Hoogstraten, Belgium, 3 July 2025 — deSter, a leading provider of sustainable and innovative packaging, tableware and comfort items for the aviation and food service industries, proudly presents its third annual ESG Report. This 2024 edition marks the most comprehensive report to date for deSter, reflecting the company’s deepening commitment to transparency, responsible growth, and creating meaningful impact.
“As our business evolves, so does our responsibility,” said Stef Van de Perre, President and Managing Director of deSter. “This report is more than a summary of data — it’s a reflection of who we are, what we value, and where we are heading. It illustrates the real-world actions behind our #PeoplePlanetProduct vision and the partnerships that fuel our progress.”
Key Highlights from the 2024 ESG Report:
Strategic Growth and Industry Recognition
- Achieved EcoVadis Platinum rating — placing deSter among the top 1% of companies globally in sustainability performance.
- Earned multiple industry accolades: two German Design Awards, four TravelPlus Awards, and one Onboard Hospitality Award.
- Welcomed new airline partners, including Riyadh Air and United Airlines, and deepened collaborations with key customers such as Cathay Pacific, Finnair, and Discover Airlines.
- In the food service sector, expanded our smart reusable solutions into sports and events, introduced home-compostable cutlery for major QSR chains, and launched a material-efficient product line tailored to the U.S. market.
- Strengthened market presence at key events, including WTCE and IFSA Expo.
- Fully integrated Nupik into our operations under the new brand name deSter x Nupik.
#PeoplePlanetProduct in Action:
People
- Conducted the first global employee survey, capturing valuable feedback to drive continuous improvement.
- Reduced voluntary employee turnover to 7.5%, well below the 10% target.
- Achieved a strong positive Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)
- Piloted a supplier carbon engagement program to extend sustainability efforts throughout our supply chain.
- Launched new community initiatives including the deSter Packathon, education programs in the U.S., and global volunteer activities.
Planet
- Two of four manufacturing sites are now ISO 14001 certified. With all sites to be certified by end 2025
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 63% compared to 2019, exceeding our 2025 and 2030 targets ahead of schedule.
- Secured SBTi approval for our net-zero targets.
- Reduced operational waste by 34% and increased recycled waste to 63% since 2019.
Product
- 94% of packaging revenue now comes from reusable, recyclable, or compostable solutions.
- Increased revenue from reusable and compostable products to 64%, up from 62% in 2023.
- Reduced single-use plastic sales by weight by 41% since 2019.
- Launched our Product Carbon Footprint tool, aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
- 45% of food contact materials are FSC- or PEFC-certified.
- 71% of fiber-based products are PFAS-free, on track for 100% by 2026.
Governance
- Proactive alignment with emerging EU regulations, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and European Deforestation Regulation.
- Maintained zero cases of whistleblowing, corruption, or unfair competition.
“Sustainability is not a side project at deSter – it’s embedded in everything we do,” said Philippe De Naeyer. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but even more committed to the road ahead. By working closely with our customers, suppliers, and communities, we believe we can drive real change – for people, for the planet, and through every product we create.”
The full deSter ESG Report 2024 provides deeper insight into the initiatives, data, and people behind deSter’s impact journey.
A warm thank you to all our customers, employees, suppliers, and partners who help bring our sustainability vision to life every day. Through action and close collaboration, we can truly make a difference.
Media Inquiries
deSter communications
dester.communications@gategroup.com
About deSter
deSter, a gategroup member, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation, hospitality, and foodservice industries.
The company combines 75 years of manufacturing expertise with the latest production technology and material developments. deSter has production units in Hoogstraten (BE), Barcelona (ES), Lima (US), and Prachinburi (TH), in addition to global sales offices. www.dester.com