A new study by the Responsibility Europenetwork, of which the AFNOR Group is a member with its Engagé RSE label, confirms what many stakeholders already suspected: organizations with social responsibility labels perform better, both economically and organizationally. This finding is particularly relevant in a context where international regulatory frameworks are converging towards greater transparency and more stringent requirements.
CSR: a driver of performance... everywhere in the world
The question is universal: how can we measure the real impact of a CSR approach? The study conducted in September 2025 by the independent firm Time to Be for Responsibility Europe provides a clear answer, based on an international panel of 743 organizations. The results show that CSR certification is a tangible competitive advantage, regardless of country or sector.
Economic benefits observed internationally
- 56% of certified organizations report easier access to new markets, including outside their country of origin.
- 41% report direct financial benefits.
- 26% have easier access to financing, particularly through bank loans or government programs.
In a context where international investors systematically incorporate ESG criteria, these figures confirm that CSR certification is becoming a global passport.
Beyond economic results, certification acts as an accelerator for organizational transformation. It reinforces the structuring of approaches, clarifies responsibilities, and improves the consistency of actions, particularly in organizations operating on several continents.
An international KPI that confirms the trend: the rise ofISO 26000
To reinforce this observation, an indicator fromthe ISO Survey provides valuable insight. According to the most recent edition, the number of organizations using ISO 26000 as a reference framework has grown by more than 25% in five years, with particularly strong adoption in Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Although ISO 26000 does not lead to certification, its global dissemination reflects a clear trend: companies are seeking internationally recognized, structured standards to lend credibility to their CSR initiatives and meet growing market expectations.
This KPI directly supports the conclusions of the Responsibility Europe study: the more the approach is aligned with a robust, international framework, the more it generates performance and transformation.
ISO 26000: a global foundation, an asset in the face of emerging regulations
In a rapidly changing regulatory landscape, ISO 26000 stands out as a universal anchor point. The publication of the updated CSRD directive in Europe, as well as the growing adoption of ISSB standards in many countries, is creating an environment in which organizations must demonstrate the consistency and maturity of their sustainability approach. In this context, ISO 26000 plays a key role. It provides a common language that is understandable and recognized in all regions of the world, enabling multinational companies to harmonize their practices, structure their governance, and facilitate the collection of indicators to meet reporting requirements.
For organizations already certified by a member of the Responsibility Europe network, this methodological consistency translates into greater transparency for international partners and an enhanced ability to anticipate regulatory changes.
As Alain Jounot, President of Responsibility Europe, points out:
"The figures in the study show that committed companies, and even more so those with certification, do not lose competitiveness. On the contrary, they strengthen their position in international markets."
CSR certification is no longer just a marker of commitment: it is a strategic tool for overall performance, recognized and valued internationally. In a world where sustainability requirements are converging, organizations that rely on robust certifications have a clear advantage: credibility, performance, attractiveness, and the ability to transform themselves sustainably.
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