Facing the Omnibus shock: ESG reporting is more resilient than ever

The 13th edition of Tennaxia’s annual study on corporate non-financial reporting practices is being published in an unprecedented regulatory context. While the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was set to profoundly reshape the sustainability landscape, the unexpected introduction of the Omnibus directive in early 2025 has changed the game. By pushing back the reporting obligation for the second wave of companies to 2028 (based on 2027 data) and proposing a potential increase in the reporting threshold (to 1,000 employees, up from the initial 250), Omnibus has created a period of uncertainty.

Yet, rather than witnessing a general withdrawal, the analysis reveals a striking fact: non-financial reporting is surprisingly robust. Despite the temptation to scale back and the prevailing gloom, there is now a consensus on the value of ESG reporting within organizations, as it has become firmly anchored in performance management and business model resilience.

Our study, conducted among more than 200 companies of all sizes and sectors, captures this paradoxical dynamic. It demonstrates that the foundations laid by ESG are now solid enough to move beyond mere regulatory compliance, transforming the transparency exercise into a genuine strategic lever. The results were published during a conference held at the Produrable 2025 trade show.

‍ESG: A pillar of resilience stronger than regulation

The most striking impact of Omnibus is visible among companies that might no longer be subject to the CSRD. Far from being relieved, an overwhelming majority of them (83%) stated that they would still produce a voluntary ESG report. This persistence, primarily focused on the VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs), confirms that the value of non-financial information goes far beyond its legal imperative.

The regulatory rollback has thus highlighted the true nature of the CSRD: an opportunity for strategic transformation. For 67% of companies, the CSRD is primarily perceived as a way to rethink the business model , a figure that has risen sharply compared to the previous year (57%). This strategic advantage far outweighs perceptions of the directive as a burden in terms of human resources (62%) or finances (32%).

The companies surveyed, whether subject to the regulations or not, have realized that the reporting process allows them to:

• Concretely identify and anticipate medium- and long-term risks to ensure the sustainability of their business model.
• Improve attractiveness to stakeholders, particularly clients, banks, and investors. Indeed, 89% of companies are already using their sustainability data to respond to their requests.
• Better manage company performance

This voluntary shift is also explained by the strong dissatisfaction of companies that have already invested time and resources. Among those that would no longer be subject to the requirements, 71% view the Omnibus amendment as rather negative, citing the instability it creates for the future of CSR (89% of negative points) and the discouragement it causes for those that had already initiated a strategy (60%).

Preparation for the CSRD has led to accelerated internal structuring. In one year, the percentage of companies that have implemented dedicated CSR governance has jumped from 59% to 84%. Specific governance is considered essential to manage such a cross-functional project, which involves multiple departments and entities.

While project management remains primarily entrusted to CSR departments (65%), the study highlights two major developments in departmental involvement:

1. Finance Department : CFO involvement is now almost systematic (85%), with 56% of companies noting a significant increase in their engagement due to the CSRD. This shift is logical, as the expertise of finance departments in reporting, auditing, and translating ESG data into financial metrics is essential.
2. Procurement Department : This is the biggest surprise of this year's edition. Involvement from the procurement function has jumped from just 7% in 2024 to 63% in 2025. This paradigm shift reflects the realization that CSRD Impact, Risk, and Opportunity (IRO) analysis must cover the entire value chain, making procurement expertise indispensable for analyzing upstream operations and gathering supplier data.

Furthermore, this momentum is leading to more consistent oversight: companies are now reporting ESG information to management more frequently, with the majority opting for a quarterlycadence. This signals a growing awareness of the need to manage this data operationally, rather than just on an annual basis.

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The data challenge and carbon priority

Despite progress in governance, the study confirms that the main hurdle for CSRD remains data. The difficulties most frequently cited by respondents relate to data (volume and definitions), a lack of human and financial resources, and a lack of understanding of the regulations.

For the first wave of reporting (2025 based on 2024 data), 46% of companies failed to collect all the required indicators, and 83% had to prioritize certain metrics. Even worse, 25% published information using definitions or calculation methods that did not comply with regulatory requirements.

This difficulty impacts audits, where the primary issue raised by auditors (for 29% of audited companies) is the quality of quantitative data. The lack of data governance is an aggravating factor, as 35% of companies that have already published reports still have no plans for a dedicated team.

Among the requirements, companies quickly identified the key issues. The three ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) most widely considered material for the reporting period are, unsurprisingly:

• ESRS E1 : Climate change (98%).
• ESRS G1: Business conduct (97%).
• ESRS S1: Own workforce (93%).

The focus on climate is particularly notable. Measuring the carbon footprint is the second most common structural action taken, following the establishment of governance. The proportion of companies measuring their Scope 3 (indirect emissions) remains stable at 90%. Most importantly, 66% of companies have now defined an emissions reduction trajectory, of which two-thirds are compatible with the 1.5°C warming limit goal, an alignment that has increased significantly over the past year.

The Omnibus dilemma: a costly pause

TheOmnibus directive is a double-edged sword. While the primary benefit identified by companies is the additional time to prepare (62%, particularly for acquiring suitable tools and internal structuring), the revision has led to a disengagement of certain functions for half of all companies.

The departments showing the most disengagement are Finance and Administration (63%) and General Management (51%). For these functions, uncertainty served as a pretext to step back and return to operational priorities, leaving it to the Commission to clarify future requirements. This retreat is all the more frustrating as it renders previously incurred costs (training, tools, recruitment) obsolete and slows down the transformation momentum that had been initiated.

Conclusion: The longevity of a strategic commitment

The 2025 Tennaxia study provides crucial insight: while the CSRD may have been hampered by Omnibus, the imperative for non-financial reporting is now considered a strategic and financial necessity.

The regulatory setback has shown that ESG has built a foundation strong enough for the majority of companies to continue the process voluntarily, prioritizing resilience and market attractiveness over mere compliance. The question of format has thus become almost secondary.

Nevertheless, the pressure on data quality and reliability will only increase, particularly with the growing involvement of auditors and the central challenge of tracking impacts throughout the value chain. Companies must take advantage of the additional time to consolidate their data governance and equip themselves appropriately, without waiting for the finalization of the Omnibus text.

For detailed analyses, sector comparisons, and comprehensive information on the specific challenges of data collection and carbon management practices, download the full study.

To get all the data and guidance on preparing for the CSRD in this context of uncertainty, download the full 13th edition of the Tennaxia study!