DESA Group strengthens its sustainability journey with the publication of its second Sustainability Report, presenting the results achieved in 2025 and the environmental, social, and governance initiatives undertaken. The document introduces voluntary assurance for the first time, entrusted to EY, with the aim of increasing the transparency, authoritativeness, and reliability of the information shared with stakeholders.
The Report was prepared in accordance with the Voluntary European Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, developed by the European Commission for voluntary reporting of non-financial performance. Among the main innovations is the calculation of the entire organization's greenhouse gas emissions according to the GHG Protocol, achieved by collecting data from all company departments for the years 2024 and 2025.
This activity allowed the group to gain a more complete picture of its emissions impact and identify areas where to focus future reduction efforts. In 2025, total energy consumption stood at 48.787 MWh, consistent with the increase in production volumes recorded during the financial year.
Self-generated electricity from renewable sources reached 480 MWh, marking a 103% increase compared to 2024, while an additional 2.404 MWh was purchased with Guarantees of Origin. In terms of production efficiency, the group reduced steam consumption by 18% compared to the previous year. Indirect emissions related to purchased energy, calculated according to the Scope 2 Market-based criterion, decreased by 15%, thanks to efficiency improvements and the increased use of renewable sources.
DESA Group also recorded a 5,8% reduction in emissions intensity, thus improving environmental efficiency despite the growth of its operations. The Report also focuses on projects aimed at communities and local areas, from the regeneration of the Caravaggio Agroforest to support for the fight against cancer, and training programs in Burkina Faso.
With the "Biodiversity Oasis" project, developed by the Apropos brand together with 3Bee, 600 nectar-producing plants distributed across Sardinia, Sicily, Lombardy, Basilicata, Puglia, and Emilia-Romagna have been adopted. The initiative aims to create a private ecological corridor for pollinators and is expected to sequester approximately 1.669 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent in the first seven years.
The "3Bee: A School of Biodiversity" program involved three Italian primary schools through digital tools, STEM activities, and workshops dedicated to ecosystems and pollinating insects. In recent months, the group has also launched an in-person training program for all employees, to disseminate basic knowledge on ESG issues and transform corporate objectives into shared daily practices.
"For us, sustainability means, first and foremost, measuring ourselves against concrete data and transparently reporting on the path we've taken," said Stefano Silva, Managing Director for Operations at DESA Group. According to Silva, the decision to voluntarily submit the Report to Assurance reflects the desire to provide greater credibility to the information we disclose and build a relationship of trust with the group's stakeholders.
Founded in 1908 in Seregno, Gruppo DESA operates in household and laundry detergents, personal care and hygiene, and pharmaceuticals, with four production plants in Italy and a sales subsidiary in France. The company employs more than 540 people, distributes its products in over 40 countries, and generates 69% of its revenue in the Italian market, while China, France, Romania, and Switzerland represent its main international markets. Its portfolio includes brands such as Chanteclair, Spuma di Sciampagna, Quasar, Vert, Persavon, Sauber, Apropos, and ICO, while the Azzurra Capital fund has held a 30% stake since 2023.
