we are committed to giving back to the communities where our 1000+ Team Members live and work. Through our Corporate Giving Programme, we empower our Team Members to make a positive impact and support their local community. Our Corporate Giving contributions focus on hunger prevention, health, education, and community development.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, France
Thanks to the great support of our distribution partners, our team in France raised over €4000 for several associations such as Audomarose and La Ligue contre le cancer. With special Dawn Pink October bakery kits, French pâtissiers were able to make pink pastries and decorate their stores to show support and raise awareness for Pink October.
Life should be sweet, that is why we are committed to creating sweet moments for everyone. Dawn donates products and provides grants to a variety of local events and fundraisers. Here are a few highlights of the initiatives we supported in 2024 across Europe and AMEAP.
School for Life, Germany
We proudly sponsored the School for Life initiative in 2024, a heartwarming project driven by local schools in Darmstadt in collaboration with the social organisation: The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
The funds supported two vital initiatives: aiding schools in Ukraine to maintain access to education, and supporting Darmstadter Tafel, a local food bank helping those in need.
Valencia, Spain
Following the devastating flood in Valencia in the Autumn of 2024, we partnered with Dulmont, one of our distributors, to support the local community. Our Application Manager, Miguel Morenos, dedicated an entire weekend at Dulmont’s baking studio, using our ingredients to create baked goods for residents in need. All ingredients and products were provided free of charge. Two weeks later, we assembled a complimentary product kit and distributed it to bakeries, enabling them to continue baking and serving their communities.
In addition to the 3000 cakes, we donated 3375 kgs of mix to bakeries in Valencia.
Cakes we packed
Volunteering Programme
In 2024 we built on our efforts of Corporate Giving and launched our Volunteering Programme in Europe & AMEAP. As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility, we are proud to provide an opportunity for every Team Member to spend a day volunteering. A selection of great initiatives from our teams in 2024:
616 birthday boxes we packed
Stichting Jarige Job, The Netherlands
In November 2024, 30 Team Members from our Amstelveen and Dinterloord offices spent a morning volunteering at Stichting Jarige Job. Stichting Jarige Job is a Dutch charity foundation with the goal of giving every child in the Netherlands a birthday celebration, when their families can’t afford it. They provide birthday boxes which are distributed to each child, reaching over 100,000 children annually.
We are proud to have contributed by packing 616 birthday boxes.
But that’s not all—we also proudly donated €5000 to help support this incredible cause.
What stood out to me about the volunteering day with Stichting Jarige Job in November was the tangible impact we made – contributing to a memorable birthday for children who truly deserve it.
Martijn van der Kroon Compensation & Benefits Manager, Europe & AMEAP
Volunteering allows me to take action and make a small difference for a good cause.
€5000
Volunteering is a key part of Dawn’s commitment to building a better tomorrow by giving back to the communities we serve. It reinforces collaboration, and responsibility, creating a positive impact beyond our business. It’s not just about helping others – it’s about growing together, leading by example and ensuring that we contribute to a more compassionate world.
John Panagiotopoulos
Finance Director
Operations & FP&A, Europe & AMEAP
Teresa Huertas People Coordinator Amstelveen, Europe & AMEAP
Supporting the future of bakers
Partnerships with Bakery Schools and Academies
Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our mission to nurture the future of bakers, ensuring that the next generation can continue to enjoy the art of baking for years to come. On the following pages, you will find some of the great initiatives that took place in 2024, from our longstanding partnership with University College Birmingham (UCB) in the United Kingdom to new collaborations like the Food Innovation Academy (FIA) in the Netherlands.
1. Food Innovation Academy (FIA), The Netherlands
With the acquisition of Royal Steensma, Dawn Foods also became the owner of the Food Innovation Academy (FIA) in Vlaardingen. This former municipal office has been transformed into an inspiring meeting and training center for the regional bakery and food industry. The building forms the heart of a partnership between food companies, educational institutions, and the government in the Vlaardingen/Rotterdam area. Together, they work on (re)starting a continuous flow of well-trained professionals: operators, bakers, product developers etc.
The FIA building boasts five floors housing various practical areas: a restaurant, laboratories, test rooms, a kitchen, a bakery, an auditorium, and rooms with small-scale production equipment, all designed for training purposes. In this space, professionals and students work side-by-side, fostering collaboration and hands-on learning. Four companies operate within FIA, alongside four training courses and one social institution. Their common goals include improving the industry’s image and conducting research to drive innovation.
FIA is unique in the Netherlands, exemplifying collaborative efforts to address the growing labour shortage.
Dawn Foods not only owns the building but also actively participates in FIA’s activities. FIA serves as a training and research institution for both students and professionals, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and machinery, research labs, and learning centers where students gain practical experience.
By working with FIA, Dawn Foods supports the next generation of bakery professionals, ensuring they receive a quality education. Dawn Foods is committed to continuing its investment in FIA, strengthening the bridge between education and the food industry: aiming to enhance research opportunities and expand training programmes.
2. City of Wolverhampton College, United Kingdom
Following a successful event in 2023, Dawn UK welcomed another group of bakery students in 2024 from the City of Wolverhampton College. During their visit, the students gained valuable insights into bakery production and careers at Dawn Foods in Evesham. They were also given a tour of the factory and used Dawn products in a hands-on session.
3. Sponsorship: Britain’s Best Cake, United Kingdom
In 2024, we proudly partnered with the British Baker Magazine to sponsor an exciting new event in the UK’s culinary calendar – Britain’s Best Cake. This vibrant competition brought together 130 talented contestants across seven categories. Our very own Sales Director, Garry Russell, had the honour of joining the judging panel, helping to spotlight the outstanding talent on display.
Sponsoring Britain’s Best Cake is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the future of bakers, championing emerging talent, and nurturing the next generation of industry innovators.
4. Donut Championship, France
The Donut Championship, organised by Dawn Foods in France, took place on 14 March 2025 at the Sandwich & Snack Show in Paris. This competition highlighted the growing popularity of donuts in sweet snacking, with past champion Niagalé Diallo now leading a chain of 14 donut shops. Contestants competed in three tests: a technical challenge creating a classic glazed donut, a mandatory challenge reinterpreting a French pastry as a donut, and a free challenge designing a street-foodstyle donut.
Niagalé Diallo was our first winner of the Donut Championship in 2022. Since, then she has achieved remarkable success, launching and growing her business – Home Donuts.
In just two years she has opened 13 additional shops. In 2024, Niagalé returned to the Donut Championship, this time as a jury member.
14 shops
Meng Sear, founder of the Maison du donut in Lille won the 2024 edition of the Donut Championship! He demonstrated his impressive skills and creativity throughout the competition, with his street food-style donuts balls standing out as a unique creation.
2024 Champion
2024 Student Ambassador Lucy Liszewski
5. Student Ambassador Programme, United Kingdom
As part of our commitment to nurturing a new generation of young bakers, we continued to partner with University College Birmingham (UCB) to include undergraduates as our Student Ambassadors. For seven years now, we have partnered with the University College Birmingham, giving ambassadorship to undergraduate students. The student ambassadors and Dawn have a symbiotic relationship: we have the pleasure of learning from the next generation of bakers, especially in the form of social media content and inspirational recipes. The students are given great industry experience, content creation opportunities, and lessons from leading bakery chefs.
6. President of ABST, United Kingdom
For many years, Dawn has supported the Alliance for Bakery Students & Trainees (ABST) through charitable donations, sponsorship of the Annual Conference, and regular attendance at the event. Our presence at the conference also provides an opportunity to introduce Dawn to students, raise awareness of our products, and demonstrate our role within the baking industry. The ABST serves as a cross-industry organization, fostering proactive dialogue between different industry partners and stakeholders. It focuses on bakery education and training, aiming to retain, develop, and maintain essential craft skills and technical knowledge required by the baking industry. The ABST provides guidance, shares information, and supports individuals studying bakery or undergoing bakery training. Additionally, it actively drives educational improvements and represents the voice of education within the baking industry. We are proud that Jacqui Passmore, our Marketing Lead – West Region Europe & AMEAP, has taken on the role of President for ABST in 2024. The President’s role is to help in raising the status of the Alliance and co-operate with other trade organisations. It is the responsibility of the President to secure charitable donations for the year ahead as the ABST is a non-profit organisation which supports the bakers of tomorrow today!
In the picture: Jacqui Passmore, our Marketing Lead - West Region Europe & AMEAP, + 2024/2025 President for ABST and Lucas Fussenegger, previous ABST President
Supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of our
Team Members
Offer 3 new Training & Development opportunities per Team Member/year
We believe that investing in the development of our people is essential to driving sustainable success. Our commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and talent growth empowers our Team Members to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally.
We remain dedicated to providing growth opportunities, ensuring every Team Member has the resources and support to succeed. Moving forward, we will continue enhancing our development strategies to meet the needs of Team Dawn, fostering a culture where everyone can reach their full potential.
DISC Training
Attensi Gamification Training App
In 2022, we launched the Attensi app as a new tool to support learning and development across a range of topics. With short, interactive modules, it is helping teams build skills and knowledge in a fun way. Our 2024 milestones:
551
Users certified in at least 1 module
10.7
5917 Total modules completed Modules completed per user (with at least 1 certification)
In 2024, our office Team Members participated in DISC personality workshops as part of our commitment to building stronger, more collaborative teams. The DISC model – which identifies four key behavioural styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness – helps individuals understand how they and their colleagues approach challenges, communication, and teamwork. Through completing the DISC questionnaire and attending group workshops, Team Members gained insight into their own working style and learned how to adapt their approach to better collaborate with others. As a meaningful takeaway, each participant received a personalised set of DISC bricks to reflect their unique profile and encourage ongoing engagement with the tool.
LinkedIn Learning
All Team Members have access to LinkedIn Learning, an online training library offering a range of courses, videos and tutorials taught by industry experts in business, technology and creative fields.
Highlights of 2024:
1086
940
3
Courses
Courses Completed Training hours on LinkedIn on average per Team Member (Excluding Royal Steensma Team Members)
The Dawn Women’s Leadership Development Programme (WLDP)
Dawn is committed to advancing the careers of our women leaders and we take intentional action to support them by providing development opportunities and programmes. The Women’s Leadership Development Programme (WLDP) began in 2021 and in 2024 introduced its third cohort. WLDP supports participants’ development through a collaborative learning experience involving a range of learning opportunities, including virtual and in-person events, workshops, and networking. We are proud to introduce three of the European Team Members who participated in the 2024 cohort of the WLDP: Jo Hopkins, Ana Moura and Miranda van Dijk.
Being selected for the WDLP represents the next step in my personal leadership journey. It highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in its people. For me leadership is the art of inspiring and motivating myself and others to reach a common goal. This starts with leading myself.
Miranda van Dijk Key Account Manager, Benelux
Being selected for the Dawn WLDP is an incredible privilege. It provides the opportunity for both personal & professional growth. To me, it represents the chance to not only develop key leadership skills, but also to connect with and learn from other women who are striving to break barriers and shape the future.
The programme offers valuable experiences in networking, skill-building, and gaining insights from others who have already achieved success in leadership positions. It also provides the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the unique challenges that women face in the workplace, while equipping myself with the tools and strategies needed to overcome them.
Jo Hopkins People Business Partner, UK & Ireland
This programme is developing me as a leader, as a person, and as a colleague. It provides tools and knowledge that I apply daily to achieve better results. Through 360-degree assessments, mentoring, and individual development plans, I’ve gained strategic thinking, confidence, and a deeper understanding of my growth opportunities. The networking and sponsorship aspects are expanding my horizons, opening new career opportunities, and reinforcing my belief in my potential.
Ana Moura New Product Development Project Manager, Europe & AMEAP
LEAD Programme
The LEAD Programme is a premier leadership development initiative designed for high-potential, experienced senior leaders. Combining experiential learning with accredited certification, the programme equips participants with essential executive competencies and provides opportunities to apply them to real-world business challenges.
Dawn provided nine experienced leaders – including two from Europe and AMEAP – with a structured dual-certification experience supported by the Harvard Business School Online curriculum. These individuals were selected for their exceptional performance and potential, identified through an internal succession planning process. The targeted certifications included Organizational Leadership and Business Strategy.
The programme combined a live, in-person kickoff event with an intensive leadership development workshop and executive discussions, ensuring alignment with Dawn’s strategy and priorities. Throughout the certification process, participants engaged in a global online cohort, fostering collaboration and peer learning. Their development continued beyond certification through ongoing checkins, manager debriefs, on-the-job application, and panel discussions, where they shared insights and experiences with leaders across Dawn.
I was proud to be chosen for a programme like LEAD, and I also feel a strong responsibility to apply and share what I’ve learned. It was an intense experience – 16 weeks of truly dedicated study – but incredibly valuable in helping us understand the true role of a leader. One of the most important characteristics of a leader is a willingness to learn, and the programme helped us recognise our leadership strengths and identify how and where we can grow. A key attribute we focused on was self-awareness, and I remind myself of that commitment every day.
José Guedes, Plant Manager Palmela, Portugal
Ignite New Leader Programme
The Ignite New Leader Programme launched in April, providing newly hired and recently promoted People Leaders with a strong foundation to understand their role, excel in people processes, and lead teams effectively. Over four months, participants engaged in a dynamic learning experience that included live business keynotes from senior leaders, interactive learning sessions, and microlearning through the Attensi platform.
In 2024, we hosted two cohorts of 40 new global leaders. After completing the programme, the first group shared their feedback. Highlights included:
93%
100% of participants felt the programme was well organised
of participants were satisfied with the overall Ignite programme experience
80%
of participants felt they were better prepared to lead after participating in the programme
93%
of participants felt the Attensi knowledge checks supported their learning journey
93%
of participants would recommend the Ignite programme to others
I found the Ignite programme to be a genuinely valuable experience as a new leader at Dawn. It gave me a clear understanding early on of what’s expected from People Leaders and the tools available to help our teams succeed. I especially appreciated hearing directly from Dawn’s senior leaders, it really brought Dawn’s strategy to life and gave insight into the people behind the roles. The programme itself was split up into manageable chunks across a four-month period, so it did not interfere with day-to-day working, and the mix of learning methods, including small group discussions, interactive games, and realworld examples, kept things engaging from start to finish.
Richard Farrington R&D Team Leader - Dry, UK & Ireland
Promote the importance of mental health with three new initiatives
At Dawn we promote a culture where our Team Members can develop their full potential, be productive, build positive relationships with others, and make meaningful contributions. This is only possible when we take care of our physical and mental wellbeing.
Some of our 2024 initiatives to promote the importance of mental health and an inclusive environment for our Team Members include:
Wellness Wednesdays
In 2024, we introduced Wellness Wednesdays. This initiative provided a range of resources and opportunities to support our Team Members’ physical and mental wellbeing. We kickstarted the year with a Practical Productivity webinar where we learnt that it’s important to manage not only your work productively but your time, too.
Some other Wellness Wednesday highlights included
• World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Month
• Boosting your Positive Outlook webinar
• International Self-Care Day
• World Suicide Prevention Day
Investing in wellbeing is not just the right thing to do – it’s essential for supporting our Team Members and for building a resilient and successful organisation. It was great to see the variety of wellbeing initiatives in 2024 to prioritise mental, physical, and emotional health. The Step-tember challenge for example got so many of our Team Members to build regular exercise into their day, and I’m looking forward to taking part in 2025!
Tim Clarkson Managing Director Commercial, UK & Ireland
Step-tember Challenge September saw the launch of the first Step-tember Challenge in Europe & AMEAP encouraging all Team Members to stay active, prioritise their well-being, and take extra steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Over 100 Team Members took part in the two-week challenge in which they counted their daily steps. The results were incredible with over one million steps being taken by the top three winners alone! One of our Team Members in Poland was the overall winner with an incredible 400,273 steps.
The total number of steps was over 14 million which is the equivalent of walking from Paris to Beijing!
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
People have been the secret ingredient at Dawn for more than 100 years. People – not some people, ALL people – make Dawn special. We want everyone to feel confident bringing their true and authentic self to work every day. Team Members everywhere must feel safe, welcome, and appreciated for who they are as individuals.
After all, people are at the top of our Circle of Excellence – always have been, always will be.
2024 Initiatives
October Global Diversity Awareness Month: Speaker Event
To recognise Global Diversity Awareness Month, we hosted an inspiring event featuring Gijs Heidstra, Vice President People Europe & AMEAP, Jason Lioy, Chief People Officer, and guest speaker Mark Johnson, a neurodiversity advocate and coach, to deepen our understanding of neurodiversity and the unique strengths it brings to our team and communities.
International Women’s Day
As part of our International Women’s Day celebration in March, Dawn hosted a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) panel featuring three inspiring female leaders from across our business. The panel was moderated by Melissa Bautista, VP, Operations, North America, and focused on personal journeys, key learnings, and advice for women interested in STEM fields.
One of the speakers was Celine Martin, Plant Manager at our Manage facility in Belgium, who shared her own experiences and how her team champions opportunities for women in technical roles.
At Dawn, we are proud to support gender diversity in STEM and other underrepresented areas. We continue to encourage all Team Members to take ownership of their career development – knowing that every path is open.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
in place
Dawn is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace. That’s why we continue to cultivate spaces where our Team Members can share insights, support one another, collaborate, encourage allyship, and have their voices heard. We are building a culture where differences are respected, celebrated, and where every individual feels empowered.
Our Dawn Team Member Networks – also known as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), are peer-led communities that foster inclusivity and strengthen connections across our organisation.
We are proud to have launched our first Team Member Network in 2024: Women@Dawn. This Team Member Network aspires to build an inclusive community to discuss and create awareness around issues women face in the workplace, provide tools and resources to support women and their colleagues to champion their professional and personal growth, and celebrate women’s contributions to Dawn.
2025
In 2025 we will introduce Generation You in Europe & AMEAP. The Generation You, or Gen You, is a network where the unique perspectives, experiences and contributions of each generation are shared. The network aims to create a workplace that values generational diversity but actively leverages it to drive creativity, productivity and growth for all.
Operate responsibly with products that delight
Our 2025 ambitions for Products
1
Implement sustainable packaging solutions
2
Increase the range of Better-for-You products by offering new and reformulated solutions to drive new nutritional standards.
3
Reduction of carbon footprint in our plants through optimised management of energy, water and waste.
Implement 100% recyclable or re-usable packaging
Increase the number of Dawn Balance® SKUs by 50%
Sodium reduction to align to the International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA) 2025 standards
Waste reduction
Recycle 100% of general waste
Energy reduction
-10% vs. 2021
Water reduction
-10% vs. 2021
2024 highlights an
introduction
At Dawn, indulgence is at the heart of what we do, it’s what makes bakery special. But we also know that today’s consumers are making more conscious choices. Even when reaching for something sweet, they’re thinking about their well-being, the ingredients, and the impact on the planet. That shift challenges us to keep evolving – and it’s something we fully embrace.
In 2024, we expanded our Better-for-You portfolio to reach a 44.5% growth, which reflects the real momentum we’re seeing in the market. Our Dawn Balance range continues to grow, offering ingredient solutions that improve nutritional profiles i.e. with less sugar, less salt, reduced saturated fat, and a cleaner label, without losing what makes a treat feel like a treat.
Majella de Bruijn Vice President Marketing and R&D, Europe & AMEAP
We also took meaningful steps toward meeting the IFBA sodium targets for 2025, especially in key categories like dessert baking mixes and variety pancake mixes.
Plant-based continues to be another exciting area. Our vegan innovations are proving that it’s absolutely possible to deliver great taste and texture without traditional ingredients like eggs or butter. And we’re seeing that these products are not only meeting dietary needs, but also helping to reduce our environmental footprint – a real win-win.
On the operations side, we installed solar panels in Groningen, and we’re looking at every part of our process – from energy to water to waste – to find smarter, more efficient ways of working. Wherever possible, we’re shifting to renewable sources and working toward zero waste in how we produce ingredients.
As food manufacturers, we know we have a responsibility – not just to deliver on indulgence, but to do it in a way that supports people’s health and the health of the planet. That balance isn’t always easy, but it’s exactly what motivates us. And with every new product we create, we move a little closer to a future where indulgence and responsibility go hand in hand.
Our contribution
With our product ambitions and programmes in action, we contribute to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
3. As a food manufacturer, we focus on developing ingredient solutions that contribute to consumers’ health and well-being.
7. We are in the midst of an energy transition, and where possible, we are moving to renewable sources of energy such as solar.
12. We are conscious of our environmental footprint in relation to producing our ingredients and aim to have zero waste and produce our products as efficiently as possible.
13. We are actively reducing the carbon footprint of our production sites by optimising our energy management, water usage and waste streams.
Dawn Tried and true products that provide consistent quality and performance. Dawn Exceptional Dawn’s premium, differentiated product line that delivers category-leading quality and performance. Dawn Balance Better-for-You products that don’t sacrifice taste or performance.
Steensma A new product brand strengthening our bakery portfolio.
Implement sustainable packaging solutions
Implement 100% recyclable or re-usable packaging
We remain committed to our bold target: ensuring that 100% of our packaging is recyclable or reusable by 2025. While the actual recyclability of packaging can vary depending on national recycling infrastructure and local waste management systems, we focus on using materials that are recycleready, ensuring they are technically capable of being recycled.
In 2022, 82% of our packaging materials were recycle-ready. Following our exit from the frozen foods business in late 2022, we took time in 2023 to reassess and adapt our packaging strategy to reflect our evolving product portfolio and sustainability priorities.
As of 2024, we are proud to report that 90% of our packaging is now recyclable or reusable*, demonstrating continued progress towards our 2025 target.
*Data reflects Dawn locations only.
Increase the number of Dawn Balance SKUs by 50%
The Better-for-You market is expanding rapidly, with consumers seeking more than just the removal of less desirable ingredients. Today’s conscious consumers look for products that actively support well-being – whether through nutritional benefits, sustainable sourcing practices or cleaner labels. Taste remains non-negotiable: Better-for-You options must deliver the same indulgent experience as traditional baked goods. To meet these rising expectations, our R&D teams are continuously advancing targeted capabilities and developing innovative products across multiple categories. As part of our commitment to responsible and forward-thinking food solutions, we have set an ambitious goal to grow our Better-for-You portfolio by 50% by 2025. On the following pages you will find a selection of our 2024 highlights:
We have achieved a 44,5% increase in our Better-for-You portfolio compared to the 2021 baseline
+44,5% vs 2021
1. Dawn Balance® Meringue Mix Vegan
We proudly launched the Dawn Balance® Meringue Mix Vegan, a certified vegan solution that delivers the same light, airy texture and indulgent sweetness as traditional meringue – without the use of animal-derived ingredients. This innovative mix empowers our customers to create both soft and crisp meringue varieties while supporting a more sustainable food system.
2. Dawn Balance® Multi Mix Vegan
We expanded our plant-based portfolio with the launch of Dawn Balance® Multi Mix Vegan (Plain) – a versatile, easy-to-use mix designed for a wide range of vegan baked goods. Developed to support our customers in creating consistent, high-quality loaf cakes, sheet cakes, and muffins, this mix holds inclusions exceptionally well, ensuring great texture and visual appeal.
Dawn Balance® Carrot Cake Mix Vegan
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we developed our Vegan Carrot Cake Mix – crafted to meet the growing demand for plant-based options without compromising on taste or quality. This product reflects our dedication to reducing environmental impact, supporting animal welfare, and making better food choices more accessible.
Increasing desire for more sustainable products
The Impact of CO2 in Our Food System
With growing urgency around climate change, the role of carbon dioxide in our food system has never been more critical. Every ingredient we eat has an environmental footprint, shaped by farming, transportation, and processing.
“There is no better time for the bakery sector to get involved with the vegan trend than now. Plantbased sweet bakery products are becoming the ‘new normal’ and, instead of differentiating between vegan and non-vegan, we are now seeing bakery manufacturers and retail offering the same delicious products to meet all consumer diets, whether plant-based or not.”
Sarah Browner Market Research & Insights Manager, Europe & AMEAP
Plant-based claims continue to rise across Europe!
% of total sweet bakery product launches tracked with a vegan/plant-based claim.
Source: Mintel, Database
OF SWEET BAKERY PRODUCT LAUNCHES WERE TRACKED WITH A VEGAN CLAIM IN 2024
In 2024, we studied 20 of our best-selling products to compare the CO2 impact of Dawn products versus our Dawn Balance Vegan alternatives. The results showed a considerable difference, highlighting how our food choices can directly impact the planet.
Animal-based ingredients like milk, cream, butter and eggs, common in many sweet treats, have a high carbon footprint. Livestock farming contributes to emissions through feed production, digestion, and manure management. Plus, land used for grazing and feed crops often leads to deforestation, making the problem bigger.
Below is an example of our Balance range, demonstrating how small changes in food choices can make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change.
+14,6%
Better-for-You NPD briefings compared to 2023
In addition to our standard Dawn portfolio that we offer to all bakers, we work in partnership with customers on tailoring and developing customised products specific to their needs and requirements. In our customised New Product Development (NPD) briefs, we are noticing a shift towards more ‘Better-for-You’ bakery products.
Sodium reduction to IFBA 2025 standards
In 2021, Dawn committed to aligning with the International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA) global sodium targets for 2025 in two categories: “Dessert baking dry mixes” (mixes for cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins) and “Variety/Pancake baking dry mixes” (mixes for non-dessert items like pancakes, waffles, biscuits).
The IFBA sodium reduction targets for 2025 for these categories are as follows:
• Dessert Baking Dry Ingredients: 880mg/100g (as sold)
• Variety/Pancake Baking Dry Mixes 980mg/100g (as sold)
we are aligned with 2025 IFBA’s targets
In 2024 we extended the scope of this ambition to the following Dawn categories: Donut Mixes:
Donut, Berliner specialty Other Mixes:
Choux, Danish & Sweet, Shortcrust, Other mixes
Dawn’s branded portfolio complies with these targets:
Dessert Baking Dry Ingredients.
Dry mixes for cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, muffins, etc.
880mg/100g (as sold)
Variety/Pancake Baking Dry Mixes.
Dry mixes for non-dessert items like pancakes, waffles, biscuits, etc.
980mg/100g (as sold)
In total, 92,5% of all Dawn branded SKUs are compliant with our targets.
93,25% of the SKUs in this category are compliant with this target.
82,6% of the SKUs in this category are compliant with this target.
92,5%
92,5% of the SKUs in this category are compliant with this target.
In addition, we challenge ourselves to ensure all products in scope are within the targeted amount of sodium and we have set these targets as a standard for new product development.
The IFBA Global Sodium Reduction Commitment sets targets that IFBA companies voluntarily meet as a minimum by 2025 and 2030. Within each category, 90% of the aggregated sales volume of related products must comply with the set category targets by 2025. We are therefore proud to report that we are already exceeding this compliance threshold.
Reduction of carbon footprint
As part of our efforts to operate more responsibly, we are sharing recent progress in reducing our environmental impact across our eight Dawn plants. For comparison purposes, our recently aquired Royal Steensma facilities have been excluded. We are currently working on streamlining our measurement processes to ensure we gather consistent and comprehensive data across all locations.
Waste Reduction
All our general waste is 100% recyclable*
We improve waste management across our European plants, ensuring that production waste is either recycled or repurposed as animal feed where appropriate. As we expand into new locations, we’re actively looking for ways to improve our waste processes, with a focus on better separation and more accurate tracking.
Energy Reduction
In our continued commitment to sustainability across Europe, solar energy remains a key component of our corporate social responsibility efforts. In 2024, the amount of solar energy generated was slightly lower compared to 2023. This decrease is primarily due to fewer sun hours experienced throughout the region, which impacted overall solar production.
This year, we successfully installed an additional 440 solar panels at our facility in Groningen, further strengthening our transition toward clean energy and reducing our carbon footprint.
4/8 Plants*
have solar panels now!
*Excluding Royal Steensma plants
600,612 KWH generated with Solar Panels*
+28% vs 2021
10,5% of our energy is generated by Solar Panels*
In Groningen, solar panels had been on our wish list for several years. By the end of 2024, everything finally fell into place – and we were happy to get started. With 440 panels now in place, we are proud to say we can generate around a quarter of our electricity. It’s a milestone we are genuinely excited about and a big step toward a more sustainable future.
Robert Tjok a Hen Plant Manager, Groningen
In 2025, we will be refurbishing our former Royal Steensma buildings in Leeuwarden and Vlaardingen.
As part of this initiative, we are installing roof insulation, new air handling and heating systems, as well as energy-efficient lighting.
This renovation project is not only focused on reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency, but also on enhancing the wellbeing of our Team Members. By creating a more comfortable and pleasant working environment, we aim to have a positive effect on both sustainability and our team.
Develop positive partnerships that make an impact
Our 2025 ambitions for Customer
1
Drive ethical, sustainable and responsible behaviour in our organisation and supply chain
2
100% of our suppliers acknowledge our Code of Excellence
3
Create supply chain transparency Responsible sourcing initiatives
All of our plants registered with Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)
Maximise current responsible sourcing initiatives by increasing Rainforest Alliance certification on cocoa to 75%
Extend responsible sourcing initiatives on key ingredients
2024 highlights an introduction
At Dawn, we believe that what goes into our products – and where it comes from – matters. As Vice President Procurement, Dawn Foods Europe & AMEAP, I’m proud to share how we are advancing transparency, traceability, and sustainability across our supply chain, guided by our long-term commitments and embracing the new momentum brought by the Royal Steensma acquisition.
Johannes Rogaar Vice President Procurement
Europe & AMEAP
In 2024, we have made strong progress:
• We have exceeded our cocoa sourcing targets, reaching 86% Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa, well above our 75% goal.
• 86% of our palm oil is now RSPO Segregated certified, a key step toward cleaner, traceable inputs.
• We continue to use only cage-free eggs and continue transitioning towards more sustainable soy. The integration of Royal Steensma has added real strength to our efforts – from continuing our work with PeelPioneers to sourcing fruit directly from our Chiang Mai plant in Thailand for our Franeker plant in the Netherlands.
We are also preparing our supply chain to meet upcoming EU deforestation legislation.
We are proud of how far we have come, and are more committed than ever to delivering on what Dawn stands for. Altough there is still work ahead, we look forward to a promising future and to making meaningful contributions towards a better tomorrow.
Our contribution
With our product ambitions and programmes in action, we contribute to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
8. We hold both our Team and our supply partners, from whom we source our ingredients, accountable for ethical and fair treatment of employees.
15. Most of our raw materials are sourced from land, and through our sustainable sourcing programmes and certificates we help minimise the impact and work to conserve or restore ecosystems.
16. Through our Code of Excellence, we require ethical business practices in our organisation and across the supply chain.
17. While we are a global bakery ingredients manufacturer, we can only make a true difference if we work together with our partners, our customers, our suppliers and NGOs.
Drive ethical, sustainable and responsible behaviour
100% of our suppliers acknowledged our Code of Excellence
The Dawn Code of Excellence serves as the foundation for how we do business. Everything we do is focused on the goal of winning with excellence – for our customers and our company. It is this commitment that empowers us to be the most effective producer and distributor of quality bakery products to customers worldwide.
100% of our suppliers acknowledged our Code of Excellence*
All our ingredient suppliers have acknowledged our Code of Excellence or have similar codes in place
*Only Dawn suppliers.
With the acquisition of Royal Steensma, we are working on aligning processes and asking all Royal Steensma suppliers to meet the same Code of Excellence, supporting the integration of our shared values and commitment to excellence across the expanded organisation.
The Dawn Code of Excellence
The Code of Excellence contains Dawn Foods’ requirements for suppliers on quality, regulatory delivery, safety, social, integrity and environmental subjects.
Creating supply chain transparency
All our plants registered with Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)
8/8
Dawn plants* are registered with Sedex
*Excluding Royal Steensma plants
Responsible sourcing initiatives
Thailand sourcing plant
The acquisition of Royal Steensma has strengthened our supply chain with the addition of our own sourcing facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we process fruit used in production at our Franeker plant in the Netherlands.
We have long-term partnerships with over 200 local farmers. Through the establishment of supply agreements, these farmers are assured of a stable and secure market for their products. This enhances product quality and traceability and contributes directly to the economic stability of communities.
In addition to securing supply chains, we have prioritised safety at our facility in Thailand. In 2024, we launched the first round of factory training sessions, with a focus on fire prevention and emergency response procedures – contributing to a safer working environment.
2025 focus
As we continue integrating the business, we are actively identifying opportunities across our facilities and teams to drive growth, innovation and shared success.
2025 will begin with reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. One of our key initiatives will be a collaborative programme with the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Chang Mai in Thailand. This programme is aimed to enhance farming practices given the growing climate-related challenges and with that safeguard stable incomes.
Advancing Circular Innovation
With the acquisition of Royal Steensma, we further strengthened our commitment to circular economy practices by deepening our collaboration with Dutch peel reuse experts, PeelPioneers – a partnership that has been in place since 2019.
PeelPioneers specialises in upcycling orange peels, and through this collaboration, we produce our Candied Fruit Orange, an ingredient ideal for a variety of bakery applications such as muffins, and cakes.
We are proud of this partnership and the shared mission it represents. Together, we are crafting not only delicious products but also a sweeter, more sustainable future.
A Q&A with PeelPioneers
1. How does PeelPioneers contribute to a better tomorrow?
Instead of ending up in animal feed or waste, these peels are up-cycled to functional food ingredients. Compared to incineration, every ton of peel processed by PeelPioneers avoids 0.7 tons of CO2 emissions. That’s equivalent to preventing 1,900 short flights from the Netherlands to Spain. A clear, measurable example of how circular food production can reduce climate impact.
2. Why is PeelPioneers committed to its mission to reduce waste?
Waste often hides untapped potential. Orange peels still contain natural sugars, fibers and aromas, valuable elements that are typically discarded. PeelPioneers is driven by the belief that food systems should be circular, and that resources should stay in the chain for as long as possible. Reducing waste is not just a sustainability goal; it’s a smarter and more responsible way of producing food.
3. Can you explain the impact that Dawn Foods/Royal Steensma as a customer has on your goals to minimise waste?
Dawn Foods plays a key role in scaling circular food production. In 2024, the company sourced over 1,000,000 kilograms of cubes. Since 4 kilograms of orange peels are needed to produce 1 kilogram of cubes, this means millions of kilos of peels have already been rescued from incineration. By choosing this circular, locally produced ingredient over imported, Dawn Foods enables significant carbon savings and helps build a more resilient and sustainable food chain.
4. Why are partnerships with companies like Dawn Foods/Royal Steensma important for PeelPioneers?
Partners like Dawn Foods help bring circular innovation to life. As one of the early adopters, Royal Steensma provided crucial support during the early growth phase of PeelPioneers. This trust enabled the upcycling process to be scaled and the product to be refined. Such partnerships are key to making sustainable solutions commercially viable and widely adopted. Today, the partnership continues under Dawn Foods demonstrating how sustainability, quality and practicality can reinforce each other in practice. It reflects a shared focus on making food systems more efficient and circular. For PeelPioneers, this partnership is a clear example of how circular solutions can be successfully integrated into large-scale production. It’s a collaboration to be proud of.
Maximise current responsible sourcing initiatives
Cocoa
In 2022, 60% of our cocoa raw materials, including the cocoa used in our frozen products, were Rainforest Alliance Certified. After selling our frozen business in 2023, certified cocoa dropped to 40%. We are proud to share that in 2024, we not only met our 75% target of Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa – we surpassed it, reaching 86%. This number includes both our Dawn and Royal Steensma portfolios.
86%
Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa
Find out more at www.rainforest-alliance.org.
Cage free eggs
We are proud to maintain our 100% cage free claim across our entire Dawn & Royal Steensma product portfolios.
membership nr:
4-0905-17-100-00
Palm oil
Palm oil has long been a top priority in our sustainable sourcing efforts. Our European production sites began committing to responsible practices as early as 2011, and we became a group member on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in 2017. Since then, we have made steady progress: all palm oil and palm oil derivatives used in our production are now 100% RSPO certified.
Over the years, we have significantly shifted our volumes from Mass Balance to Segregated certified palm oil – a more rigorous and transparent sourcing model. Today, 87% of the palm oil we source is RSPO Segregated certified, reflecting our continued commitment to responsible sourcing and the combined progress of both the Dawn and Royal Steensma portfolios.
Soy
With the integration of Royal Steensma in 2024, soy now represents a slightly larger share of our sourcing. We remain focused on ensuring this increase is matched by equally strong commitments to responsible sourcing.
In 2023, 99% of the soy we used – primarily emulsifiers and soy flour – was ProTerra certified and sourced from within the EU. Including Royal Steensma in our reporting, that figure stands at 92% in 2024. While this change reflects the different sourcing profiles of our combined business, we are actively working towards 100% ProTerra certification in the coming years.
In addition, 100% of the soybeans used in the Royal Steensma portfolio is of Canadian origin and 44% of that volume is SAI-FSA certified.
RSPO certified palm oil and palm fats.
CSRD
an introduction
Since 2024, I have been the CSR Programme Manager for Europe and AMEAP. This has given me the opportunity to take the lead in coordinating and driving sustainability projects, while closely monitoring emerging regulations such as Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
I am really proud of the progress Dawn made in 2024 when it comes to prioritising sustainability. We are not only preparing for upcoming CSRD requirements, but more importantly, we are staying true to our commitment to our People, our Products and our Customers.
We are genuinely excited to keep pushing for greater transparency and to work alongside others in the industry to drive real progress on sustainability.
Jana Heuer
CSR Program Manager Europe & AMEAP
In 2024, our main focus was preparing for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which uses the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to guide disclosures. Under ESRS, we are required to report on policies, procedures, metrics, targets, and financial resources across 10 key topics within the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) framework.
• Climate Change
• Pollution
• Water & Marine Resources
• Biodiversity & Ecosystems
• Resource Use & Circular Economy
• Own Workforce
• Workers in the Value Chain
• Affected Communities
• Consumer & Endusers
• Business conduct
These topics are broken down into detailed sub-topics and sub-sub-topics – for example, climate change includes adaptation, mitigation, and energy; working conditions cover secure employment, working hours, and health and safety.
To manage this complexity, we rely on a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) to identify and prioritise the most relevant topics for our organisation.
In 2024 we identified the material topics of significance to Dawn Europe & AMEAP. For each, we will define and discuss procedures, performance targets, metrics, and the corresponding allocation of financial resources.
The following page provides a clear overview of what a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) is.
What is a Double Materiality Assesment?
A Double Materiality Assessment is a strategic process that evaluates sustainability-related risks, opportunities, and impacts from two perspectives.
Financial materiality (outsidein perspective) looks at how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors affect a company’s financial performance, operational resilience, and long-term value. For example, climate change can disrupt supply chains, resource scarcity can increase costs, and regulatory changes can alter business models.
Impact materiality (inside-out perspective) examines how a company’s operations, products, and services affect society and the environment. This includes aspects like carbon emissions contributing to global warming, labor practices impacting workers’ well-being, and product waste affecting environmental sustainability.
The topics identified as material from the Double Materiality Assessment are the ones we need to report on.
1
Identify ESG Topics
Use the European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS) to determine relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics. Gather insights from internal teams, industry benchmarks, and external research.
Engage Stakeholders
Consult with key groups like suppliers, Team Members, and customers to understand their concerns and expectations.
3
Evaluate Financial Materiality
Analyse how ESG risks and opportunities affect business performance, including revenue, costs, regulatory risks, and access to capital.
2
Assess Impact Materiality
Evaluate the company’s social and environmental footprint, considering both direct and indirect impacts across the value chain.
Validate findings
5
Implementing a Double Materiality Assessment involves a structured approach.
Review and validate key issues with senior leadership to ensure they align with corporate strategy and compliance requirements. Report and integrate
4
Finally, report the findings and integrate them into the business strategy. 6
Priorities
Guided by the material topics of significance for Dawn, that came out the Double Materiality Assessment, our key focus areas for 2025 will be conducting a Corporate Carbon Footprint Assessment to calculate our CO2 emissions for the year 2024, thereby establishing a baseline for future reporting. We will also set carbon reduction targets and seek their validation through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition, we aim to carry out a comprehensive Climate Risk Assessment and to update and strengthen our Sustainability Policy.
CO2 Emission Assessment & SBTi Targets: Addressing CO2 emissions is a priority. We aim to take responsibility for our carbon footprint and work towards achieving net-zero emissions. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides a framework for setting ambitious yet achievable carbon reduction goals in line with global climate targets. By thoroughly assessing emissions, we can pinpoint key areas for reduction and implement strategies to mitigate our environmental impact.
Climate Risk Assessment: Climate change poses significant risks to businesses, from extreme weather events disrupting supply chains to regulatory changes affecting operations. Conducting climate risk assessments helps us identify vulnerabilities, develop resilience strategies, and integrate climate considerations into our risk management frameworks. Understanding both physical risks, like rising temperatures and flooding, and transition risks, such as policy shifts and market dynamics, is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Sustainability Policy: Developing and enhancing our Sustainability Policy will be another key focus for Dawn in 2025. A well-defined policy serves as the foundation for all sustainability initiatives, ensuring environmental and social responsibility is embedded into our operations. This involves setting clear sustainability objectives, establishing accountability mechanisms, and aligning corporate strategies with best practices in sustainability management. By formalizing our commitments, we strengthen our corporate responsibility and ensure consistent progress towards a more sustainable future.
Progress is a journey, and every small step we take contributes to our larger mission. We recognise that collaboration with our customers and industry partners is essential. Together, we can drive positive change and create a more sustainable future.