EU Chamber records highest number of entries for 2025 China Sustainable Business Awards

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China has received 78 applications from 40 companies for its 2025 Sustainable Business Awards, the largest number since the scheme began in 2017

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) has received a record number of applications for its 2025 Sustainable Business Awards, according to figures released at an awards ceremony in Shanghai.

A total of 78 applications from 40 European companies were submitted for the 2025 awards, the highest number recorded since the programme was launched in 2017.
The current edition coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held in Shanghai on 11 December, attended by more than 120 executives, diplomats and experts.

Winners included Bosch China for China–Europe partnership, Boehringer Ingelheim for talent empowerment, and BMW China and Ikea China for circularity. Other recipients included Novartis China, Pirelli and Henkel.

“EU-China collaboration on sustainability creates real opportunities for both sides, with European companies’ decarbonization objectives aligning closely with China’s ambitions,” Carlo D’Andrea, vice-president of the EUCCC and chairman of its Shanghai Chapter, said.

China has set targets to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Speakers at the ceremony also discussed challenges related to implementation, particularly within supply chains.

According to figures cited during the event, 75 per cent of corporate emissions originate from suppliers, while 15 per cent of companies have set upstream emissions targets. Around 36 per cent of companies report Scope 3 Category 1 emissions.

Participants also discussed financing and infrastructure constraints. Figures presented indicated that suppliers receiving financial incentives are 45 per cent more likely to reduce emissions, while fewer than three per cent of companies currently offer such incentives.

Limited access to renewable energy in Shanghai, including inter-provincial transmission constraints, was cited as a further challenge.

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