Sustainability Standards

Bekaert’s responsible performance in 2022 was recognized by its inclusion in the Solactive GBS Developed Markets Index, the GBS Global Markets Index, the Global Cyber Security Custom Index, the ISS ESG Screened Markets Small Cap Index, the Solactive ISS ESG Screened Small Cap Index and the ISS SDG Aligned Global Markets Index - a reference benchmark for top performers in terms of corporate social responsibility based on Vigeo - Eiris’ research - as well as in Kempen SRI.

In 2022, rating agencies MSCI and ISS-ESG analyzed the Environment, Social and Governance performance of our company, based on our publicly available information. Their reports are used by institutional investors and financial service companies. Bekaert received a rating of 'A' in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment (above average) and 'C' rating in the ISS-ESG rating (on a scale from D- to A+), which is on average within the sector.

Bekaert received a silver level in the EthiFinance 2022 campaign, based on its 2021 data disclosures. EthiFinance is an independent financial and non-financial rating, research and consulting agency.

In consideration of Bekaert's medium exposure and strong management, Morningstar Sustainalytics rated Bekaert to be at medium risk of material financial impacts driven by ESG factors. Morningstar Sustainalytics provides high-quality, analytical environmental, social and governance (ESG) research, ratings and data to institutional investors and companies.

Bekaert was awarded a gold recognition level from EcoVadis for for the company’s 2021 data disclosures. Bekaert obtained a score of 75, which positions the company in the 98th percentile of the peer group, unchanged from the previous year. EcoVadis is an independent sustainability rating agency whose methodology is built on international CSR standards.

In response to growing interest throughout the supply chain to report on the carbon footprint of operations and logistics, Bekaert also participates in the Climate Change and Supply Chain questionnaires of CDP. Bekaert received a B level for the Climate Change listing based on 2021 data disclosures. Bekaert has received a 'A-' score in CDP’s Supplier Engagement Rating (SER), an improvement by 3 steps compared with the previous rating. The Supplier Engagement Rating evaluates the companies’ engagement on climate issues in their value chain, both with suppliers and with customers.  

In 2023, Bekaert was included in Euronext’s BEL ESG Index of the leading sustainable companies in Belgium.