Carlsberg partnered with Black Sun to deliver its first CSRD-compliant Annual Report meeting evolving regulatory demands while creating a compelling narrative that reflected performance, purpose, and progress.
The report needed to showcase strategic growth, strong leadership, sustainability milestones, and a resilient business model – in a way that would resonate with stakeholders and reinforce Carlsberg’s corporate identity.
As part of this journey, the Workiva platform was introduced into the reporting process, supporting greater collaboration, consistency, and efficiency across teams.
We began by supporting the development of a CSRD-compliant Sustainability Statement, working closely with Carlsberg’s team to shape content that was clear, consistent, and aligned to ESRS requirements. This included a structured content plan, narrative guidance, and ESRS-compliant layouts, alongside a dynamic value chain infographic that linked the business model to key impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs).
Our writing and advisory teams led interviews with content owners, gathering insight and data to inform full copywriting of the statement.
To support Carlsberg’s broader strategy, we provided editorial and communications input across the report - shaping case studies that showed strategy in action, developing leadership Q&As and proof points, and helping embed sustainability throughout. We also refined the business model to better reflect the value chain and what makes Carlsberg unique.
Early collaboration with our design team helped bring the report to life, combining Carlsberg’s heritage with a modern visual identity that reflected forward momentum.
The final Annual Report delivered clarity, cohesion, and full CSRD compliance - and was praised for its transparency, accessible structure, and innovative value chain presentation.
The report reinforced Carlsberg’s position as a leader in purpose-led, integrated reporting and was recognised externally with a major industry honour: Sustainable Impact Leader of the Year at the 2025 EMEA Workiva Customer Awards.
