When the report is finished, communication is only just beginning.

Many companies invest significant resources in preparing sustainability and corporate reports. Data is collected, targets are defined, progress is documented. The result is often a carefully crafted document that ends up as a PDF on a website — and largely remains unread.

That is unfortunate because the work that went into creating it remains unseen. More importantly, it is a missed opportunity.

A document is not yet communication

A sustainability or corporate report initially serves a regulatory function. But it can and should also be a tool that builds trust, communicates strategy, and genuinely reaches stakeholders. In many cases, however, the PDF format is not enough because it creates barriers to access.

Stakeholders such as investors, journalists, applicants, and analysts are each looking for specific information while also having limited time. If they first have to scroll, then search, and then skim through 400 pages, they may simply give up and turn to other sources instead.

How AI is intensifying the issue

There is also another aspect that is still underestimated in practice: stakeholders are increasingly using AI systems such as ChatGPT or Claude to research corporate information. We published a blog post on this topic here.

The OneDigitalReport: structured, stakeholder-oriented, machine-readable

This is exactly where the OneDigitalReport (ODR) comes in. The goal is not to replace the traditional report, but to prepare its content in a way that makes it accessible to different target groups: digital, navigable, and in a format that works for both people and AI systems.

The ODR translates the key content of a report into a structured digital format. It is understandable for stakeholders who want to gain a quick overview and machine-readable for systems that aggregate and reuse information.

Technically pragmatic: Klarkode and Webflow

For implementation, we work together with Klarkode, a partner that combines no-code and low-code development with high standards in both design and technology. The technical foundation is Webflow, a tool that enables professional digital results without creating unnecessary complexity.

Digital reporting does not need to be overly complicated — it needs to be fit for purpose: maintainable, flexible, and designed so that content can easily be updated in the future.

The real question

If a company has invested considerable effort into developing its corporate strategy, defining goals and measures, and documenting progress, then it is worth thinking just as carefully about how this content is communicated. Both internal and external communication should go far beyond simply producing a PDF report. If you are considering developing your reporting further in this direction, feel free to get in touch.

Learn more about the OneDigitalReport

Get in touch