home
frankly speaking podcast

#78 Fritz Putzhammer: Has Germany Turned Against Sustainability?

Are German companies becoming more sustainable? Listen to Fritz Putzhammer, Project Manager at Bertelsmann Stiftung

At a time when there is so much uncertainty around sustainability and due diligence reporting with the ongoing Omnibus negotiations, it’s more important than ever to listen to the voice of business. How have companies in Germany been performing on sustainability reporting, and what does the future of the country’s green transition look like?

This week on the Frankly Speaking podcast, Richard Howitt was joined by Fritz Putzhammer, Project Manager at the Bertelsmann Stiftung, an independent research foundation which has been monitoring the sustainability transformation of the German economy over the last three years.

Together they discussed the results of the latest 2025 Sustainability Transformation Monitor, and how they compare to the recent high-level political discourse within Germany on sustainability and due diligence reporting, as well as to the EU’s Omnibus Simplification proposals. You’ll also hear more about:

  • How the German Mittelstand (SMEs) are faring on sustainability reporting
  • Why German businesses are falling behind on climate transition plans (CTPs)
  • Bertelsmann Stiftung’s recommendations to policymakers for the years to come 
  • The foundation’s personal message to German businesses 

Listen in and follow us on Linkedin!

You may also like these episodes

37:17

#82 Kate Lewis & Francesca Mangano: How Supply Chain Due Diligence Can Work For All

What impact is effective supply chain due diligence already having on the lives of workers across the world? Listen to Kate Lewis, Head of Membership at the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and Francesca Mangano, Head of CSR and Sustainability at TFG London

35:56

#81 Tsvetelina Kuzmanova: How Eastern European Businesses Can Deliver the Sustainability Transition

How is the green transition unfolding in Central and Eastern Europe? Listen to Tsvetelina Kuzmanova, Sustainable Finance Policy Lead, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

33:28

#80: Sébastien Mandron: CSRD is Already Redesigning Corporate Sustainability in France

What has been the experience of French businesses implenting the CSRD? Listen to Sébastien Mandron, Board Member at C3D