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About The VSME Tool

Turning sustainability reporting into opportunity

Welcome to the Workable Method for Sustainability reporting in the Food & Drink Industry !

The sustainability reporting tool designed for SMEs, by SMEs

Workable Method was born out of a simple frustration: small and medium-sized enterprises were overwhelmed by endless questionnaires, complex systems, and expensive software. Instead of supporting real progress, sustainability reporting had become an administrative burden—costing valuable time, money, and energy that could have been invested in real sustainability actions.

Most existing tools are developed far away from the factory floor, by people unfamiliar with the daily reality of SMEs. That is why our federation decided to take action. We created a practical and affordable method that speaks the language of entrepreneurs and empowers companies to take ownership of their sustainability journey.

Simple. Compliant. Sustainable.

Workable Method is not just a reporting tool. It is a learning process:

  • Step-by-step training – from management to administrative staff, everyone gains the knowledge needed to integrate sustainability into business strategy.
  • Clear explanations – complex terms and requirements are translated into simple, understandable language.
  • Self-reporting made easy – companies can complete their reporting themselves, without costly outsourcing.

From Belgium to Europe

This initiative was originally developed for members of Fenavian, the Belgian sector federation for the Protein Processing Industry – the processing of meat, other proteins and Ready Meals.

From the very beginning, the system was enthusiastically received—not only by SMEs in Belgium, but also by many other companies and federations across Europe.

Thanks to the more than 20 federations that have joined forces, this tool was delveloped to what it is today. The need was the same everywhere: SMEs across the food and drink industry were looking for a simple, practical way to report on sustainability. What started as a tool has grown into a movement. Sustainability reporting became something positive, something useful—an opportunity instead of a burden.

United forces for a sustainable future

The success lies in its simplicity and its empowerment: companies can build and report on their own sustainability strategy, instead of being buried in external demands. Large companies welcomed it as well, because they finally received SME data in a uniform, comparable format. Retailers, banks, and multinational food companies all recognized the value of a shared standard that works for businesses big and small.

Powered by the European Food & Drink Industry

That is why FoodDrinkEurope embraced and joined the Workable Method as an enthusiastic partner. FoodDrink Europe is the first European Sector federation that comes with a European sectoral standard in Sustainability Reporting for SMEs.

Together we say yes to sustainability, and no to administrative overload. Because the true goal is clear—resources and energy should flow into sustainability itself, not into the bureaucracy around it.

Supported by EFRAG

Also EFRAG expressed its enthusiasm for this concept and helped ensure that our tool is fully VSME compliant. In their published list of tools, Workable Method is mentioned as the sector broad, European wide, fully VSME aligned tool.

The result is now in your hands:

  • A concept where sustainability training for SMEs is at the core.
  • A democratic, understandable and accessible, WORKABLE method that integrates sustainability throughout the entire business strategy.
  • A standard for sustainability reporting across the European food and drink industry.

Driven by the support of sector federations, every company—large or small—can be guided towards a sustainable future where no one is left behind.

This is the power of united forces.

Workable Method: Sustainability made simple

Developed for SMEs, by SMEs, our tool transforms sustainability reporting from a burden into an opportunity. Powered by over 20 federations, FoodDrinkEurope and EFRAG, it offers a clear, accessible and VSME-compliant standard for the entire European food and drink industry.

  • Turning reporting into opportunity.
  • Simple. Compliant. Sustainable.
  • United forces for a sustainable future.
  • From Belgium to Europe: one standard for all.
  • Where sustainability becomes part of your business strategy.