Case Studies

The following case studies showcase how family SMEs across Europe have embarked on a green transition process.

Through these examples, you will discover how companies integrate sustainability principles into their strategies, operations, and family governance. You will see how they balance economic resilience, social responsibility, and environmental impact, and how they overcome the specific challenges of family ownership.

Each case study combines narrative, data, and reflection prompts, inviting you to analyse real decisions, identify success factors and bottlenecks, and consider how similar approaches might work in your own company. They are closely aligned with the training modules and can be used to deepen your understanding of topics such as circular economy, sustainable leadership, community engagement, reporting, and impact assessment.

Use the case studies as a basis for team discussions, workshops, or family meetings, and return to them as your green transition progresses. The case studies have been divided into three macro-categories:

• Greening process, methods and practices. In this category you will find real cases on how family SMEs make their processes and daily business practices more sustainable. The case studies include examples such as saving energy, reducing waste, using resources more efficiently, adopting green business models, and communicating sustainability through labels or marketing.
• Greening input. This category focuses on what companies use to produce their goods or services. The case studies show how family SMEs can choose more sustainable materials, use renewable energy, and make greener decisions at the beginning of the production process.
• Greening workplaces. Case studies under this category provide examples of how businesses are making their workplace more sustainable. Directly from the managers you will get effective methods for reducing paper and plastic use, encouraging sustainable transport, promoting responsible consumption at work, involving employees, and building a greener company culture.