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Annual
Report
2025
Strong heritage,
transforming for the future
PostNL Logo Wit RGB.svg
How to read this report
Management summary
Readers looking for the highlights of 2025 are advised to read chapter 1 We are PostNL,
chapter 2 Q&A with our CEO and CFO, chapter 3 Our operating context, chapter 4 Our
strategy, chapter 5 Delivery in 2025 and chapter 6 Financial review.
Report of the Board of Management
The report of the Board of Management consists of the following sections:
Introduction
Business report
Governance, chapter 10 Corporate governance and chapter 12 Our tax strategy and policy
provisions, chapter 13 PostNL on the capital markets and chapter 14 Statements of the
Board of Management
Sustainability statements
Incorporation by reference
This report uses incorporation by reference, for more information refer to section Basis for
preparation in the sustainability statements.
Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Readers should not put undue
reliance on these statements. These provide a snapshot on the publication date of this report.
In addition, future actual events, results, and outcomes likely differ from these statements
made. The section Basis for preparation in the sustainability statements provides more
information on forward-looking statements.
Rounding
Please note that due to rounding, the figures in this report may not add up to the stated totals,
and percentages may not reflect the exact underlying values.
Versions of this document
Pursuant to section 5:25c of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel
toezicht), PostNL has filed the Annual Report 2025 with the Dutch Financial Markets Authority
(AFM) in the European single electronic reporting format (ESEF package). The ESEF package is
available on https://annualreport.postnl.nl/2025/ and includes a human readable XHTML
version of the Annual Report 2025. The PDF, online and printed versions of the Annual Report
2025 of PostNL are prepared for the ease of use. The ESEF package prevails in case of
discrepancies with the other formats in which the Annual Report 2025 is published.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
1
Contents
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BusinessReport.jpg
Business Report
Introduction
Business Report
Financial statements
Governance
SustainabilityStatements.jpg
Sustainability statements
Sustainability statements
Introduction
We build on a rich heritage and continue to innovate in a
world that is changing rapidly. As we do so, we remain
committed to society and work sustainably across our
business.
Our people are central to this progress, reflecting the
essential role they play in connecting communities every
day. This chapter sets the scene for how we grow and
create value responsibly and with purpose.
We are PostNL
Connected to deliver what drives us all forward
Connected to deliver pijlen.svg
Growth
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corner_right-top_green.png
Value
We unlock value by
optimising consumer
experience, margins and
the smart use of assets
We accelerate growth
beyond boundaries,
together with our
customers
We grow our
business, create
sustainable value,
lead through
innovation and
make impact
that matters
We create impact that
matters for our people
and society driving
positive transformation
corner_left-bottom_orange.png
corner_right-bottom_pink.png
We drive bold
innovation with data,
technology and
intelligence
Impact
Innovation
What we do
Through our extensive networks, we deliver millions of
PNL_05_PostNL Pakket 6_ID23.png
parcels, while offering digital propositions.
We link the physical and digital worlds, enabling commerce
and connection for everyone.
We are proud to be the Dutch postal operator, delivering
PNL_05_P Post_ID23.png
millions of letters across the Netherlands.
PNL_06_Situatie 04_Transp_ID23.png
PostNL Annual Report 2025
4
At a glance
Average number of parcels
delivered per working day
1.2 million
2024:
1.2 million
Automated parcel lockers
1,400
2024:
1,083
Average number of letters
delivered per working day
6.0 million
2024:
6.3 million
PostNL employees
31,531
2024:
32,405
Sorting centres
(31 parcel, 5 mail,
1 international)
37
2024:
37
O
At_a_glance-images_Sortingcentres.svg
At_a_glance-images_Letters.svg
At_a_glance-images_Parcel_lockers.svg
At_a_glance-images_Parcels.svg
At_a_glance-images_Employees.svg
Copilot licences
distributed
2,203
2024:
1,050
Actively used unique
PostNL accounts
10.0 million
2024:
8.9 million
Consumer NPS
38
2024:
33
Female employees in
senior management
35%
2024:
35%
Emission-free last-mile
delivery
33%
2024:
28%
At_a_glance-images_Kilometres.svg
PNL_01_PostNL vrouw 16 (1).png
PNL_02_Mobiel App Nieuw_ID23.png
PNL_07_Diversiteit_Evenwichtige leeftijdsopbouw_ID23 (1).png
PNL_01_Man 15_Situatie laptop.png
PostNL Annual Report 2025
5
Overview of our network and services
POSTNL-AR2025-At-a-glance+overview.jpg
PostNL Annual Report 2025
6
Overview of our performance
PostNL Financial performance overview in € million, unless indicated otherwise
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Results
Revenue
3,252
3,324
2%
Operating income
37
11
(72)%
Normalised EBIT
53
53
0%
Profit for the year
18
(17)
(197)%
Normalised comprehensive income
38
21
(46)%
Free cash flow
12
(25)
(301)%
Closing balance positions
Adjusted net debt
(474)
(501)
(6)%
Consolidated equity
202
176
(13)%
Volume development
Parcel volume (in million items)
371
376
1.2%
Parcel volume growth
7.2%
1.2%
(6.0)
Addressed mail volume (in million items)
1,605
1,529
(4.8)%
Addressed mail volume growth/(decline)
(8.0)%
(4.8)%
+3.2
Ratios
Normalised EBIT margin
1.6%
1.6%
0.0
Earnings per share (in € cents)
3.4
(3.2)
(194)%
Leverage ratio (adjusted net debt/EBITDA)
1.95
1.99
2%
Return on invested capital 1
3.4%
4.7%
+1.2
1
Figure for 2024 has been adjusted. Reference is made to Chapter 6.
PostNL Non-financial performance overview as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Net Promotor Score
Average No.
1 position in
relevant
markets
Average No.
1 position in
relevant
markets
Parcel volume growth
7.2%
1.2%
(6.0)
Delivery quality Parcels in NL
97%
97%
0
Delivery quality Mail in NL (preliminary)
86%
86%
0
Absenteeism
8.5%
8.5%
0.0
Employee engagement
67%
69%
+2
CO2 efficiency (scope 1 and 2 emissions in grammes CO2 e
per kilometre)
128
108
(15)%
Emission-free last-mile delivery
28%
33%
+5
PostNL Annual Report 2025
7
Q&A with our CEO and CFO
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Our Board of Management, consisting of CEO Pim Berendsen
and CFO Linde Jansen, reflect on 2025.
1. Last year marked a new phase in PostNL’s strategic
direction. What insights were gained about the company’s
position, challenges and opportunities, and how did these
inform the Breakthrough 2028 ambition?
Pim: Last year was one of reflection and deliberate choices.
We took the time to reassess PostNL’s position with a clear
and objective perspective.
One of the key insights was the confirmation that PostNL is,
and will remain, a highly relevant and trusted organisation,
deeply embedded in society. For more than two centuries, we
have connected people, businesses and communities, and this
heritage continues to be a powerful source of strength. At the
same time, we became acutely aware that the structural
decline in mail volumes, persistent pressure in e-commerce
logistics and a rising cost base require sharper focus, greater
adaptability and disciplined execution.
A second important insight relates to the strength of our
fundamentals. Our strong brand, nationwide network,
international connections, scale and operational expertise
provide a solid foundation. Over the years, we have
consistently demonstrated our ability to adapt to changing
market conditions. Our digital capabilities and our capacity to
continuously reinvent our business underpin PostNL’s
relevance in an increasingly fast-changing world and give us
confidence in our ability to deliver on our Breakthrough 2028
ambition.
However, we also recognised that these strengths only create
lasting value when deployed in a more targeted and
consistent manner. This led to a set of clear strategic choices,
including a focus on value-driven growth in Parcels, asset-light
international expansion and a stronger emphasis on financial
sustainability, higher employee engagement, improved net
promoter score (NPS) and further CO₂ reduction.
These reflections formed the foundation for our renewed
ambition towards Breakthrough 2028, guided by our purpose
— Connected to deliver what drives us all forward — and
anchored in four pillars: Value, Growth, Innovation and
Impact. Together, these pillars provide a clear and credible
framework to strengthen PostNL’s role as essential
infrastructure and to deliver long-term value creation for all
stakeholders.
Finally, despite a challenging environment, we achieved all
our financial targets for 2025. Customer satisfaction and
employee engagement improved, and we continued to make
solid progress towards our longer-term ESG ambitions.
2. 2025 required difficult choices in balancing investments,
cost control and performance. How did PostNL strengthen
its financial and operational discipline while continuing to
invest in its long-term ambitions?
Linde: In 2025, our focus was on maintaining a careful balance
between performance in the short term and the investments
required to support our long-term ambitions, building on a
strong strategic foundation. Changing market conditions,
evolving customer dynamics and continued cost inflation
required us to further sharpen our financial and operational
discipline.
We increased cost transparency and predictability through
tighter budgeting and simplifications in our reporting cycle,
strengthening resilience and consistency across the
organisation. These measures will be continued in 2026, as
they are essential to delivering our Breakthrough 2028
ambition.
At the same time, we consistently applied our capital
allocation framework, prioritising investments that directly
support our strategic objectives and deliver measurable long-
term value. In Parcels, this meant aligning capacity, pricing
and customer mix more closely with cost-to-serve. Within the
network, we continued to invest in automation and reliability,
building on earlier investments.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
8
By expanding our out-of-home (OOH) network, we are
improving delivery efficiency while offering consumers
greater choice, convenience and predictability. Importantly,
strengthened financial discipline also enhanced our future
readiness by enabling more focused and effective investment
decisions. We continued to invest in digitalisation,
sustainability, safety and employee capabilities, recognising
these as critical enablers of long-term success.
In addition, we successfully raised new debt and further
strengthened our financial position, securing funding aligned
with our strategic ambitions. Overall, 2025 marked a phase of
consolidation and refinement. By building on existing
strengths and sharpening execution where needed, we
reinforced PostNL’s ability to perform consistently and to
create sustainable value for all stakeholders.
3. The discussion around the universal service obligation
(USO) placed PostNL at the centre of a public, political and
regulatory debate. How do you reflect on the progress and
setbacks of 2025, and what principles guide PostNL’s
contribution to a sustainable and future-proof postal service
for the Netherlands?
Pim: In 2025, the discussion around the USO increasingly
highlighted the growing need for a postal framework that is
economically sustainable over the long term. Declining mail
volumes continued to place pressure on the system, while the
legal framework had remained unchanged for many years.
Over the course of the year, this led to a broader recognition
among stakeholders that the postal system must be adapted
to remain viable in the future.
That recognition did not come overnight. Decision-making
proved slow, and the absence of timely reform resulted in
prolonged uncertainty and significant net costs. Despite
extensive efforts within our own sphere of influence, including
stamp price adjustments and operational efficiency
measures, the structural imbalance could not be resolved
without changes to the regulatory framework. Ultimately, the
lack of a timely and comprehensive solution led PostNL to
request withdrawal from the USO designation. Unfortunately,
this step has not yet resulted in a definitive outcome.
At the same time, 2025 marked a clear turning point in the
debate. The focus shifted from whether reform is necessary
to how, and how quickly, the postal system can be adapted to
ensure long-term sustainability. In December 2025, the
Minister proposed amendments to the delivery timeframe
and quality requirements within the Universal Service
Obligation (USO) through the Postal Decree. We welcome the
fact that a majority of the House of Representatives
supported this proposal, which enabled us to start the
necessary preparations to be ready for implementation as of
July 2026.
The scale of this change — including adjustments to
schedules, logistics processes, IT systems and
communications — requires timely and careful preparation.
This is essential to ensure a future-proof postal service for
our customers, partners and employees.
Looking ahead, it is now crucial that this momentum is
maintained. 2026 must deliver concrete solutions that
support a sustainable postal service for the Netherlands,
provide clarity for the market and ensure that the net costs of
public service obligations are addressed in a fair and
balanced manner. PostNL remains committed to contributing
constructively to this transition, drawing on our experience,
scale and sense of responsibility to help shape a resilient
postal system for the future.
4. In Parcels, 2025 required a shift towards value-driven
growth. What strategic choices did you make, and how do
these choices strengthen PostNL’s position in an
increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape?
Pim: In 2025, we took decisive steps to reposition our Parcels
activities towards value-driven growth. Market dynamics
continued to evolve, with intensified competition, persistent
cost inflation and rising expectations from both consumers
and large e-commerce platforms. Against this backdrop, we
applied greater discipline in shaping our customer mix,
prioritising segments and partnerships that contribute to
sustainable margin improvement. This included renegotiating
contractual terms and selectively reducing exposure where
value creation was insufficient.
We also strengthened our pricing architecture by introducing
a more differentiated and transparent structure that better
reflects cost-to-serve and service levels. Adjustments to
inflation and fuel mechanisms, combined with clearer service
tiers, supported improvements in average yield while
reinforcing long-term commercial relationships.
Operationally, we accelerated automation and digitalisation.
Investments in advanced sorting technology, AI-driven
forecasting and enhanced route optimisation contributed to
higher productivity, more predictable operations and more
effective utilisation of network capacity, particularly during
peak periods.
In parallel, we continued to reconfigure our Parcels network,
increasing flexibility through a more modular design and
optimised regional capacity. This enhanced our operational
resilience, reduced unnecessary long-haul movements and
supported our sustainability objectives.
More recently, we set a new market standard together with
customers and platforms by initiating the dialogue on Best-
Day Delivery. By enabling e-commerce players, logistics
providers, online retailers and platforms to better balance
volumes throughout the week and across the year, we are
contributing to a more balanced value chain and
strengthening the sector’s collective investment capacity.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
9
5. Employees experienced significant change in 2025 as
PostNL accelerated automation, redesigned parts of the
network and sharpened its focus on productivity and safety.
How did you ensure that employees remained engaged,
supported and aligned with the new direction, and which
cultural attributes will be critical on the road to 2028?
Linde: Joining PostNL in 2025 gave me a strong appreciation
of the organisation’s resilience and its ability to adapt to
changing customer behaviour, new technologies, regulatory
requirements and evolving ways of working. Even as the pace
of change accelerates, this adaptive mindset remains central
to who we are.
In 2025, we actively supported employee engagement and
achieved our objectives through clear and consistent
communication, visible leadership and structured change
support. We invested in training and continuous dialogue,
while further strengthening safety by involving employees
early in the design and testing of new workflows.
We also expanded our focus on wellbeing, including
monitoring workload, enhancing mental health resources and
improving access to support services. Our Works Council and
labour representatives were closely involved in key transition
steps, helping to safeguard fairness, transparency and trust
throughout the organisation.
Looking ahead to 2028, our performance management culture
will increasingly reinforce accountability, continuous
improvement and wellbeing as essential enablers of
productivity, service quality and strategic execution. These
cultural attributes will enable us not only to manage change
effectively, but also to shape it, ensuring that PostNL remains
a reliable, modern and future-fit employer.
6. Sustainability and social responsibility continue to be
defining expectations from stakeholders. Which advances in
2025 do you consider most pivotal, and how do they
reinforce PostNL’s role in society?
Linde: Sustainability is embedded in our core decision-making
and supports efficiency, resilience and long-term value
creation. In 2025, we made meaningful progress across our
sustainability and social responsibility agenda, reinforcing our
position as an essential part of the Dutch economy and
society. The most significant advances were achieved in
emissions reduction and the further electrification of our last-
mile operations.
By expanding zero-emission delivery zones and accelerating
the rollout of electric vans, e-bikes and cargo solutions, we
reduced our CO₂ footprint while contributing positively to the
quality of life in urban areas. Our role in city logistics
continued to evolve, supported by closer collaboration with
municipalities and partners to develop cleaner, safer and
more coordinated urban delivery solutions. These efforts
keep us firmly on track to meet our science-based climate
targets, while also strengthening cost efficiency, operational
resilience and our leadership position.
This progress was once again recognised by the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index, which ranked PostNL as the world’s most
sustainable logistics e-commerce company.
In addition, community impact remained central to our
approach. Initiatives such as Ik maak me zorgen empowered
deliverers to signal signs of loneliness or wellbeing concerns,
demonstrating how our operational scale and social
awareness go hand in hand and reinforce PostNL’s role as a
responsible partner in society.
7. As you reflect on 2025 as the first chapter of PostNL’s
renewed journey, which decisions, milestones or shifts in
mindset best signal the company’s trajectory under the new
strategy, and what can stakeholders realistically expect to
see in 2026 as the next steps in this transformation?
Pim: Looking back, 2025 clearly marks the year in which
PostNL opened a new chapter. It was a year of deliberate
choices that laid the foundation for our Breakthrough 2028
strategy and set a clear direction for the years ahead.
The most important shift was one of mindset. In 2025, we
moved decisively from managing pressure within existing
models to actively reshaping our portfolio and operating
model to support sustainable value creation. This shift was
clearly reflected in the strategic reset we presented at our
Capital Markets Day.
Our new strategy is now well understood, both within the
organisation and among external stakeholders, and it is
already generating positive momentum. For all stakeholders,
2026 will be the year in which strategy increasingly translates
into execution. This includes progress in the implementation
of our new customer segmentation, the accelerated rollout of
our OOH network and the application of AI-first
improvements across operations, resulting in more
predictable, convenient and reliable customer experiences.
Our direction is clear. In 2026, we will move from setting the
scene to delivering on our strategy. We would like to thank
our employees, customers and partners for their continued
commitment, trust and collaboration as we move forward
together.
Business
report
We create value by growing our business, leading through
innovation and making impact that matters, building on our
heritage to shape a future-ready logistics organisation.
Guided by our North Star, we focus on the customer and
consumer experience and seamless delivery, strengthening
trust and supporting sustainable performance.
Our operating
context
In this chapter we cover our value chain, our
networks and services, and external developments,
all of which are intrinsically connected. At the heart
of our value chain are our customers, consumers,
and end-users.
3
PostNL Annual Report 2025
12
Our operating context
Our value chain
Our value chain is built on strong relationships with the
people, partners and local communities we serve across the
Netherlands, relationships strengthened by our heritage and
long-standing presence at the heart of Dutch society. By
understanding the interests and influence of our stakeholder
groups, we can create lasting value and drive positive impact
across every stage of our operations. Trends shaping our
environment, including labour-market dynamics, regulatory
developments, shifting customer landscapes such as
consolidation and platform growth, evolving consumer
expectations, and the wider impact of geopolitical
developments, highlight the need for continuous adaptation
and innovation. Our double materiality assessment (DMA)
plays a central role in assessing the environmental, social and
governance impacts of our activities.
To create a holistic view of our value chain, we examine both
direct and indirect relationships. Direct relationships include
those with suppliers, employees, and partners, while indirect
relationships reflect broader influences on our operations.
Upstream inputs include fuels, packaging, energy and
services, while downstream outputs relate to the delivery of
products and services and their impact on customers,
consumers, end-users and the environment. By integrating
DMA outcomes and stakeholder perspectives, we continue to
refine our understanding of value creation across our
upstream, operational, and downstream activities. These
insights are reflected in the value chain infographic included
in the sustainability statements, on page 174, supporting
informed decision-making and underpins our focus on
sustainable and responsible value creation.
Our role
As outlined in Our strategy chapter later in the report, we
have introduced a new purpose to better reflect the role we
play in a rapidly evolving logistical and societal landscape.
This purpose – Connected to deliver what drives us all
forward – is reflected in the attention we place on every
phase of the value chain. We tailor our services to evolving
customer and consumer needs throughout the process, which
begins with discovery and order, followed by our three core
logistics activities: collect, sort, and deliver.
Discovery
Discovery marks the first stage in the e-commerce value
chain, where consumers encounter products or services that
meet a need, or uncover a new one. As agentic technologies
are introduced in e-commerce, the way consumers discover
products is evolving, and we are closely monitoring these
developments. It offers e-tailers opportunities to engage
consumers and improve conversion. We support e-tailers
with digital services that enhance the end-to-end experience,
including the ‘Bekend bij PostNL’ solution, which reduces
fraud. We see a continued role for trusted delivery and data-
driven services in supporting discovery. One channel in the
discovery stage to spark consumer interest is direct mail and
catalogues which we deliver through the letterbox. A smooth
purchasing experience strengthens the overall consumer
journey.
Order
The order phase involves businesses and consumers placing
orders for goods or postal services. Our broad range of
business customers depend on our reliable infrastructure,
including fulfilment services. Integrated digital channels and
customer platforms support seamless order processing.
Advanced solutions, such as address validation and our
evolving digital identity capabilities, which can be used with
‘Bestellen met PostNL’ and ‘Invullen met PostNL,’ help ensure
accuracy and secure interactions as these services are rolled
out more widely.
Collect
In the collect phase, we gather parcels and mail from retail
locations, business points, automated parcel lockers (APLs),
letterboxes and directly from business customers, including
returns. Some parcels and letters are also brought to us by
consumers. Our large-scale collection operations draw on
efficient routing and fleet solutions to reduce environmental
impact and strengthen flexibility, including late in-feed options
and SME collection points. Employees and delivery partners
play a key role as the face of our company.
Sort
Sorting is a critical step in the logistics process. At our sorting
centres, parcels and letters are processed using advanced
automation and digital technologies. Accurate and efficient
sorting reduces errors, supports timely delivery, and
enhances satisfaction for business customers and consumers.
Deliver
Delivery is the final stage. Our deliverers and delivery
partners serve homes, businesses, retail points and APLs with
a strong focus on first-time-right delivery, supported by the
right tools, training and data to ensure accuracy, timeliness
and road safety, our top priority. Reliable delivery is
complemented by convenient return options and responsive
customer care. Consumer expectations continue to evolve,
and so do we. We are moving from 'next day' to 'best day'
delivery, combining customer and consumer preferences to
unlock efficiency and margin potential, while continuing to
innovate through our app, expanded interaction options and
greater control over delivery preferences to create a
seamlesshappy flow’, supported by stronger customer-
experience capabilities and continuous improvement across
every stage of the journey.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
13
PostNL_AR2025-NON-CSRD+Infographic_Tangelo_07.svg
26938035076037
(International) mail
(International) parcels
SDG-impact
PostNL Annual Report 2025
14
Our networks and services
Our business model is designed around helping customers
grow, creating more value by supporting them at every step
of the logistics chain. By optimising every stage of this chain,
we ensure that each interaction contributes directly to a
better customer experience and greater overall value. For a
detailed explanation of these steps, see the Our value chain
section.
Over the years, we have built dense and reliable networks,
and in recent years PostNL has evolved from a mail-centric
company into a full-service e-commerce logistics and postal
provider. Digitalisation has accelerated this transformation,
strengthening our business model and enabling us to stay
relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing market. While
we operate from 1 January 2026 through three focused
business segments, E-commerce, Platforms and Mail, the
sections below describe the business structure that was in
place throughout 2025.
Parcels
E-commerce continues to shape retail and drive parcel
growth. We continue to invest in IT, network, and
infrastructure to support this growth, including solutions for
handling small parcels and time-critical deliveries. Our digital
platforms provide customers and consumers with greater
transparency, insight and control over the sending and
delivery process. By sharing relevant data and insights, we
help e-tailers optimise their e-commerce propositions and
consumers experience a more seamless journey. In 2025, we
embedded Extra@Home, our service for large and heavy
items, into Parcels which will create opportunities to improve
efficiency and synergy across our parcel offerings.
Internationally, customers are supported through Cross
Border Solutions (CBS), which provides worldwide e-
commerce delivery options. From 1 January 2025, we
integrated our fulfilment operations into CBS, further
strengthening our ability to scale fulfilment services across
Europe.
Parcels network
Our parcels network is the backbone of our logistics
operations, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery across the
Netherlands, Belgium and beyond. Comprising 37 state-of-
the-art sorting and distribution centres strategically located
throughout the Netherlands, the network is supported by a
number of depots and two state-of-the-art distribution
centres in Belgium. Together, these enable delivery across the
Benelux and strong cross-border connectivity with the rest of
Europe. Supported by advanced automation, data-driven
planning and a fleet increasingly powered by sustainable
transport solutions, the network handles millions of parcels
each week.
Integrator and multi-carrier platforms
The logistics market continues to shift towards shipping
platforms, particularly among small and medium‑sized
enterprises (SMEs), as e-commerce grows. Customer
interaction is increasingly managed through multi-carrier
platforms that combine competitive pricing, customer service,
and flexible delivery options. We apply an asset-light
structure outside the Benelux, where we partner with local
and regional operators to connect digital and physical
logistics services, ensuring solutions are more sustainable,
affordable, and responsive to customer needs. Through
MyParcel, we offer SMEs and niche segments access to a
wide range of delivery services. The integrator model
enhances the resilience of our business and extends our
reach across Europe.
Out-of-home network
We are strengthening the e-commerce value chain by
expanding our out-of-home (OOH) network and accelerating
the roll-out of APLs, giving consumers greater convenience
and flexibility while improving efficiency and supporting our
decarbonisation goals. Locker usage is growing strongly with
first-time users reporting high satisfaction. Retailers are
increasingly integrating lockers at checkout, recognising the
value of offering consumers flexible, round-the-clock
collection and return options. Our open and inclusive
approach allows other carriers to access our APLs, and in
2025 it became possible to send and return FedEx parcels via
our lockers. By creating a shared, cost-effective, and
sustainable model, we improve accessibility and reduce
kilometres driven, thereby reinforcing our position as the
preferred deliverer.
Cross Border Solutions
CBS supports international e-commerce with a full range of
services to facilitate trade within, to and from Europe, and is
developing and improving market propositions, optimising
hubs, and reinforcing our European network. Spring Global
Delivery Solutions (Spring GDS), our international subsidiary,
operates in 10 European countries and connects customers
to 190 destinations worldwide via its asset-light network. It
provides simplified and sustainable cross-border deliveries,
including customs clearance and returns. As demand for
cross-border e-commerce grows, we are investing in
fulfilment centres in strategic European locations. We are
also strengthening sales capacity in selected markets and
enhancing connections within our continental network.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for the impact of
forthcoming European consumer protection and customs
regulations, particularly on our Asian customer base, to
ensure resilience and continuity of service.
Mail in the Netherlands
Despite volume decline, mail is still a very relevant
communication medium in Dutch society. Our Mail in the
Netherlands network is essential to ensure the reliable
delivery of letters, direct mail, and printed materials. The
network comprises an extensive infrastructure of sorting
centres, delivery offices, and collection points, supported by
advanced digital planning tools and deliverers operating
across the Netherlands. More information on this and Mail
developments within 2025 can be found on the Our vision for
a future-proof postal service page in the Delivery in 2025
chapter.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
15
External developments
The markets in which we operate remain volatile and
dynamic. In 2025, geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic
uncertainty, combined with a still-tight labour market,
continued to impact our operating costs and influence
customer behaviour.
The increasingly competitive landscape further added
pressure, as we continued to face growing expectations from
both consumers and business partners in terms of delivery
speed, flexibility, and sustainability. Consumers are also
seeking more control, better predictability, and stronger
digital connections, from ordering to delivery, requiring us to
adapt our services accordingly. At the same time, ongoing
digitalisation, automation, and advances in artificial
intelligence (AI) are providing opportunities to further improve
service quality and efficiency. In this section, we explain these
developments in the context of PostNL.
Geopolitical and economic developments
Trade and policy uncertainty remain prominent, and the
Netherlands’ growth outlook faces headwinds from elevated
tariffs and geopolitical fragmentation. According to De
Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), economic expansion will hover
around 1 percent through 2027, below prior estimates, unless
trade frictions ease. In 2025, inflation eased to 3.3 percent.
Parallel to this, cross-border trade and postal markets are
facing transformative regulatory change. In May 2025, the
European Commission advanced preparations for a wider
reform of EU customs rules for non-EU e-commerce. This
reform, expected to take full effect by 2028, includes the
abolition of the €150 duty-free threshold, with the EU
considering an accelerated removal of the de minimis as early
as 2026. In addition, the Dutch government announced its
intention to introduce a national €2 handling fee for low-value
imports, ahead of wider EU reforms, but eventually
postponed taking a decision on this until further notice. These
changes would reshape import processes and require
adjustments to our international operations, drawing on our
expertise in navigating shifting value chains.
In the United States, ending the de minimis exemption (duty-
free entry for post and parcels’ goods valued under $800)
from 29 August triggered operational disruption. Almost all
operators, including PostNL, temporarily halted certain U.S.-
bound parcel shipments amid uncertainty over customs
processes and data requirements.
“Ongoing digitalisation,
automation, and advances in
artificial intelligence are providing
opportunities to further improve
service quality and efficiency”
Policy developments
Legal proceedings concerning the universal service obligation
(USO) also continued, underlining the lack of a sustainable
regulatory solution. Modernising the postal law remains
urgent and the current framework limits the sector’s ability to
adapt to evolving consumer behaviour, digital substitution
and declining mail volumes. Separately, global postal and
logistics networks are facing increased complexity due to new
trade restrictions and fragmented regulatory frameworks.
These developments underscore the importance of clear,
forward-looking policy frameworks that support sector
innovation and resilience in a rapidly changing environment.
Labour market
The Dutch labour market remained tight in 2025.
Unemployment increased slightly over the course of the year,
particularly in the second half, yet remained low in
comparison with other European Union countries. For PostNL,
competition for part-time workers continued to be
challenging in some regions, particularly for Mail in the
Netherlands. Recruitment and retention initiatives, scheduling
optimisation, and continued engagement with social partners
remained key areas of attention. More on our approach to
tackling this can be found in the Delivery in 2025 chapter.
Looking ahead, labour-market tightness is expected to
persist, reinforcing the need for continued focus on
workforce stability and operational efficiency.
In addition to the challenges of a tight labour market, PostNL
experienced higher labour costs due to increases in the
statutory minimum wage, which rose by 2.78% on 1 January
and 2.42% on 1 July 2025 for employees aged 21 and over,
pushing up wage bills across the organisation. Because the
lower tiers of our collective labour agreement (CLA) are
linked to the statutory minimum wage, this resulted in pay
increases across the organisation. This added cost pressure
for the labour-intensive parts of our operations. Continued
upward wage dynamics are expected in 2026, and we will
remain focused on productivity measures and network
optimisation to mitigate these effects as much as possible.
Technological advancement and
digitalisation
The pace of adoption of digital technologies is accelerating,
supported by advances in robotics, automation and data-
driven tools, and we saw digitalisation, robotics and AI further
enhancing efficiency and service in 2025. AI is developing fast,
creating new opportunities but also increasing risks around
responsible use. The result is that cybersecurity and
regulatory readiness remain key, particularly as the digital
infrastructure underpinning logistics and postal operations
becomes more complex and interconnected.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
16
Innovation plays an essential role in strengthening our
distinctive customer experience, both within and beyond the
delivery moment. We continue to invest in digital solutions
and emerging technologies that enhance reliability,
convenience, and transparency across our networks. By
modernising our platforms, applying data-driven insights and
exploring new business models, we are creating smarter,
more flexible services that anticipate customer needs where
it matters most. These innovations support our long-term
ambition to operate more efficiently, sustainably and in closer
partnership with our customers and stakeholders.
For example, we are continuing to strengthen our digital
foundations by progressing investments in secure data
platforms, cloud-based applications, and automation of key
operational workflows. These initiatives support greater
network resilience and allow for more accurate volume
forecasting, route optimisation, and real-time visibility across
our logistics processes. At the same time, we continued to
focus on cybersecurity frameworks to ensure we are
prepared against emerging digital threats.
And in line with our new strategy, we are moving decisively
towards an AI-first approach. This shift will accelerate
innovation, boost competitiveness, empower talent and help
reduce costs across the organisation. Enabled by our
dedicated AI Centre of Excellence, the transformation is
structured along four streams: building the right AI
architecture and governance to scale responsibly;
strengthening our ecosystem through deep collaboration with
leading technology partners; executing value through
applications such as conversational AI in customer care and a
growing pipeline of proofs of concept; and driving company-
wide adoption.
Together, these measures provide a more robust basis for
innovation while supporting continuity of service for
customers and communities.
While these developments create significant opportunities for
enhanced service and operational performance, they also
raise important questions around ethical use, transparency,
and privacy. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in
operational and customer-facing processes, expectations
around responsible data use are rising in parallel. Ensuring
alignment with general data protection regulation (GDPR),
embedding privacy-by-design principles, and maintaining
robust oversight are key to safeguarding trust.
Looking ahead, we recognise the need to actively monitor the
evolving ethical landscape surrounding AI, as well as
stakeholder expectations and regulatory developments.
Balancing innovation with accountability will remain essential
to ensure that digitalisation supports both long-term
efficiency and responsible business conduct.
“Balancing innovation with
accountability will remain
essential to ensure that
digitalisation supports both long-
term efficiency and responsible
business conduct”
Competitive landscape
The competitive landscape in 2025 was shaped by shifting
consumer preferences and the responses of e-commerce
platforms, merchants, and logistics players. Growing demand
for reliability, convenience and delivery flexibility accelerated
the adoption of multi-vendorship models, with e-tailers
increasingly offering both home and OOH solutions at
checkout. This supported the rapid expansion of our APL and
pick-up networks across the market, with OOH delivery
emerging as a key competitive differentiator.
At the same time, broader market dynamics continued to
evolve. E-commerce consolidation intensified, with
marketplaces and platforms dominating and Asian players in
particular gaining share. The increasing weight of e-commerce
platforms and growing client concentration placed further
pressure on margins and service dynamics. Their influence
reinforced market consolidation, raising barriers to entry for
smaller players but also creating opportunities for targeted
growth in cross-border flows.
Additionally, consumer behaviour also played an increasingly
important role in shaping this ecosystem. Ordering patterns
are becoming more concentrated, with clear ‘peaks’ emerging
around weekends, when salaries are paid and promotional
moments. These shifts create uneven flows across the week,
putting additional pressure on logistics networks and
requiring smarter planning, flexible capacity, and closer
collaboration with customers to balance volume.
Internationally, logistics providers expanded networks to
capture rising demand for seamless cross-border e-
commerce. Competitive dynamics were further shaped by
customs reforms, regulatory changes and the normalisation
of freight rates following 2024’s disruptions. However,
geopolitical risks and tariff measures continued to influence
routing, cost structures, and competitive positioning.
Looking ahead, competition will increasingly centre on who
can best anticipate consumer expectations for choice,
transparency and sustainability. Operators that can adapt to
peak-driven buying behaviour, smooth demand and offer
flexible OOH and home-delivery options will be well
positioned to strengthen market share. Changing consumer
behaviour continues to shape both e-commerce and mail
markets, as spending patterns stabilise following years of
volatility and preferences shift towards convenience,
reliability, and responsible consumption.
Our strategy
In this chapter we introduce our new strategy,
Breakthrough 2028. This is our roadmap to realise
our strategic intent and defines how we will further
develop as a digital, sustainable and customer-
driven logistics company. We do so while building on
our heritage and trusted brand, and leveraging our
digital capabilities and transformational mindset.
4
PostNL Annual Report 2025
18
Our strategy
Breakthrough 2028
In September 2025, we introduced Breakthrough 2028, our
strategic plan that sets PostNL’s course towards 2028 and
beyond. This represents the next step in our development as
a leading e-commerce and logistics company, and will guide
us in a dynamic e-commerce environment, strengthen our
competitive position, and ensure we continue to lead in a
rapidly changing market.
Building on a strong foundation, we are entering a new
chapter for PostNL. Our new strategy reflects the energy,
momentum, and ambition with which we are accelerating. The
strategic direction is clear: in E-commerce, moving from
volume to value through a differentiated approach and smart
network utilisation; in Platforms, capturing international
growth through asset-light models; and in Mail, transforming
to a future-proof postal service. Over 225 years of social
commitment, we have always been at the forefront of
transformation and that will continue as we translate our
ambitions into tangible results. We outline our new strategy
below, starting with what sits at its heart: our North Star.
Our North Star
Our North Star, along with our purpose Connected to deliver
what drives us all forward, defines who we are, what we
stand for and why we exist. Our purpose guides the decisions
we take and the relationships we build. In a world that is
increasingly digital, complex, and interconnected, this ensures
we remain relevant and responsible, creating value for
customers, our people, shareholders, and society.
Anchored in our foundation of building on a strong heritage,
driving change, serving society and being sustainable at the
core, we continue to evolve through innovation and
collaboration, staying a familiar presence in every street
while contributing to a future-ready logistics ecosystem. By
working with our broad range of stakeholders, we strengthen
our role within the wider value chain and remain a driving
force for progress in the Netherlands. Our values —
connecting, personal, resourceful, and dedicated — guide
how we work together and serve the communities around us.
Our four pillars
From our purpose flows a clear sense of what matters most.
To deliver on our North Star and the role we play in society,
we focus on four pillars that define how we create long-term
value: Growth, Value, Innovation, and Impact. These pillars
express what it means to be Connected to deliver what drives
us all forward, sharing how we make decisions, how we
invest, and how we measure success.
Growth strengthens our competitive position in the Benelux
and expands selective international activities through
scalable, customer-centric propositions.
Value focuses on operational excellence and disciplined
execution, unlocking greater potential through optimising
the consumer experience, improving margins, and making
smarter use of our assets.
Innovation drives the transformation of our networks,
processes and customer experience through digitalisation
and data-driven insights.
Impact reflects our social and environmental responsibility,
creating positive outcomes for our people, communities in
which we operate and the planet.
ConnectedToDeliverWhatDrivesUsAllForward_1.jpg
Our strategic intent
These pillars are brought to life through our strategic intent,
which is focused on growing our business, creating
sustainable value, leading through innovation, and making
impact that matters, ensuring that PostNL remains the
favourite deliverer for everyone we serve. This intent
translates our purpose into a clear ambition for the years
ahead.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
19
Our operating model
Breakthrough 2028 is our roadmap to realise our strategic
intent and the ambitions of our North Star. The plan builds on
our strong foundation and defines how we will further
develop as a digital, sustainable, and customer-driven
logistics company. To deliver on this, on 1 January 2026, we
began steering and operating through three business
segments and will report on these from 2026 onwards. These
units, E-commerce, Platforms and Mail, reflect how we create
value across e-commerce, cross-border logistics and our
postal business, ensuring greater focus, accountability, and
alignment with our strategy.
Enabling transformation
Our strategy is supported by three enablers that make
transformation possible. ESG ensures that environmental,
social and governance ambitions are embedded in all
decisions and operations, with priorities informed by the
outcomes of our double materiality assessment (DMA) and
guided by our Science Based Targets initiative-aligned net-
zero pathway.
Data & Tech drives digital transformation and underpins our
ambition to become an AI-first organisation, enabling smarter
processes, better insights and new opportunities for
ConnectedToDeliverWhatDrivesUsAllForward_2.jpg
customers, consumers, and employees.
Innovation Beyond Delivery extends our reach beyond
traditional logistics by exploring new business models in
sustainability services, energy solutions, and digital
commerce. Together, these enablers provide the capabilities,
systems and culture required to deliver Breakthrough 2028
successfully.
From strategy to execution
We apply a disciplined approach to strategic portfolio
management. This connects long-term ambition with day-to-
day delivery by directing resources, investments, and
initiatives towards the areas of greatest strategic impact. At
the heart of this approach are our Strategic Portfolio
Priorities (SPPs), ten integrated programmes that bring
Breakthrough 2028 to life. The SPPs form the portfolio
through which initiatives are aligned with our four pillars:
Growth, Value, Innovation, and Impact. Together, they ensure
that the objectives of each pillar are translated into clear
actions.
To realise this ambition, our goals are to deliver excellent
customer experiences, engaging and empowering our people,
maintaining operational excellence and financial discipline,
and creating measurable social and environmental impact.
Each programme has defined ownership, measurable goals
and transparent reporting and is directly governed at the
Executive Committee (EC) level. This integrated governance
provides focus and accountability, ensuring that PostNL
remains agile and aligned as markets, technologies and
customer expectations continue to evolve.
Connecting strategy to performance
In the following section we explain how we delivered on our
ambitions in 2025, before connecting this to our performance
on our financial and non-financial KPIs. Our disciplined
execution is aimed at accelerating performance towards
2028, with a clear focus on value creation, sustainable
growth, and operational excellence. By 2028, we aim to
achieve revenue of more than €4 billion, a normalised EBIT
above €175 million, free cash flow exceeding €75 million and
a return on invested capital (ROIC) of over 12%.
Alongside these financial ambitions, we continue to measure
success through our non-financial impact on customers, the
environment, and our people. In line with our integrated
approach to value creation for all our stakeholders, we strive
to remain the #1 carrier in customer satisfaction (NPS),
improve carbon efficiency by 20–25% across scopes 1, 2 and
3, and increase employee engagement by 5 percentage
points. Taken together, these KPIs reflect how our integrated
strategy, grounded in the four pillars, translates into long-
term performance and responsible value creation.
Delivery in
2025
In this chapter we describe how our work
throughout 2025 aligned with, and contributed to,
the Breakthrough 2028 strategy launched in
September. We structure our story around the four
strategic pillars, Growth, Value, Innovation and
Impact, introduced with the strategy. These pillars
provide a holistic view of developments across our
business and how we create value and impact for
our customers, partners and society. Lastly, we
present our results on the financial and non-financial
KPIs that guided our performance during 2025.
5
PostNL Annual Report 2025
21
Delivery in 2025
Introductory overview
In this chapter, we explain how we performed on our strategy
in 2025, using the four strategic pillars introduced with the
launch of our new strategy in September 2025. While these
pillars provide structure and clarity, the topics within them
are closely interconnected, reflecting the integrated nature of
our business and the way value is created across our
operations. This interconnectedness means that progress in
one pillar often supports or enables developments in another.
Although the new framework was only formalised in the
second half of the year, we have structured this chapter
around these pillars to provide a clear, holistic, and forward-
looking view of our progress. At the same time, we continue
to present results using our operating segments as they were
structured and steered on throughout 2025, Parcels and Mail
in the Netherlands, to ensure consistency. We outline the
main developments and results achieved across each pillar,
drawing on both financial and non-financial information to
show how we are beginning to embed the new strategy.
Our progress is assessed through a number of key
performance indicators (KPIs), covering both financial and
non-financial topics. For 2025, we report against the set of
KPIs applicable in 2025. As of 2026, we will report on the KPIs
as outlined in our Breakthrough 2028 strategy. These KPIs
provide insight into our performance and help ensure a
balanced focus on short-term delivery and long-term value
creation. Our 2025 performance can be found in the
sections later in this chapter.
Growth
Our competitive position in the Benelux, supported by
scalable and customer-centric propositions, enables
sustainable growth and the expansion of selective
international activities. In 2025, growth was supported by a
recovery in e-commerce volumes, further expansion of our
asset-light international network, and targeted initiatives that
deepened customer relationships. Parcels and Cross Border
Solutions (CBS) continued to reinforce PostNL’s leadership
position in the Benelux and beyond.
E-commerce market dynamics
Growth in the e-commerce sector underpins our focus on this
sector. During 2025, the Dutch e-commerce market remained
highly competitive and increasingly concentrated, with
ongoing price pressure across platforms and webshops.
Competitive intensity rose from large online players and new
entrants from Asia, tightening margins further. We also saw
evolving dynamics in digital commerce, with the rise of peer-
to-peer marketplaces and early signals of social commerce
channels, such as those embedded in or enabled by social-
media platforms, which we expect to see develop further in
2026.
Severe cost inflation persisted in 2025, driven by higher wage
levels. The effect of wage inflation was felt particularly
strongly across our labour-intensive operations, where
people are central to the delivery of our services and
personnel costs form a significant share of our cost base.
Although innovation remains essential, the combination of
higher costs and sustained price pressure limited overall
investment headroom in 2025.
Realising growth potential
Parcel volumes rose as online retail activity stabilised. Cross-
border parcel flows continued to grow in 2025, especially
inbound volumes into the Netherlands, which remain an
important source of growth. Consumer satisfaction, as
measured by the Net Promoter Score (NPS), improved again
during the year. PostNL continues to achieve the highest NPS
score in our sector among Dutch consumers, reflecting trust
in our reliability and service quality, also supported by
ongoing investment and focus on improving our channels and
information provision.
PostNL continues to achieve the
highest NPS score among Dutch
consumers in our sector,
reflecting trust in our reliability
and service quality
During the year, we took important steps to strengthen how
we understand and support small and medium-sized (SME)
business customers, using data and insights to help us gain a
clearer focus on specific customer needs. This will help us
build stronger, longer-lasting relationships while improving
the overall efficiency of our network.
We saw utilisation of our automated parcel lockers (APLs) rise
steadily throughout the year, as more consumers embraced
the convenience and flexibility they offer. This growing
adoption reflects strong consumer appreciation for simple,
reliable delivery options. Third-party volumes continued to
contribute positively, and insights from the initial roll-out are
helping shape the next phase of development. Our focus now
is on broadening delivery choice for consumers and
PostNL Annual Report 2025
22
increasing the role of OOH solutions, supporting a more
balanced and efficient last mile.
We strengthened our fulfilment growth proposition by
introducing smart packaging technology at our fulfilment hub
in the Netherlands. Automated box-sizing enables optimal,
branded packaging for every order, reducing material use,
minimising empty space and lowering CO₂ emissions. This
technology-driven approach improves operational efficiency
while supporting our sustainability ambitions.
Customers benefit from more sustainable packaging, an
improved unboxing experience and reliable, scalable
fulfilment, while these optimisations also reinforce our
international fulfilment proposition through a more
standardised and future-proof operating model. As volumes
grow, this standardisation supports consistent quality and
scalability across markets.
In Belgium, we took an important strategic step in 2025 by
shifting focus from an import-led model to a more locally
grounded parcel business. While inbound flows from the
Netherlands remain an important part of the network, growth
is increasingly driven by domestic Belgian customers and a
more value-accretive commercial mix. This shift strengthens
the resilience of our Belgian operations and supports more
balanced network utilisation.
Unlike the Netherlands, the Belgian e-commerce landscape
has few very large national webshops, meaning that growth
depends on a broad base of SME senders. By tailoring
commercial propositions and dedicating more attention to
these customers, domestic volumes grew year-on-year. This
approach enables us to build closer relationships with
customers and respond more effectively to local market
dynamics. And with eight operational locations across the
country, we are well positioned to handle rising volumes in
the country. Together, these developments support
sustainable growth and reinforce our competitive position in
the Belgian market.
International expansion
During the year, CBS strengthened its position as a trusted
partner for cross-border e-commerce logistics, advancing our
ambition to create a larger European footprint to reach more
customers and meet their needs.
Through Spring Global Delivery Solutions (Spring GDS), we
connect customers to 190 global destinations via an asset-
light network model, designed to move cross-border volumes
faster and at scale. We continued to expand our European
network, launching new trade corridors between Western
and Eastern Europe and adding fulfilment capacity in Poland,
the UK and Italy. These developments enhance delivery
reliability and support the rise of international e-commerce
flows. At the same time, the broader market dynamics,
including the acceleration of cross-border e-commerce and
the integration of fulfilment operations into our network,
reinforce the strategic value of these investments.
“Through Spring Global Delivery
Solutions, we connected
customers to 190 global
destinations via an asset-light
network model, designed to move
cross-border volumes faster and
at scale”
Spring’s network build-out follows an asset-light approach:
leasing space and equipment, keeping automation practical,
and scaling locations as volumes grow, with targeted
marketing and sales investments supporting this
development.
Cross-border continuity
At Spring GDS, when the United States tightened its de
minimis rules for e-commerce imports, our teams
implemented an alternative technical and operational route
to ensure uninterrupted service. We also prepared for
anticipated European measures to introduce a handling fee
on non-EU e-commerce parcels earlier than expected, as
several EU Member States were already exploring the early
introduction of national handling fees ahead of a central EU
approach. Countries including the Netherlands, France,
Belgium, and Italy were considering such national measures,
underscoring the urgency of readiness. The scenario planning
undertaken in recent years proved instrumental in enabling
this swift and coordinated response.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
23
Story Growth header Workiva.jpg
With local presence in
key markets across
Europe and global reach
through our cross-border
network, we continuously
evolve our services to
simplify international
growth and support our
customers at every
stage, from order to
delivery.”
Scaling across borders
In 2025, Cross Border Solutions (CBS) further accelerated its role as PostNL’s
international growth engine. By adapting delivery solutions to local market preferences,
from parcel pickup to doorstep delivery, we enable customers to enter new markets
more easily, reduce operational complexity and scale their business sustainably across
borders. To meet growing demand, we further expanded European fulfilment capabilities
and developed new propositions across international markets.
SME customer
benefits at a glance
Simple, transparent fulfilment with
access to multiple locations
Direct access to an extensive
international delivery network
Personal service grounded in local
expertise and data-driven insights
POSTNL JV25 - Story Growth DEF 1.jpg
Abbi Swindin,
Director Strategic Development Spring GDS
International multi-country SME fulfilment solution
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to grow internationally gained access to a
new fulfilment proposition in Italy and the UK, marking the first step towards a multi-country
SME fulfilment network. Through this proposition, SME customers benefit from an end-to-end
solution covering both international fulfilment and distribution, from order to doorstep, fully
managed through a single, integrated Spring solution. Customers benefit from simple and
transparent fulfilment and immediate access to our extensive international delivery network,
as well as personal support underpinned by local expertise and data-driven insights. In line
with Spring’s DNA of making the complex simple, this solution removes many of the
operational, logistical and cross-border complexities SMEs typically face when expanding
internationally, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
Facilitating new market growth for strategic customers
To support the European expansion of one of our strategic customers, we opened new
fulfilment centres in Germany and Poland, adding a combined 13,000m² of fulfilment capacity.
This enabled greater reliability and scalability through consistent operations, while combining
international reach and local expertise to meet market-specific requirements. By locating
fulfilment closer to end consumers, customers benefit from shorter delivery times in key
markets, creating additional capacity and operational headroom to support further growth
ambitions. These fulfilment partnerships also enhance the Spring Europe cross-border
network, our international delivery network that connects European markets, improving
connectivity, closing operational gaps and supporting long-term, reliable service for
customers operating internationally.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
24
Value
The Value pillar focuses on unlocking value by improving
consumer experience, strengthening margins and making
smart use of our assets. In 2025, value creation was
supported not only by disciplined yield management and
operational excellence, but also by the growing impact of our
digital propositions, which help consumers manage their
deliveries with greater control and convenience. Throughout
the year, we continued to shift our focus from volume to
value, embedding more sophisticated pricing, product and
customer-mix steering across all business segments.
In Parcels, this meant optimising our commercial portfolio,
strengthening contractual discipline, and aligning capacity
with value-accretive growth. At Mail in the Netherlands, we
advanced measures to safeguard a financially viable postal
service in a structurally declining market through selective
pricing, cost control, and further network optimisation.
Creating strong consumer foundations
In 2025, we continued to enhance value creation by improving
the digital consumer journey and strengthening the ‘happy
flow’, the seamless, reliable experience that defines every
interaction with PostNL. Guided by consumer feedback and
behavioural insights, we refined our digital propositions to
ensure simplicity, transparency, and control across all
channels. For example, the introduction of the feedback
button within the PostNL app and website provided real-time
insights into customer experience, enabling faster service
improvements and more personalised support.
We also gave receivers more control over their parcel
deliveries, for example by expanding the number of OOH
options, a core element of our consumer-satisfaction strategy
and one of the features that truly sets us apart. Growing
adoption of delivery preferences in the PostNL app enabled
more customers to choose how, where and when they
wanted their parcels delivered. This helped reduce not-at-
home attempts and further improved first-time-right delivery
performance. Building on this success, we are extending this
capability to Belgium to personalise the last mile across
borders and create a more consistent and reliable experience
for consumers.
During the year, we continued to refine our position in the
small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) segment, a key
priority under Breakthrough 2028. We further refined our
customer journey, making it faster and easier for SME
webshops to become PostNL customers, often within minutes
rather than days.
To improve satisfaction and retention, we also enhanced
churn management, lifecycle marketing, and intermediary
policies, ensuring customers receive the right mix of direct
and partner-based services. These and the steps outlined
above create a stronger, more personal connection with
SMEs and position PostNL as a trusted logistics and e-
commerce partner, growing alongside customers by offering
the right support at every stage of their development.
These initiatives directly contributed to our Reptrak score,
which again placed PostNL among the most trusted and
positively regarded logistics companies in the Netherlands.
Our ISO 9001 certification remained high at 98% (2024: 98%).
By aligning digital convenience with operational excellence,
we continue to reinforce customer satisfaction, loyalty, and
brand strength, which are key drivers of sustainable value
creation.
Enhancing logistics flow
In 2025, we took the first major steps towards transforming
our first- and middle-mile transport network into a new wave-
based model, which is a significant operational change and
will benefit parcel and mail delivery. The new design replaces
fixed time-based routes with multiple daily 'waves', enabling
smarter, more balanced planning across the day. This allows
us to distribute workload more evenly, reduce peaks, and
create better work packages for our transport team, while
improving overall network reliability and predictability.
With more evenly spread collection and delivery moments,
flows can be planned more efficiently, leading to fewer
delays, steadier service levels and improved on-time
performance, particularly during peak periods, helping ensure
consumers enjoy more predictable arrival times and a
smoother overall experience.
Throughout the year, we focused on planning, piloting, and
preparing for the 2026 rollout phase. The wave network will
be implemented in stages through to 2029, with the first
operational gains already visible in 2025 through smarter
scheduling, structural order planning, and improved
coordination between collection and delivery. These changes
are designed not only to lower costs per parcel and letter,
but also to support our broader sustainability goals through
lower-emission logistics and greater use of renewable energy.
In Belgium, reliability remains crucial for consumers and
senders, a market-wide need that extends beyond PostNL.
Despite this broader context, in 2025 we delivered strong
improvements across our network, with complaints and
losses declining year-on-year. Overall on-time delivery rose,
while domestic parcels achieved 99% on-time performance.
Time-slot deliveries also improved sharply. These gains place
us ahead of several competitors in operational consistency in
Belgium, reinforcing reliability as a key differentiator in a
market where service quality varies widely. A more
disciplined approach to managing network capacity also
supports long-term value creation, ensuring that new volume
strengthens productivity and avoids dependence on low-yield
flows.
Redesign product pricing architecture
Parcels advanced the redesign of its product and pricing
architecture, creating greater flexibility in our customer
propositions, and supporting a shift from a volume-based to a
value-based approach. We implemented regular price
adjustments and targeted yield measures, establishing
stronger links between true cost drivers, such as size, weight,
format and handling profile, and our rate cards. In parallel,
PostNL Annual Report 2025
25
we embedded revenue and capacity management principles
more deeply across the network, optimising for day-of-week
spread and asset utilisation rather than volume alone. This
included steering demand towards OOH options to improve
network economics. This increase in OOH options, such as
APLs, supports our commitment to Value by helping increase
first-time-right delivery rates and giving consumers greater
choice in how and when they receive their parcels. These
strategic choices led to modest market share loss,
particularly in the fourth quarter. However, we have also seen
that they created positive momentum to improve higher-value
customer relationships. Together, the measures will support
disciplined growth, enable smarter yield management, reward
reliability and quality, reduce pricing complexity, and lay the
foundation for sustainable margin improvement over the long
term.
Strengthening operational performance
Delivery quality for Parcels remained strong throughout 2025.
Enhanced forecasting and control-room coordination helped
maintain reliable service levels for both consumers and
business customers. Additionally, to further strengthen
operational performance we introduced a new leadership
model across the Netherlands, separating responsibilities for
people management, process control, and planning support.
This structure creates clearer accountability and enables
more effective coaching for teams.
In parallel, at Parcels within the Netherlands we further rolled
out our plan to balance the delivery workforce at around 50%
employed staff and 50% delivery partners (2025: 30%
employed staff). Early indicators show higher engagement
and a reduction in short-term absenteeism, supported by the
continued roll-out of the Managing Employability programme
(Sturen op Inzetbaarheid) from Mail in the Netherlands to
Parcels. These developments strengthen our overall value
proposition by improving wellbeing, employability, and
productivity, which in turn contribute to sustainable value
creation for the company and our stakeholders.
Stabilising Mail in the Netherlands
Mail has proven to be essential for people and organisations
across the Netherlands, and our postal network remains a
key part of the country’s social infrastructure, ensuring
everyone, regardless of age, ability or location, can stay
connected. We are adapting our operations to ensure stability
for the upcoming years and continue to guarantee
accessibility to essential services such as medical mail, voting
passes and other time-sensitive communication.
“Guided by consumer feedback
and behavioural insights, we
refined our digital propositions to
ensure simplicity, transparency,
and control across all channels”
At the start of the year we completed a major operational
migration by moving virtually all 24 hour business mail to a
two-day (D+2) standard. The change was executed safely and
predictably, with clear customer communication and
disciplined planning at sites and in the field. Early customer
feedback has been positive, reflecting better alignment
between service promises and actual needs. Internally, we
absorbed role reductions largely via natural attrition and
responsible redeployment.
For PostNL, 2025 was purposefully a year of stabilisation at
Mail in the Netherlands. We reset our operating model to
strengthen local leadership and accountability, brought
decision-making closer to the work floor, and re-introduced a
hands-on lean cadence at sorting and preparation. Site-based
improvement teams, supported by experienced coaches, now
drive daily performance huddles, visual management, and
standard work. We also recalibrated delivery route times with
and for our deliverers. By aligning planned working hours
more closely to reality, we improved fairness, predictability,
and satisfaction. Pulse surveys throughout the year showed
encouraging improvements in engagement among deliverers.
We continued to evolve our portfolio in line with customer
demand for non-time-critical services. In July, we launched a
pilot with a number of customers for a letterbox parcel
delivered within two days, establishing this as the new
standard for the format, with formal introduction from the
start of 2026. This complements the e-commerce commercial
offerings and offers customers a cost-effective, predictable
alternative where 'next day' is not required.
On the digital side, we delivered practical, low-investment
innovations that improve the 'happy flow': smarter use of GPS
support for deliverers (currently in the test phase), and
simplified label functionality. These are incremental rather
than disruptive, and deliberately sized to our footprint and
capex discipline. We also piloted a secure registered e-mail
solution, offering customers a digital alternative for legally
verifiable correspondence.
We took stronger action against counterfeit stamps and
stamp codes, particularly in the area of mail and small
parcels. By adapting our existing machine-vision technology
to also check items that cannot be processed automatically,
we were able to detect and stop more fraudulent items. We
worked closely with involved senders and online platforms to
address the issue at its source and, in some cases, we
temporarily held items clearly marked as counterfeit to make
receivers aware of the problem and help trace the routes
used by online sellers. This approach shows how we can use
our own expertise and technology to reduce revenue loss
effectively, without major new investments.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
26
Story Value header Workiva.jpg
We want to grow
together, with one goal:
serving the customer
even better.”
Creating value through
customer partnership
Judith Dumas,
Strategic Account Lead AS Watson
Results?
Together, we fine-tune processes so
parcels arrive when expected, and
consumers enjoy a smooth online journey
from checkout to delivery. For AS Watson,
these continual improvements translate
into greater customer satisfaction.
In 2025, we worked even more closely with retailers to shape delivery experiences
that feel smoother, smarter and more personal. One of the standout moments was
AS Watson choosing to partner with us for another three years, a sign that our shared
ambition and day-to-day performance genuinely make a difference. With familiar high-
street names like Kruidvat, Trekpleister, and ICI PARIS XL in their portfolio, they count
on our consistent operations and smart digital refinement, and open, proactive
communication.
And while this happens at scale, it’s also
highly personal. Take AS Watson: working
closely together, they take the lead in
managing delivery slots, using their insights
into parcel flows, delivery preferences and
peak patterns to plan capacity and spread
volumes, in both numbers and sizes, more
evenly across the week. This helps ensure
orders arrive when people are actually at
home, meaning fewer missed moments,
fewer second attempts and a more relaxed
experience for consumers, leading to
greater customer and consumer value.
Results.png
Consumer satisfaction drives customer value
At PostNL, we’ve seen time and again that a great delivery experience brings consumers back,
not just to us but also to the retailer they ordered from. That’s why consumer satisfaction is
one of our strongest differentiators. Our leading NPS, with consumers consistently rating us as
their favourite deliverer, show the impact of keeping the end user front and centre.
inset.jpg
Across retailers of every
size, we help create value in
the moment that matters
most: when a parcel reaches
the doorstep. That means
improving first-time delivery,
offering clearer and more
flexible delivery options, and
supporting a seamless
digital journey through the
PostNL app, which in 2025
was used by more than nine
million unique users.
This approach of combining operational know-how, digital tools and practical data insights
helps meet rising expectations and stay competitive in a fast-moving market. Whether we’re
improving label quality, building dashboards that give webshops real-time visibility or advising
on fulfilment choices, our aim stays the same: to unlock consumer value that fuels our
customers’ success. And this is just one example of how smart collaboration turns everyday
deliveries into meaningful wins.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
27
Innovation
Innovation drives the transformation of our networks,
processes and customer experience through digitalisation
and data-driven insights. In 2025, our focus on technological
and operational improvement remained key to our
transformation as we continued to modernise our digital
ecosystem, making delivery smarter, faster, and more
convenient for customers. We also advanced the use of data
and digital technology to improve operational efficiency,
enhance customer interaction, and lay the foundation for new
business models that extend beyond delivery. One aspect of
this was strengthening the reliability and security of our digital
services, helping safeguard customer data and providing
peace of mind in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
By continuously enhancing our digital foundations, we ensure
that innovation supports not only a better customer
experience but also a trusted and secure one.
Digital solutions
The PostNL app continued to evolve as a central channel for
customer interaction. By the end of 2025, more than 8 million
consumers had validated accounts, of which 3.2 million had
registered delivery preferences. This contributed to
measurable improvement in NPS, particularly in the “I
Receive” customer journey. We also advanced our checkout
solutions, 'Bestellen met PostNL' and 'Invullen met PostNL,'
which helps e-tailers increase conversion and reduce returns
by embedding delivery choice directly into the online
shopping journey.
The app’s new functionalities, such as dynamic delivery
windows, proactive notifications and digital identity
integration, offered customers greater transparency and
control from checkout to doorstep. These enhancements
support our goal of delivering a frictionless digital experience
that complements physical reliability.
We improved the way we handle and share delivery
information, so customers now receive clearer and more
consistent updates across all channels, whether in the app, by
e-mail and through our business tools. To make deliveries of
valuable items even safer, we introduced secure delivery
codes for high-value parcels such as electronics. This extra
step has reduced the number of fraudulent or incorrect
deliveries.
At our customer service operations, we continued to enhance
the way customers engage with us by renewing our chatbot
capability and introducing conversational artificial intelligence
(AI) to support service agents, enabling faster and more
consistent responses to common questions such as “where is
my parcel?” These enhancements were further strengthened
by our migration to a new, integrated conversational
platform, creating a more seamless experience across
channels. As our data foundation matures, the platform will
increasingly provide predictive support, ranging from next-
best actions to proactive updates on expected delivery
outcomes, thereby helping to prevent issues before they
occur. Together, these developments lay the groundwork for
frictionless customer journeys, where we can anticipate
needs and respond before customers reach out.
We also improved the way we share information with
customers by separating the systems that manage logistics
from those that handle communication. This gives us more
flexibility to decide what information to send, to whom and
when, so updates are clearer and more relevant for both
senders and receivers.
Smarter insights
AI and advanced analytics are now embedded in our day-to-
day operations. Predictive algorithms support route planning,
capacity forecasting and parcel flow optimisation, helping us
make smarter use of vehicles, routes and people in real time.
These systems improve fill rates, reduce empty kilometres
and strengthen service consistency, while also contributing to
our CO₂-efficiency gains.
Digital workforce-planning systems also helped balance
workloads, improving job satisfaction and flexibility for
employees. By simplifying and automating processes, we are
freeing capacity to focus on customer service and innovation.
At CBS, we continued to advance our digital transformation
by integrating AI into daily commercial and customer
operations. In sales, we introduced a new intelligence tool
that converts our ideal customer profiles into prioritised
prospect lists and equips account managers with concise
company dossiers, including insights into shipment
destinations, typical weights and formats, and incumbent
carriers. We are onboarding teams across the entire
organisation, including Belgium and our domestic operations.
By reducing time spent on analysis and preparation, the tool
enables our sales teams to focus more on meaningful
customer conversations and on building stronger, longer-term
relationships.
“Predictive algorithms support
route planning, capacity
forecasting and parcel flow
optimisation, helping us make
smarter use of vehicles, routes
and people in real time”
Belgium was among the first PostNL markets to pilot a fully
digital, AI-enabled onboarding journey for small business
customers. Where registration previously took 15–20 days,
the new approach, which combines conversational guidance
with automated data processing, is significantly shortening
lead times to a maximum of one day, while also lowering
customer acquisition costs. During the year, we also
embedded a number of best-practice digital capabilities from
across PostNL into our Belgian operations.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
28
These included enhanced lead-qualification processes and
planning tools that better align commercial growth with
available network capacity. Together, these innovations
create a smoother onboarding experience, strengthen our
domestic growth potential, and help maintain balanced
operational performance as both import and domestic flows
continue to evolve.
Service provider to connected platform
In 2025, we continued to build on the strong foundation
created over 225 years of connecting people, businesses and
communities. The trust built across generations remains one
of our greatest strengths: it enables us to evolve with
confidence from a traditional service provider into a
connected platform where the physical and digital reinforce
one another. Our brand, rooted in both daily presence and
nationwide reach, plays a central role in this transition. It
reflects who we are, what we stand for and the pride we take
in delivering essential services to society, a pride that also
fuels the courage and energy to innovate.
Millions of daily interactions form an ecosystem that supports
smarter, faster and more personal services. These
capabilities help us stay close to customers while exploring
new domains that build on our reach and reliability. One
example is our work in sustainable energy, where in 2025 we
launched pilots that map household energy needs, support
residents in making practical sustainability choices and test
how our reach and daily presence can help municipalities
accelerate neighbourhood-level transition plans. Additional
work focuses on fast-charging infrastructure for heavy
transport and potential consumer propositions that make
sustainable energy use at home easier and more accessible.
So far, public response has been positive, reflecting trust in
our reliability and reach.
E-commerce remains a proof point of how our platform
model works in practice. The data, technology and
operational scale developed for parcel delivery now support
experiments in areas such as social commerce, younger
generations expectations, purchasing behaviour and digital
identity, including an identity-wallet pilot to make online
transactions more secure. Within the PostNL Innovation
Studio, cross-functional teams incubate and test new
concepts at pace, while also stopping ideas that do not meet
customer needs or commercial thresholds. This disciplined
approach ensures that Innovation Beyond Delivery
strengthens both our long-term growth and our contribution
to a more sustainable and digital economy.
“We continued to build on the
strong foundation created over
225 years of connecting people,
businesses and communities”
NummerNul: where stronger
neighbourhoods begin
NummerNul is a PostNL initiative designed to help
municipalities develop practical, scalable solutions to social
challenges in Dutch neighbourhoods. As an innovation studio
that we staff and operate together with local authorities,
NummerNul reflects our ambition under Breakthrough 2028
to create impact that matters for people and society. It
demonstrates how PostNL continues to innovate beyond
delivery by working with communities on initiatives such as
local energy concepts, mobility pilots and digital inclusion.
Acting as a collaborative space, NummerNul brings together
municipalities, residents, companies and knowledge partners
to jointly shape solutions that strengthen local wellbeing. And
by validating issues directly within neighbourhoods and
leveraging PostNL’s digital and physical reach, the studio
helps bridge gaps between municipal processes and residents
who may find existing systems difficult to navigate. In doing
so, NummerNul provides a practical starting point for building
more resilient neighbourhoods across the Netherlands.
The first NummerNul Innovation Studio opened in the
Waalwijk public library, and we are continuing to expand the
concept by establishing a second studio in collaboration with
the municipality of Rotterdam. Our aim is to extend successful
approaches to additional municipalities from 2026 onwards,
ensuring that NummerNul grows as a national platform for
community-centred innovation.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
29
Story Innovation header Workiva.jpg
Technology will support
our workforce by
lightening work and
filling gaps, not
replacing people. Done
right, jobs become more
enjoyable, not less.”
How innovation
makes our work lighter
Our innovation investment
In 2025, we continued targeted
investments in physical-load reduction.
This included the rollout and expansion of
the roll-container tilter, supporting long-
term improvements in safety, wellbeing
and operational efficiency.
Innovation is central to how we strengthen our operations. In 2025, we accelerated
the introduction of new technologies, robotics and digital solutions across our
operations to reduce physical strain, improve safety and support our people in
delivering excellent service every day, focusing on practical innovations that make
work lighter in both operational and administrative processes.
Jikkelien van Marle,
Manager at the Innovation Studio
Innovation and robotisation in our operations
Across our sorting and transport processes, we continue to invest in technology that reduces
heavy lifting, repetitive movements and one-sided strain for our people. Building on our long-
standing commitment to innovation, we focus on solutions that have real impact, from smarter
tools in sorting and new approaches in parcel delivery to the further robotisation of
administrative processes.
Alongside tools such as the tilter, which helps employees load and unload roll containers
more safely, and the electric tug for moving heavy roll containers in internal transport, we are
testing and operational rollout to reduce
strain structurally. Robotisation also
advanced in 2025, driven by our continued
focus on innovation. At our automated small-
parcel centre in Nieuwegein, 175 robots
continued to transport containers and feed parcels onto sorting belts around the clock. We
further explored future delivery innovations, testing robot dogs, service robots, and early-
stage humanoid robots in Leerdam to understand how robotics can support delivery
professionals and enhance customer service.
now piloting a small mobile robot,
designed to support our warehouse
teams by autonomously hauling
containers and freeing up staff for
higher-value tasks. Additionally, at
many of our large parcel and not
machine-processable processes, we
have deployed tools such as the
‘buffetkar’, a movable cart that
helps with very large parcels. These
interventions build on the work of
the Physical Load programme,
which combines research,
Story innovation foto1.jpg
Supporting the future of
parcel delivery
Looking ahead, we are exploring how innovative tools
can support colleagues on the road. Our tests with
robot dogs, envisioned as future helpers able to assist
carrying parcels to the doorstep, reflects our ambition
to reduce physical demands and reimagine support at
busy PostNL points. While humanoid robots are still
exploratory, these trials help us imagine how
technology could enable safe, sustainable delivery in
the future.
Story innovation illustratie1.jpg
PostNL Annual Report 2025
30
Impact
Impact reflects our social and environmental responsibility,
creating positive outcomes for people, communities and the
planet. In 2025, we continued to embed sustainability across
our operations, making further progress towards our net-zero
targets, strengthening our social responsibility and supporting
an inclusive and safe workplace. We also engaged actively
with stakeholders such as regulators, policymakers, sector
associations and civil-society organisations to promote a
sustainable postal framework and to help shape the
regulatory and societal conditions needed for a low-carbon,
accessible and fair postal market.
Our culture is built on clear values that guide behaviour,
strengthen collaboration and support sustainable long-term
value creation. As part of our broader impact agenda, this
culture enables our people to contribute meaningfully to
society through safe, reliable and customer-focused services.
By fostering an environment in which colleagues feel
respected, informed and able to grow, we reinforce the
foundation for sustainable operations and positive societal
impact.
A healthy, engaged and stable workforce
We continued to work on strengthening workforce stability
and long-term employability amid a persistently tight labour
market. Although recruitment challenges for mail deliverers
remained, conditions improved slightly compared with 2024,
particularly for roles that are part-time and physically
demanding. Some urban regions continued to face structural
shortages despite successfully hiring over 4,000 new
colleagues during the year.
In the Netherlands, wage cost pressure continued following
statutory minimum wage increases. As a good employer, our
goal is to provide decent wages and fair employment
conditions for all our people. During the year, we also
prepared for upcoming changes in the ABU collective labour
agreement (CLA) for temporary workers, which came into
effect on 1 January 2026. PostNL is assessing its impact with
the aim of reducing dependency on temporary labour and
increasing the share of directly employed staff.
In parallel, discussions began with the trade unions on a new
CLA for our postal deliverers, with the current agreement
expiring at the end of 2025. Our goal is to establish a CLA that
offers stability and clarity during a period of significant
change and supports progress towards a future-proof postal
company. Postal deliverers emphasised the importance of
salary, alongside recognition and appreciation for their
essential work. We agreed with the unions to continue
discussions in early 2026. Ultimately, we share the same
objective: ensuring good and sustainable employment
conditions within a financially healthy PostNL.
Given the inherent physical nature of many roles across our
networks, occupational health and safety remained a top
priority. Through ongoing investments in ergonomics,
prevention and innovation, we continue to ensure a safe and
healthy workplace. We continued our programme to reduce
physical workload through mechanisation, task rotation and
ergonomic innovation, supported by investments in lifting aids
such as tilters. Additional measures included clearer labelling
of heavy parcels, testing new tools and closer cooperation
with customers to improve loading practices and safe
handovers. While early indications suggest positive
developments, these efforts are not yet fully measurable, as
many relate to processes staffed by temporary workers who,
by the nature of temporary employment, tend to have higher
turnover and often do not remain long enough for the impact
to be reliably measured. However, we expect clearer insights
to emerge as monitoring matures. We remain in open
dialogue with the Dutch Labour Inspectorate and unions to
ensure compliance and safety, as societal tolerance for
physically demanding work continues to decline.
This year, we renewed our focus on safety by emphasising
the use of mandatory protective footwear at large Mail
processing locations in the Netherlands, alongside
strengthened first-aid and fire-drill procedures and a
renewed emphasis on workplace discipline. To address one
of the most frequent accident risks, we ran a national dog-
bite awareness campaign for deliverers. We will continue to
combine targeted employability initiatives, data-driven health
management and a stronger performance culture.
We also established a new Health & Safety organisation on 1
April to further professionalise risk assessment and embed
safety structurally into daily operations. This reflects our view
that the health and wellbeing of our people come first and
that reducing absenteeism starts with a supportive and safe
working environment. Managers are being trained to take a
proactive approach, including facilitating adjusted duties or
reduced hours where appropriate, in line with the Dutch ‘Wet
Poortwachter’ requirements.
We continued annual driver training and supported national
road-safety initiatives, rolling out awareness tools such as
stickers and cyclist protection across the fleet. Although
delivery partners are not formally trained, shared awareness
materials and our ongoing focus underline that traffic safety
remains a long-term priority.
We expanded and strengthened our diversity, equity and
inclusion (DEI) networks, including the formalisation of the
Cross Culture Community (CCC) and the launch of the
Neurodiversity Network. We also continued DEI training
across six long-standing priority areas, implementing survey
recommendations and maintaining our core learning modules.
Despite fewer trainers, an increased subsidy rate helped
sustain tailored interventions, while development of a new
Cultural Barometer progressed for launch in early 2026. In
2025, the share of women in management positions was 34%,
including 26% in operational- and 35% in middle-management
roles, reflecting our continued ambition to build a more
inclusive and representative leadership structure.
We advanced our campaign on (un)desirable behaviour,
strengthening prevention, reporting and incident-management
processes across all workplaces. The campaign clarified
PostNL Annual Report 2025
31
governance, enhanced awareness and will be followed by
dedicated management training in 2026. We also appointed a
Human Rights Officer.
Absenteeism remains one of our most significant internal
challenges. Absenteeism at PostNL was 8.5%, compared with
around 6.3% in the transport and logistics sector. Two factors
contribute to this gap: the physically demanding nature of our
work and the ageing profile of our workforce. In 2025, we
launched the Managing Employability programme (Sturen op
Inzetbaarheid), developed together with a third-party adviser,
to support a more proactive approach to managing absence.
Using data-driven insights, the programme enables a targeted
approach to illness prevention, helping us focus on the areas
where interventions can have the greatest impact. Looking
ahead, we expect the measures introduced under our
Managing Employability programme to support a meaningful
reduction in absenteeism, strengthening our ability to
safeguard a healthy, engaged and sustainable workforce. At
Mail in the Netherlands, we succeeded in bending the trend of
rising absenteeism by shifting the focus of local management
from change initiatives to reinforcing the fundamentals of
steady, reliable, day-in, day-out operations.
Turnover among parcel deliverers remains higher than in
other roles, reflecting the part-time, physically demanding
and often transitional nature of the work. Our focus is
therefore on building a more stable core workforce,
complemented by flexible capacity where needed, to support
continuity and operational reliability.
Since 2016, PostNL has monitored satisfaction and working
relationships with delivery partners through the annual
collaboration barometer. In 2025, we introduced multiple
measurement moments (Q2, Q3 and Q4) and tested different
research methods and targeted questions to better capture
the impact of system and process changes and to improve
response rates. In Q4, feedback was received from 186
delivery partners (38% response rate) and 1,092 parcel
deliverers (37% response rate). In the Netherlands, 63% of
delivery partners in Q3 reported being (highly) satisfied with
PostNL as a client (2024: 62%), while in Belgium satisfaction
decreased to 71% (2024: 80%). These insights support 
improvement actions and will inform the development of an
enhanced collaboration barometer in 2026.
Employee engagement is a critical driver of sustainable
performance. In 2025, engagement levels averaged 69%,
slightly above our goal of 68%. Engagement was measured
three times in 2025, with results discussed at both corporate
and team levels, and we will increase this to four times in
2026. Managers play a key role in creating a positive working
environment. Through regular check-ins and open
conversations, they are encouraged to listen, recognise effort
and address issues constructively. Across several teams, we
also introduced small initiatives to celebrate achievements
and strengthen team spirit. In parallel, we advanced Talent
Management through the rollout of the
‘Leiderschapskompas’, defining what effective leadership at
PostNL looks like today and in the future. This framework is
closely linked to our Future Skills programme, currently in the
start-up phase, which will focus on developing the
competencies needed for tomorrow’s roles. We reviewed our
entire talent pipeline to ensure the right people are in the
right positions and that development opportunities are
aligned with business needs.
Although at an early stage of development, we are building a
culture of performance management, where accountability
and ownership are central. This cultural shift is not driven by
large-scale programmes but through consistent leadership
behaviour and practical application. We exceeded our 7.5%
target for mail delivery hours performed by people with a
distance to the labour market, achieving 7.9% in 2025. The
target will be maintained for 2026, with progress continuing to
be reviewed twice a year with the works council.
More detailed information on the above topics can be found
in the social disclosures within the sustainability statements
later in this report.
Fair and equal employment
PostNL strives to have fair and equal employment,
irrespective of gender or background, and stands for equal
opportunities for all employees. We comply with statutory
minimum wage requirements and apply a remuneration
policy that does not discriminate on the basis of gender or
background. As a company with a clear societal role, we
consider it essential to set an example in fair and equal pay
and to contribute positively to social impact. We strive for
equality, transparency and consistency in our pay policies,
which is reflected in our job grading system and salary
structure. These are largely embedded in CLAs, which are
agreed with trade unions.
The unadjusted gender pay gap reflects the difference
between the average gross hourly earnings of male and
female employees in the Netherlands. The adjusted gender
pay gap provides a more nuanced view, taking into account
different CLAs, job levels and age groups. By reporting this
adjusted figure, we aim to provide clearer insight into how we
ensure equal pay for equal work. In 2025, our unadjusted
gender pay gap amounted to 5.93%, compared with 6.67% in
2024, representing further progress. This gap primarily
reflects the higher proportion of male employees in higher
salary scales. PostNL continues to focus on fostering a
diverse working environment, supported by the expansion
and strengthening of our DEI networks and the continued
rollout of DEI training programmes, including initiatives aimed
at increasing the representation of women in senior
management and further developing our Women’s Inclusion
Network (WIN). After adjustment, the gender pay gap in 2025
amounted to -0.17% (2024: 0.15%), indicating that women and
men at PostNL are paid broadly equally. While we welcome
this outcome and the positive trend, we continue to conduct
in-depth analyses, including in preparation for the upcoming
implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive. We
are actively aligning our processes and policies with this
legislation and preparing for enhanced transparency and
reporting requirements.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
32
Our vision for a future-proof postal service
26938035049556
4 gekleurde hoekjes.png
As mail volumes continue to decline, we are working towards a future-proof postal service that remains reliable, accessible and relevant for society, while
continuing to create meaningful social impact across the Netherlands. This page outlines our vision for how mail can continue to serve the Netherlands, and the
impact we aim to deliver for communities, businesses and society at large, building on the progress achieved internally in 2025. See page 25,
Delivery in 2025 describes how our approach is shaped by the requirements of the Postal Act, which define the framework within which we are required to
operate. At the same time, we balance our statutory universal service obligations with the need to adapt our operations to safeguard long-term sustainability and
to maximise social impact. Realising this vision and the intended impact of our postal service depends on changes to postal regulation, and updates on this topic
for 2025 can be found in the Regulatory developments chapter on page 53.
bol - Voor iedereen.png
bol-goed werk.png
bol-voorbereid op de toekomst.png
bol-voorspelbare bezorging.png
Prepared for
the future
Predictable
delivery
For
everyone
Meaningful
work
The role of mail continues to evolve, with
urgent communication increasingly
moving to digital channels, while non-
urgent mail remains widely used for
official communication that must be sent
by post, and personal mail such as cards
and letters. More than 80% of business
mail is already non-priority, as customers
deliberately choose lower-priced options.
Well prepared for this shift, PostNL is
proactively transitioning to a future-
proof and sustainable postal service that
keeps mail relevant for society.
Reliable and predictable delivery matters
more to customers than delivering every
day. By adjusting delivery frequency to
today’s demand, focusing on a standard
delivery timeframe of within two days,
which will transition to within three days,
and keeping next-day delivery for truly
urgent items, we ensure important mail
arrives on time while making the service
efficient, sustainable and aligned with
how people use mail today.
Mail remains essential for people and
organisations across the Netherlands. It
connects everyone, regardless of age,
ability or location, and supports vital
services such as medical post and voting
cards, as well as personal messages like
birth announcements and wedding
invitations, where a tangible connection
matters. Our nationwide network
continues to provide accessible, inclusive
communication for all.
A strong postal service continues to offer
our people meaningful work, both during
and after the transition. By building a
sustainable model, we ensure that those
who work with or for us in sorting and
delivering mail can continue to carry out
purposeful roles. Our mail deliverers
remain a familiar and trusted presence in
neighbourhoods, strengthening their
connection with communities and the
value they find in their work, as we
continue to deliver essential services
across the country.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
33
Impact through brand and market presence
Throughout 2025, we further strengthened our position as a
recognisably Belgian brand, with communications, services
and customer touchpoints increasingly aligned with local
language and cultural expectations, reinforcing trust and
familiarity among consumers and businesses. We enhanced
brand visibility through the launch of the ‘Klaar voor je
ongeduld’ (Ready for your impatience) campaign, rolled out
across radio, television, outdoor and digital channels. The
campaign builds on a clear consumer insight: rising
expectations for fast and seamless delivery, positioning
PostNL as a provider that understands and responds to these
needs. By increasing our visibility and competitiveness in
Belgium, we support a healthier and more diverse e-
commerce market. A stronger PostNL presence contributes
to greater choice, higher service standards and competitive
pricing for customers and consumers, supporting the
effective functioning of the wider Belgian e-commerce
ecosystem. Together, these efforts strengthen brand
preference and reinforce our broader societal impact in
Belgium.
Environmental impact
We are implementing a company-wide transition plan that
integrates climate action, liveability and circularity, delivering
measurable environmental impact across our operations and
value chain. Guided by the Science Based Targets initiative
(SBTi), we aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040,
reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and scope 3
emissions by 45% by 2030, while limiting residual emissions to
no more than 10%, in support of the EU’s climate neutrality
ambition for 2050. Further details are provided in our
transition plan in the sustainability statements.
Our transition focuses on the decarbonisation of transport
through electrification, the use of renewable fuels and
improved network efficiency, primarily addressing scope 1
and scope 3 emissions. In addition, we invest in sustainable
infrastructure powered by renewable electricity, contributing
to the reduction of scope 2 emissions, as outlined below.
We accelerated decarbonisation by expanding our fleet of
electric vans with 50%, as well as growing the number of
cargo bikes, directly reducing scope 1 emissions from last-
mile delivery. We also stimulate our delivery partners to use
electric vehicles, supporting scope 3 emissions reduction. By
year-end, 27 Dutch city centres, including Amsterdam’s entire
ring area, were served exclusively by zero-emission vehicles.
This milestone marks tangible progress towards our 2030
goal of emission-free delivery in the Benelux, covering the last
stage from sorting centre to delivery address. By year-end
2025, 33% of last-mile deliveries were zero-emission (2024:
28%).
We further expanded the use of renewable fuels in our own
fleet, reducing scope 1 emissions from line-haul transport. We
also equipped more depots with batteries and charging
infrastructure, supported by enhanced energy monitoring.
Other highlights included maintaining near-zero scope 2
emissions through Dutch Guarantees of Origin for electricity.
In addition, our ISO 14001 covers 98% (2024: 98%),
underscoring the effectiveness of our environmental
management system. We also strengthened supplier
requirements on CO₂ reduction and environmental
certification, supporting progress on scope 3 emissions in our
upstream value chain.
While last-mile delivery for Mail in the Netherlands is already
largely low-carbon through walking and cycling, in 2025 we
continued electrifying routes that still require vehicles.
Progress remains partly constrained by external charging
infrastructure and local grid capacity, affecting a limited part
of the network. We worked with municipalities and network
operators to find additional grid connections. Additionally, we
prepared for the introduction of kilometre-based road
charging in the Netherlands, which will take effect from 1 July
2026. Under this system, lorries over 3.5 tonnes will be taxed
per kilometre driven, with rates linked to vehicle weight and
emission class. In anticipation, we reviewed our fleet
composition, routing efficiency and data systems to ensure
smooth implementation and mitigate financial impact. The
measure encourages cleaner transport, with zero-emission
vehicles paying substantially less, while part of the proceeds
will be reinvested to support a more sustainable sector.
Spring Europe launched a new client-facing emissions
dashboard, consolidating shipment data and providing
customers with clear insights into their carbon footprint,
including breakdowns by destination and transport leg. To
decarbonise cross-border logistics, we continue to use
HVO100 exclusively for European line-haul transport and are
exploring opportunities for truck electrification. We are also
exploring lower-carbon solutions across the value chain,
including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for air
transport. We apply circular principles across our upstream
value chain, progressing towards our ambition of net zero
waste by 2040. During the year, we expanded the use of
reusable pallet boxes, reducing our reliance on virgin
materials. In addition, we enhanced our scope 3 emissions
insights to further increase transparency.
We also advanced our downstream circularity efforts by
supporting re-commerce, repair, reuse and recycling,
introducing solutions for e-waste and textiles, piloting
reusable packaging and deepening sector collaboration
through Circular Shopping 2030 and partnerships such as
Dobbi. These initiatives form part of a 2025–2030 strategy to
scale circular business models, expand material recovery and
strengthen cooperation with retailers and technology
partners. We also continued working towards our ambition of
no more than 10% residual waste by 2040 by conducting site-
level waste scans and developing a multi-year reduction
roadmap. Clearer sorting systems, an internal awareness
campaign and enhanced dashboard monitoring supported
resource optimisation across depots, sorting centres and
offices.
More detailed information can be found in the environmental
disclosures within the sustainability statements.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
34
Impact along the value chain
Our collaboration with social partners and suppliers focused
on improving working conditions across the value chain.
Where we rely on contracted delivery partners, we
supported them with safety guidance and materials to
promote consistent standards.
In 2025, we carried out a Human Rights Salience Assessment
to systematically identify and prioritise the areas where
PostNL has the highest potential to impact people’s rights
across our operations and value chain. This assessment
ensures that we focus on the issues that are at risk of the
most severe negative impact through our activities and
business relationships. Among these salient risks are fair
working conditions, workload pressures, and safe
employment practices within our delivery partner networks.
We will continually explore opportunities to further enhance
our due diligence practices in 2026, taking into account
evolving regulatory expectations, including the upcoming
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) as
well as our broader sustainability ambitions.
We also strengthened grievance mechanisms and
remediation efforts ensuring that employees and delivery
partners can raise issues safely and confidentially. Oversight
of delivery partners was expanded through due diligence
assessments and follow-up audits, helping us to identify risks
at an earlier stage and take corrective action where needed.
We set clear expectations for employees, delivery partners
and suppliers, supported by training, audits and our Third-
Party Risk Management (TPRM) tool. In 2025, we strengthened
implementation by embedding clear delivery guidelines
across our business segments in the Netherlands and
Belgium, and by further rolling out the TPRM tool to different
parts of the company, supporting greater consistency and
transparency in our supply chain.
More detailed information on the above topics can be found
in the social disclosures in the sustainability statements.
Community impact
In 2025, we again used our nationwide network to connect
people, communities and moments that matter.
Special Moments Fund
The Special Moments Fund is financed by PostNL, with our
multi-year commitment extended through 2028, and focused
on people in need of extra support, building on our presence
in every neighbourhood. During the year, we expanded the 'Ik
maak me zorgen' (Raising a concern) initiative nationally,
enabling deliverers to voluntarily and anonymously report
concerns about residents to local welfare organisations. By
year-end, we had partnerships with organisations in around
95% of Dutch municipalities, totalling more than 330, and
deliverers raised close to 1,000 concerns. Welfare
organisations report that many residents received help they
would otherwise have missed, and the programme has
attracted interest from parties wishing to adopt a similar
model.
The fund also used our network to support charities
promoting inclusion and wellbeing. Together with Stichting
Jarige Job, we delivered birthday boxes for children in low-
income families, supported by a consumer toy-collection
campaign and a parcel-locker initiative that triggered a
€250,000 donation from the fund. With the Nationaal
Ouderenfonds, schoolchildren created around 212,000
Christmas cards that PostNL delivered to older people who
may feel lonely.
We again enabled the nationwide Kinderpostzegels campaign
by providing free logistics for participating schools. We have
made a new stamp sheet of which 568,000 were sold. These
were being sold by 120,000 primary schoolchildren for the
benefit of other children.
Our deliverers continued to show their community
involvement by greeting people, stopping for brief
conversations or posting personal cards.
In 2025, they distributed an estimated 170,000 cards offering
congratulations, condolences or encouragement, gestures
funded by the fund but carried out voluntarily by our people,
and a distinctive expression of our social role. To further
support employee engagement, the fund awarded 150
donations of €250 to local clubs and organisations where
colleagues volunteer, helping finance items such as team kits
and shared equipment.
Proud sponsors of Team Picnic PostNL
We proudly continued our partnership with Team Picnic
PostNL, following a year of strong sporting results and
growing visibility in the Netherlands and Belgium. Since 2025,
Picnic has been co-title sponsor and the team has officially
competed as Team Picnic PostNL, providing a strong platform
to translate the partnership into concrete engagement and
activities for our employees and customers, wherever
possible. Examples include enabling customers to hand in
PostNL returns via Picnic delivery drivers and, during the
festive period, offering the option to send Christmas cards
through Picnic deliveries, illustrating how the collaboration
between the two co-title partners takes shape in practice.
In 2025, both the men’s and women’s programmes operated
under the same minimum-wage structure for the first full
season, a milestone that reflects our shared commitment to
fairness, inclusion and progress in professional sport.
Employee engagement also remained a key focus, with
cycling-loving employees participating in cycling events such
as the Amstel Gold Race, attending races to support the team
and contributing operational support where appropriate. In
addition, customer events were organised around major
cycling races, further strengthening engagement and
connection.
The team also expanded its community activities, promoting
healthy lifestyles and encouraging cycling, reinforcing our
support for vibrant, resilient communities.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
35
Story Impact header Workiva.jpg
Within PostNL, this
community is a place
where identity needs no
explanation and where
feeling at home starts
with being yourself.
Our objective is to create
a place where everyone
belongs.”
100 nationalities,
1 PostNL
Where every culture
has a place
Throughout the year, CCC organises
events celebrating the Hindu festival
Holi, Chinese New Year, the Surinamese
remembrance day Keti Koti, Islamic
holiday Eid al-Fitr and other cultural
moments. These gatherings centre on
three elements: connection, stories and
shared experiences, allowing colleagues
to taste new foods, learn about each
other’s heritage and build relationships
beyond their own teams that often
continue through conversations held
long after the event has ended.
Across PostNL, our people bring with them a world of languages, traditions and
perspectives. In 2025, the Cross Culture Community (CCC) helped turn this diversity
into daily connection, creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and seen.
From our operational sites to our head office, cultural richness is not simply recognised,
it is experienced in everyday interactions, from conversations during breaks to team
discussions where different perspectives meet, and is actively recognised and
celebrated across the organisation.
Cross Culture Community Board
inset.jpg
Growing a culture of belonging
Having begun as a grassroots initiative, CCC has grown into a thriving internal network
supporting colleagues from around 100 cultural backgrounds. It provides a bridge between
teams, enabling open conversations, practical support and opportunities for cultural learning.
We saw this come to life through stories like Olga Kalimulina’s who, having joined PostNL in
2020, found herself surrounded by colleagues from around the world, each with their own
experiences, languages and traditions. What started as curiosity soon became mutual
connection: colleagues explaining unfamiliar accents, sharing childhood stories, and laughing
together over cultural misunderstandings. These moments built understanding, trust and
a sense of belonging.
By embedding CCC into daily work, from
newsletters to lunch sessions, our people
gain a platform to voice perspectives and
celebrate identity. The result is a more
connected, resilient workforce that reflects
the communities we serve. An inclusive
work culture starts with understanding and
acknowledging everyone’s background. The
CCC is a network for and by our people, where we share cultures and perspectives.
Together, we are building a PostNL where everyone feels welcome and seen.
Celebrating together
Our structure now follows a clear member journey: from awareness to ambassador. New
employees are welcomed through CCC introductions; colleagues join low-threshold meet-ups,
and many go on to shape events themselves. This approach has strengthened inclusion
across the organisation, supporting PostNL’s commitment to equal opportunities every day,
through active recruitment and retention of multicultural talent, raising awareness around
cultural diversity and encouraging growth into leadership roles.
1 Our new KPIs, introduced at the Capital Markets Day in September 2025 and applicable from reporting year 2026, are explained on page 19.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
36
Performance on our financial KPIs
Following the overview of our 2025 developments in the
Delivery 2025 chapter, this section presents and explains our
performance on the financial key performance indicators
(KPIs) applicable for 2025. These KPIs reflect how we
delivered on our strategy across our financial priorities during
the year. 1
For a more elaborate explanation of our financial
performance, we refer to the Financial review chapter and
“We are proud to have achieved
our targets on normalised EBIT
and Free cash flow in 2025”
Revenue
In 2025, revenue increased by 2.2% to €3,324 million (2024:
3,252 million). The global macroeconomic and geopolitical
environment as well as consumer behaviour impacted growth
in volumes at Parcels. The structural mail volume decline
continued.
Normalised EBIT and margin
Normalised EBIT was stable at €53 million and comprised a
lower result in Parcels (€5 million) and Mail in the Netherlands
(€1 million), offset by a higher result in PostNL Other (€6
million). The margin, being normalised EBIT divided by total
operating revenue, was stable at 1.6% in 2025 (2024: 1.6%).
Free cash flow
In 2025, free cash flow decreased by €37 million to €(25)
million (2024: €12 million). This decline is mainly caused by
higher investments in working capital and a lower change in
provisions, partly compensated by lower income taxes paid in
2025 compared to 2024.
Adjusted net debt
The increase of €27 million was mainly explained by new and
amended leases of €82 million in total and dividend payments
of €15 million, partly offset by positive net cash from
operating and investing activities (excluding the change in
short-term investments) of €74 million.
Dividend per share
The proposed dividend per ordinary share is €0.04 (2024:
€0.07). Since no interim dividend was distributed, the full
amount will, after approval by the AGM, be paid as a final
dividend in May 2026.
Revenue
in € million
3,324
2024: 3,252
Normalised EBIT
and margin
in € million
53 /1.6%
2024: 53 / 1.6%
Free cash flow
in € million
(25)
2024: 12
Adjusted net debt
in € million
501
2024: 474
Dividend per share
in €
0.04
2024: 0.07
1 Our new KPIs, introduced at the Breakthrough 2028 strategy update and applicable from reporting year 2026, are explained on page 19.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
37
Performance on non-financial KPIs
Following the overview of our 2025 developments in the
Delivery 2025 chapter, this section presents our performance
on the non-financial KPIs applicable for the 2025 reporting
year. These KPIs reflect how we delivered on our strategy
across our social and environmental priorities during the
year. 1
More information about these social and environmental
topics can be found under Growth, Value and Impact in the
Delivery in 2025 chapter and in the Consumers and end-
users, Own workforce & Climate change disclosures in the
sustainability statements. Additional information on the
methods used can be found in the Basis for preparation in the
sustainability statements.
“Parcels delivery quality remained
high in 2025 (97%), supported by
optimised network control”
Customer and consumer experience (NPS)
Customer and consumer satisfaction remains central to our
strategy, and we continued to track their satisfaction using
competitor NPS. We focus on reliability during both peak and
off-peak periods, and we constantly track consumer
preferences, innovate and optimise the customer and
consumer journeys. In 2025, our NPS continued to reflect our
strong market position and we again secured the average
number 1 position in our relevant markets. We aim to
maintain this position in 2026 by further enhancing service
quality, digital convenience and delivery flexibility. More
information on this topic can be found under Value in the
Delivery in 2025 chapter and in the Social inclusion of
consumers and/or end-users disclosures in the sustainability
statements.
Parcel volume growth
Parcel volumes grew in 2025, reflecting a gradual recovery in
e-commerce activity. We handled 376 million parcels, an
absolute increase of 4 million compared to 2024. This upward
trend highlights the resilience of the Dutch e-commerce
market and the strength of our network. More information on
this topic can be found under Growth in the Delivery in 2025
users disclosures in the sustainability statements.
Delivery quality Parcels and Mail in the
Netherlands
Parcels delivery quality remained high in 2025 (97%),
supported by optimised network control. These measures
strengthened reliability for business customers and
consumers across the Netherlands and cross-border lanes. At
Mail in the Netherlands, the preliminary next-day delivery
quality was 86%, in line with 2024. This outcome reflects the
reality that the current requirements are no longer achievable
under existing conditions. In particular, quality of service
standards have been affected by structural pressures on the
postal network, including a persistently tight labour market.
Labour shortages in both delivery operations and sorting
centres continue to impact performance, especially in certain
regions, making compliance with existing requirements
increasingly difficult. The proposed adjustment to D+2
delivery as of 1 July 2026 is expected to contribute to an
improvement in the current level of reliability..
More information on this topic can be found in the Value and
of consumers and/or end-users disclosures in the
sustainability statements.
Net Promotor
Score
Average No. 1
position in relevant
markets
Parcel volume
growth
1.2%
2024: 7.2%
Delivery quality
Parcels in NL
97%
2024: 97%
Delivery quality
Mail in NL
(preliminary)
86%
2024: 86%
PostNL Annual Report 2025
38
Employee engagement
Employee engagement averaged 69% in 2025. We are
pleased that employee engagement slightly increased
compared with 2024, though there are variations across
business segments. Engagement in Parcels showed limited
improvement, while Mail in the Netherlands recorded a
further increase, reflecting the impact of local initiatives.
More information on this topic can be found under Impact in
the Delivery in 2025 chapter and in the Equal treatment and
opportunities for all disclosures in the sustainability
statements.
“We further improved CO₂
efficiency compared with 2024,
driven by efficiency gains across
the network”
Absenteeism
Absenteeism remained structurally high at 8.5%, reflecting
broader trends in the Netherlands. We remain focused on our
Managing Employability programme, alongside targeted
measures to reduce long-term absenteeism, particularly
related to mental and physical strain.
More information on this topic can be found under Impact in
the Delivery in 2025 chapter and in the Working conditions
disclosures in the sustainability statements.
CO2 efficiency
In 2025, we further improved CO₂ efficiency (scope 1 and 2
emissions in grammes CO2e per kilometre) to 108 compared
with 2024, driven by efficiency gains across the network. Key
levers included electrification of our fleet, increase of
renewable fuels, route optimisation, and more sustainable
infrastructure, such as parcel lockers, that helped reduce
kilometres driven.
Emission-free last-mile delivery
By year-end 2025, 33% of last-mile deliveries were zero-
emission (2024: 28%). We increased our electric vans on the
road by 50%, alongside a growing fleet of cargo bikes and
light electric freight vehicles in city centres. These contributed
to cleaner urban environments by eliminating nitrogen oxide
emissions and reducing overall air pollution from delivery
traffic.
More information on these environmental topics can be found
under Impact in the Delivery in 2025 chapter and in the
sustainability statements.
Employee
engagement
69%
2024: 67%
Absenteeism
8.5%
2024: 8.5%
CO 2 efficiency
108
2024: 128
Emission-free last-
mile delivery
33%
2024: 28%
Financial
review
In this chapter, we provide an overview of the
financial developments that shaped our
performance in 2025. We highlight the factors
influencing our results, outline key trends in our
markets, and explain how our choices support long-
term value creation. This review offers a clear view
of our financial position and the foundations for
sustainable progress.
6
PostNL Annual Report 2025
40
Financial review
Following the overview of our 2025 developments in the
Delivery 2025 chapter, this section presents our performance
on the financial key performance indicators (KPIs) applicable
for 2025. These KPIs reflect how we delivered on our strategy
across our financial priorities. For more information on the
financial KPIs, see the financial statements.
Our new KPIs, introduced at the Capital Markets Day in
September 2025 and applicable from reporting year 2026,
are explained on page 19.
Revenue and normalised EBIT
PostNL applies three KPIs, revenue, normalised EBIT and free
cash flow, in its management analyses and reports on
financial performance. Normalised EBIT gives a reflection of
the operating income performance, adjusted for the impact of
project costs and incidentals. Free cash flow gives a
reflection of the ability to generate cash available for
dividend distributions, acquisitions, and/or debt repayments.
Normalised EBIT and free cash flow represent non-GAAP
financial measures and should not be viewed in isolation as
alternatives to the equivalent IFRS measures, which are
presented in the consolidated financial statements, but should
be used in conjunction with the most directly comparable
IFRS measures. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have a
standardised meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
PostNL Business performance in € million
Volume
Revenue
Normalised EBIT 1
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
2024
2025
2024
2025
Parcels2
371
376
2,393
2,457
65
61
Mail in the Netherlands 2
1,605
1,529
1,313
1,315
3
2
PostNL Other
240
251
(16)
(10)
Intercompany
(694)
(699)
PostNL
3,252
3,324
53
53
1
Normalised figures exclude one-off items of €42 million in 2025 and €15 million in 2024.
2
As from 1 January 2025, all activities and organisational responsibilities related to real estate are reported at Parcels (until 31 December 2024 at
Mail in the Netherlands). The comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
Normalised EBIT excludes exceptional items, which amounted
to €(42) million in 2025 (2024: €(15) million), mainly due to a
goodwill impairment of €40 million in Mail in the Netherlands.
Further information on the bridge from operating income to
normalised EBIT can be found in note 2.7 Segment
information to the Consolidated financial statements.
Parcels
In 2025, we delivered 376 million parcels (2024: 371 million).
This resulted in a 1.2% volume growth compared to 2024.
Revenue grew to €2,457 million (2024: €2,393 million) driven
by volume growth and price increases, while the shift in
product and customer mix was unfavourable. Revenue at
Spring was up, mainly driven by our intra-European activities.
Normalised EBIT decreased by €5 million, from €65 million in
2024 to €61 million in 2025.
Normalised EBIT Parcels in € million
810
Organic costs increased by €61 million due to higher wage
costs following collective labour agreement increases and
indexation in contracts with delivery partners. Other costs
decreased by €35 million, mainly caused by efficiency
improvements.
Other results decreased by €9 million, primarily due to mix
effects at Spring and the impact of investments in expanding
international growth.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
41
Mail in the Netherlands
In 2025, we delivered 1,529 million mail items (2024: 1,605
million items). This resulted in a reported volume decline of
4.8% compared to 2024, mainly due to ongoing substitution.
Volume development in the year was supported by election
mail and some large non-recurring mailings, for example from
pension funds.
Revenue at Mail in the Netherlands increased slightly to
1,315 million (2024: €1,313 million). The volume decline,
combined with a negative mix effect due to a shift in products,
was more than offset by price increases, resulting in a total
positive impact of €8 million on the revenue of Mail in the
Netherlands.
Normalised EBIT Mail in the Netherlands in € million
940
Normalised EBIT decreased by €1 million, from3 million in
2024 to €2 million in 2025.
Organic costs increased by €30 million mainly due to
collective labour agreement increases and inflation.
Other costs decreased by €8 million, as cost savings of €37
million were partly offset by a lower result on bilaterals and
several other, partly non-recurring, effects. Other results
were up €7 million, mainly explained by international mail.
PostNL's position on the Future of Mail in the Netherlands can
page in the Delivery in 2025 chapter.
Free cash flow
Free cash flow in € million
2025
1116
1Excluding goodwill impairment Mail in the Netherlands of €40 million
We prioritise capital allocation based on a sound financial
framework, taking into account developments in our results,
return on invested capital (ROIC) and cash conversion, to fund
further growth and provide sustainable shareholder returns.
Throughout the year we continued to invest in our business
and digital transformation, health and safety measures and
automated parcel locker (APL) network to strengthen our
competitive position. The strong focus on capex as well as
strict working capital management contributed to the cash
flow performance. The negative change in working capital
mainly reflects phasing effects from previous year. The
negative free cash flow performance in 2025 was in line with
expectations.
Free cash flow is defined as cash flow before dividend,
acquisitions, redemptions of bonds and other financing
activities, and after payment of leases. The repayment of
leases and related cash flows, reported as cash used in
financing activities following the adoption of IFRS 16, are as
such included in our calculation of free cash flow.
Return on invested capital
Our aim is to generate a positive spread of the ROIC over the
post-tax WACC. PostNL defines ROIC as net operating profit
less adjusted tax (NOPLAT) divided by invested capital. For
2025, the ROIC for the Group was 4.7% (2024: 3.4%). The
increase of the ROIC compared to 2024 is explained by an
increase in NOPLAT. Invested capital was stable at €804
million compared to 2024. Higher investments in working
capital were offset by lower goodwill following the goodwill
impairment at Mail in the Netherlands.
PostNL Return on invested capital in € million, unless
indicated otherwise
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Operating income 1
37
51
Less adjusted tax
(10)
(13)
Net operating profit less adjusted tax (NOPLAT)
28
37
Property, plant and equipment
467
449
Intangible fixed assets (incl. goodwill)
414
372
Right-of-use assets
281
289
Current assets/liabilities2
(255)
(217)
Other items
(102)
(89)
Invested capital
804
804
Return on invested capital (ROIC)
3.4%
4.7%
1
2025, excluding goodwill impairment Mail in the Netherlands of €40
million
2
As of 2025, only the assessed minimum operational cash needed is
included in the calculation of invested capital. The comparative figures
have been adjusted accordingly.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
42
Adjusted net debt
At 31 December 2025, adjusted net debt amounted to €501
million (2024: €474 million). See note 4.1 Adjusted net debt to
the Consolidated financial statements for more information
and the breakdown of adjusted net debt.
In June 2025, PostNL completed a Schuldschein transaction,
securing €100 million in funding. In September 2025, a €300
million bond was issued with a term of five years and an
annual coupon of 4.000%. The proceeds will be used for
general corporate purposes, including refinancing. The bond
transaction marks a next step in aligning our funding with our
Breakthrough 2028 ambition, which aims to drive PostNL
towards a future of sustainable growth and innovation.
Additionally, PostNL repurchased €195 million of the
outstanding 0.625% eurobond maturing in September 2026.
Leverage ratio
The leverage ratio, being adjusted net debt divided by
adjusted EBITDA, slightly increased from 1.95 in 2024 to 1.99
in 2025 and is in line with our ambition to be properly
financed.
PostNL Leverage ratio in € million, unless indicated otherwise
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Adjusted net debt
474
501
Operating income
37
11
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments
188
237
Proxy for short-term leases and leases of
low-value assets
4
4
Normalisations on EBIT
15
42
Reversal of normalised depreciation,
amortisation and impairments
(2)
(42)
Adjusted EBITDA
243
252
Leverage ratio
1.95
1.99
Normalised comprehensive income
In 2025, PostNL's normalised comprehensive income
amounted to €21 million (2024: €38 million). The decrease
mainly relates to higher net financial expenses (€20 million)
due to interest expenses from new Schuldschein loans and
eurobonds, interest on taxes and lower interest income from
cash and short-term investments.
PostNL Normalised comprehensive income in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Profit/(loss) for the year
18
(17)
Other comprehensive income
8
3
Comprehensive income
26
(14)
Normalisations on EBIT (less statutory tax)
11
37
Normalise result from discontinued
operations
1
(1)
Normalised comprehensive income
38
21
Dividend
Our Dividend Policy states that dividend distribution is
conditional on being properly financed in accordance with our
financial framework. PostNL is steering for a solid balance
sheet with a positive consolidated equity, aiming at a leverage
ratio not exceeding 2.0 and applying strict cash flow
management. This condition was met at the end of 2025. As a
result, PostNL will recommend to the Annual General Meeting
of Shareholders, to be held on 14 April 2026, a pay-out of
80% of normalised comprehensive income for 2025. This
results in a proposed dividend of €0.04 per ordinary share
(2024: €0.07). Since no interim dividend was distributed, the
full amount will be paid as a final dividend in May 2026.
Outlook
2026 will be fully dedicated to the execution of the new
strategy. This year, PostNL expects to reach the inflection
point in the trajectory towards delivering on its Breakthrough
2028 ambition.
Our outlook for 2026 is:
PostNL Outlook in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2025
2026 outlook
Normalised EBIT
53
40 - 70
Free cash flow
(25)
0 - (30)
Revenue is expected to grow between 5% and 7% in 2026
(2025: €3,324m). Overall, targeted yield measures will gain
traction with significant price increases expected to more
than offset organic cost increases (~€140 million).
In 2026, PostNL will invest in its strategic initiatives, resulting
in a step-up in capex to around €125 million (2025: €106
million), while lease payments will be around the same level
as last year (2025: €99 million).
The outlook for 2026 assumes limited impact from changes in
treatment of de minimis thresholds in the EU and US, or in
related customs handling and clearance fee structures. The
scope and timing of these developments could evolve during
the year and could impact performance.
Main assumptions per segment
At E-commerce, PostNL assumes volume growth of 1%-3%
while maintaining its strong market position. Targeted yield
measures come into effect gradually and materially
contribute to the performance. Furthermore, the focus on
strict cost control is expected to bring between €40 million
and €50 million in cost savings. As of mid 2026, letterbox
parcels (D+1) will be transferred from the Mail infrastructure
to the delivery network of E-commerce. The related volumes
are not included in the aforementioned volume assumption.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
43
The transition has limited impact on normalised EBIT in 2026
due to transition costs and is expected to be margin accretive
as of 2027.
At Platforms, PostNL will accelerate its plans to strengthen its
position in intra-European logistics (Spring and MyParcel) and
broaden its Asian base beyond China. The main drivers for
the 2026 performance are an assumed double digit revenue
growth, while at the same time PostNL will continue to invest
in further expansion of its international activities.
At Mail, PostNL assumes a volume decline of between 8% and
10%. Price increases are expected to offset organic cost
increases and part of the volume decline. In line with the
roadmap towards a future-proof postal service, PostNL
expects to achieve between €30 million and €40 million in
cost savings, which will be more than offset by additional
costs for letterbox parcels and higher other costs, related to
future-proof postal network. The transfer of letterbox parcels
(D+1) to the E-commerce network is a necessary step to
enable the transition to D+3 in 2027.
Risk
management
This chapter provides an overview of our approach
to risk management, describing our risk appetite, the
key risks identified across our organisation, and the
measures we take to manage and monitor them
effectively. It explains how we embed risk
awareness in our decision-making processes and
how our governance structures support timely
oversight and response.
7
PostNL Annual Report 2025
45
Risk management
Introduction
Our internal risk management and control systems are
designed to identify, prioritise and evaluate our main risks
and develop appropriate responses. This framework is based
on COSO ERM 2017 and is in line with the principles of the
Dutch Corporate Governance Code 2025. Understanding
strategic, operational, financial, compliance, financial
reporting and sustainability reporting risks is a vital element
in our management decision-making process. Our internal risk
management and control systems are designed to reduce the
likelihood of errors, incorrect decisions and unforeseen
circumstances as much as possible. They provide the
substantiation for our evaluation of the effectiveness of the
operation of our internal controls.
Management of the business segments and head office
departments are responsible for the effectiveness of the
internal risk management and control process, including
timely identification and assessment of significant risks and
the development of appropriate risk response plans. For the
disclosures required by the Dutch Corporate Governance
Code and chapter 5.1a of the Dutch Financial Markets
Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht) please refer
Our internal risk management and control systems operate
on the basis of the Three Lines Model:
a. The first line involves operational management, which is
responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and
controlling risks at the operational level.
b. The second line includes risk management and compliance
functions that provide expertise, support, monitoring and
challenge to ensure that the first line effectively manages
risks and opportunities.
c. The third line is the internal audit function, which
independently evaluates the effectiveness of the internal
risk management and control systems as designed and
operated by the first and second lines.
Risks are identified in our structured risk management
process through both a bottom-up (line management) and a
top-down (executive management) approach, covering the
entire business. For those risks deemed material,
management develops and reviews comprehensive risk-
response plans, taking into consideration our risk appetite.
When management decides to mitigate a risk by implementing
an internal control, these controls are formalised in our
internal control framework and assessed regularly through
internal control management self-assessment.
All business segments and head office departments are
engaged in this company-wide risk management process,
which includes:
Mandatory participation in risk management workshops by
relevant management team members
Assessing risks based on impact and likelihood of
occurrence
Developing appropriate risk response plans, including
mitigation actions for the significant risks
Inclusion of the key mitigating risk actions in the internal
control framework, including management self-assessment
Mandatory e-learning on integrity for management and key
risk functions.
We have built a comprehensive portfolio of group policies
and controls, ensuring discipline in our business processes.
These support the Board of Management in its statutory and
fiduciary obligations to stakeholders in developing and
achieving its strategic, operational, financial, compliance and
reporting objectives.
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board
monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the internal risk
management and control systems. They are supported by
Internal Audit.
“Our internal risk management
and control systems are designed
to identify, prioritise and evaluate
our main risks and develop
appropriate responses”
In 2025, in line with the requirements of the Corporate
Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), we have explored
integrating the double materiality assessment (DMA), the
Climate Risk and Human rights salience assessment into our
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. For more
details on DMA please refer to the General disclosures in the
Sustainability statement. This enables an annual review of
value chain developments, stakeholder feedback and ESG-
related impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs), helping to
embed ESG considerations in our decision-making and keep
our risk appetite aligned with our ESG priorities. In parallel, in
accordance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code
2025, we included the Risk Management Statement
(‘Verklaring Omtrent Risicobeheersing’ – VOR) in the
PostNL Annual Report 2025
46
Internal risk management and control
systems
Senior management is responsible for the effectiveness of the
design and operation of the internal risk management and
control systems within their area of responsibility. They are
required to perform self-assessments on the design and
operating effectiveness of our internal controls. This is
regularly measured and monitored by the Risk Management
and Internal Control department, and the results are
discussed in the Internal Control Committee (ICC) meetings.
The ICC is composed of the CFO, the director Audit &
Security, the director Group Finance, and the director
Accounting & Reporting. The external auditor also attends the
ICC meetings. The ICC met five times in 2025. Internal risk
management and control reports are discussed with the
Board of Management and the Audit Committee of the
Supervisory Board. As part of this process, management is
required to follow up on risks deemed to be inadequately
mitigated by internal controls. In some cases, this may require
additional actions, including performing and evaluating
compensating controls and activities, to reduce the risks of
misstatements in financial or sustainability reporting or to
manage operational or compliance risks.
In 2025, PostNL integrated, in accordance with the revised
Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the Risk Management
Statement into its Board Report. This statement confirms,
within the limitations set out in the Code, the design and the
level of operating effectiveness of our internal risk
management and control systems covering operational,
compliance, financial reporting and sustainability reporting
risks.
In accordance with this new risk reporting requirement, we
have made explicit the levels of assurance or certainty per
risk type within our internal risk management and control
systems.
The systems are designed and operating to be able to provide
reasonable assurance that the financial reporting under IFRS
in this annual report does not contain any material
inaccuracies. Furthermore, these systems provide limited
assurance that the sustainability reporting under the CSRD
and the EU Taxonomy in this annual report is free from
material misstatements.
The operational and compliance risk management and
control systems are designed and operating to be able to
provide appropriate comfort that the identified operational
and compliance risks are effectively managed in line with
PostNL’s risk appetite, the complexity of our enterprise, the
inherent limitations of these systems and other disclosures on
these systems.
The scope of the operational risk management and control
system is set to cover the core business processes like
customer-to-cash, purchase-to-pay, hire-to-retire, business
resilience and continuity management in operations, IT
general controls and cybersecurity.
The scope of the compliance risk management and control
system is set to cover the laws and regulations and the
related internal policies and procedures on business conduct,
Dutch postal law, human rights and labour conditions, the
environment, transportation, Dutch privacy law (GDPR) and
the upcoming Dutch cybersecurity law (NIS2). Our compliance
risk management and control system is structured in
accordance with the ‘Levers of Control’ model, in addition to
COSO ERM (2017) requirements.
Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the
business to evaluate the need for additional or revised
controls and assess the implications of these changes on the
effectiveness of the design and operation of newly
established (automated) controls. This ongoing collaboration
ensures that our control environment remains robust and
aligned with evolving business needs.
Risk appetite
Risk appetite is the level of residual risk we deem acceptable
to achieve our objectives. The risk appetite is set per main
risk topic by the Board of Management in close cooperation
with the Executive Committee, based on our strategic goals,
our Code of Conduct, our policies and procedures, and taking
into consideration the highly regulated markets we operate in.
The risk profile is compared with PostNL's established risk
appetite after each risk management workshop. Where there
is a difference between the actual risk level and the risk
appetite bandwidth, management is required to initiate an
action plan. The risk appetite is discussed with and endorsed
by the Audit Committee.
When determining the risk appetite per risk, we take into
account factors such as geopolitical uncertainties, the tight
labour market, and economic rationalisation. PostNL
categorises risks into five main types: strategic, operational,
financial, compliance and reporting risks. Each has its own
appetite, management approach and oversight structure.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
47
PostNL Risk appetite
pijl-left-zwart.svg
Low
Behaviour towards risk
High
pijl-right-zwart.svg
Averse
Prudent
Balanced
Considerable
Seeking
Strategic risk
We aim to deliver on our strategic ambitions and priorities and are willing to accept balanced and considerable risks to
achieve this.
Competition and client concentration
Geopolitical tensions and economic consequences
Implementation of strategic change projects
Financial sustainability of Mail in the Netherlands
Network capacity and flexibility
Climate change
Data excellence and integrity
Operational risk
We face operational challenges which require an appropriate level of management attention. The overall objective is to avoid
risks that could negatively impact our aim to achieve operational effectiveness and efficiencies.
Employee attraction, development and retention
Operational excellence
Availability of energy resources
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Total cost of labour
Liability for loss or damage
Compliance risks
We strive to be fully compliant with our Code of Conduct as well as national and international laws and regulations in relation
to the markets in which we operate, and we do not accept deviations
Supply chain accountability
Legal and regulatory developments
Reporting risks
We ensure accurate, reliable, and timely reporting of information critical to stakeholders, and do not tolerate inaccuracies or
delays that could compromise decision-making or accountability
Sustainability reporting
Financial Reporting
PostNL Annual Report 2025
48
Main Risks
PostNL Main risks
Topic
Risk summary
Risk level
Trend
Main response
Strategic risks
Competition
and client
concentration
Competitive pressure in the e-commerce market remains intense, with
established players expanding market share and new entrants further
intensifying dynamics. Rising client concentration increases exposure to a
limited number of dominant platforms, amplifying pricing pressure and
dependency risks. These developments continue to challenge market share,
volumes and profitability across key segments.
Deepen customer centricity by ensuring network flexibility during peak periods and
maintaining sustainable labour agreements to safeguard delivery quality and service
levels.
Accelerate digital transformation and embrace AI to boost competitiveness through
data-driven insights and differentiated service propositions to enhance NPS.
Strengthen yield management and operational efficiency by leveraging economies of
scale, performance steering, and integrated capacity and revenue management.
Geopolitical
tensions and
economic
consequences
Geopolitical tensions arising from trade, regional conflicts, and regulatory
changes create macroeconomic uncertainty that continues to influence
PostNL’s operating environment.
With an increasing international footprint across Europe and Asia, and
greater dependence on China–Europe trade lanes, PostNL faces risks from
changing trade policies, currency fluctuations, and economic pressures that
may affect consumer spending, parcel volumes and margin development.
De-risk via diversification - spread across different countries in Asia and Europe to
minimise concentration risk (i.e., reduce dependability on China-EU flows).
Assess regulatory and geopolitical exposures across PostNL’s operations and
implement measures – such as diversifying cloud service providers – to mitigate
potential business impacts.
Implementation
of strategic
change
projects
Strategic change projects are critical to PostNL’s transformation but remain
exposed to execution and resource risks. The main challenge lies in
prioritising limited resources across multiple initiatives. Constrained financial
flexibility, scarcity of IT capacity and transformation capabilities and forecast
uncertainties may delay implementation, impacting operational efficiency,
profitability, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.
pijl-down-oranje.svg
Maintain stable cash flow and invest in digitalisation.
Strengthen management practices and accelerate strategic priorities by becoming a
performance-driven organisation with a transformational mindset.
Financial
sustainability
of Mail in the
Netherlands
Ongoing uncertainty regarding the revision of the Postal Act and the rejection
of temporary government subsidies continue to threaten the long-term
financial sustainability of Mail in the Netherlands. Structural volume decline,
increasing costs and a tight labour market continue to put additional pressure
on profitability. Without the necessary regulatory adjustments, operational
changes to the postal network cannot be implemented. Even in the transition
to a D+2 (i.e. delivery within two days) model, the universal service obligation
and the financial position of PostNL’s Mail segment remain loss-making.
Therefore, regulatory adjustments need to be made as soon as possible to
initiate the required transition, including a financing model that supports this
transition.
pijl-up-oranje.svg
We continue to urge policymakers to accelerate reform of the Postal Act to secure a
sustainable universal service obligation framework. The proposal to amend the
Postal Decree and proposed change to D+2 as of July 2026 are positive
developments. However, there is still no long-term sustainability of the mail
segment. PostNL will continue to advocate for a regulatory framework that reflects
structural market developments, and pursue appropriate legal remedies regarding
the rejection of the subsidy request. Given the current long-term uncertainty, PostNL
is appealing the rejection of the withdrawal of the USO designation.
Structural cost and network optimisation programmes are being expanded, but
remain insufficient to offset continuously declining mail volumes and structurally
rising costs. Therefore, further major adjustments are needed.
Targeted workforce initiatives focus on improving absenteeism management,
strengthening employee engagement, and ensuring operational continuity amid a tight
labour market.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
49
Topic
Risk summary
Risk level
Trend
Main response
Network
capacity and
flexibility
Although PostNL’s network capacity has become more robust, limited
flexibility in daily operations could still lead to inefficiencies and higher costs
related to volume fluctuations. A possible delay in the implementation of the
‘Best Day’ delivery model may result in missed opportunities to optimise
parcel flows, potentially causing temporary imbalances, increased
operational pressure, and a decline in overall network performance.
Further optimise volume planning and resource allocation through dynamic
forecasting and flexible processing strategies to accommodate demand fluctuations.
Implement the ‘Next Day to Best Day’ transition, enabling balanced parcel flows and
enhanced operational efficiency across the network.
Strengthen collaboration between commercial, operational, and IT functions to
maintain high service quality while maximising network utilisation and sustainability.
Climate change
PostNL’s progress toward its 2030 and 2040 decarbonisation targets depends
on reducing emissions from outsourced transport, adopting low-carbon
technologies, and maintaining an agile logistics model. Limited availability of
zero-emission vehicles, charging infrastructure, or renewable energy,
combined with stricter climate regulations and cost pressures, could delay
progress, increase compliance costs, or harm PostNL’s reputation and
competitiveness if sustainability expectations are not met.
Execute decarbonisation roadmap 2030 and 2040 through fleet electrification, zero-
emission delivery, and partnerships with transport providers to accelerate electric
vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development.
Improve network efficiency using innovative planning and equal-flow logistics to
reduce kilometres travelled, optimise transport utilisation, and lower the carbon
intensity of operations.
Enhance energy efficiency of buildings and facilities by using 100% renewable
electricity and continuously reducing operational emissions through sustainable
design and technology upgrades.
Data
excellence and
integrity
PostNL aims to digitally transform by embracing AI-first to accelerate
innovation, boost competitiveness and reduce costs (increase efficiency).
Data quality, integrity, and governance are critical to driving this digital
transformation.
Challenges in data completeness, quality, integrity, timeliness and availability
may hinder the ability to drive decision-making through data and to enhance
AI-based use cases that create real impact. At the same time, weaknesses in
data governance or regulatory compliance may expose PostNL to financial,
operational and reputational risks.
Strengthen data management through continuous oversight and strategic guidance
from the Data Governance Board to enhance data quality, integrity, and
organisational accountability by making data foundation a key strategic priority.
Implement a digital compliance programme to ensure ongoing adherence to current
and emerging regulatory requirements across all PostNL data processes and
systems.
Embedding AI in high-impact business domains to build products and services with AI
at their core.
Operational risks
Employee
attraction,
development
and retention
Labour market constraints, absenteeism and persistent challenges in
attracting and retaining skilled employees continue to pressure productivity
and service quality. Sustaining employee wellbeing, engagement and long-
term employability is essential to maintain operational stability and PostNL’s
reputation as an attractive and responsible employer.
Strengthen employee health and wellbeing through the new partnership with Zorg
van de Zaak, focusing on sustainable employability and reducing absenteeism across
all business units.
Implement the new Managing Employability programme to reduce absenteeism and
improve reintegration and support for employees returning to work after illness.
Further embed the new Health & Safety organisation and strengthen leadership
accountability to structurally reduce absenteeism and promote a safe, supportive
work environment.
Operational
excellence
Planned efficiency improvements and cost synergies may not be fully realised
if progress on Operational Excellence initiatives were to fall behind
expectations. This could slow the execution of cost-reduction programmes
and result in continued pressure on the cost base, with limited flexibility to
further reduce operational expenses in the short term. Margin pressure,
tightening regulatory requirements and rising labour expenses further
increase this risk and may adversely affect our ability to maintain operational
competitiveness in a structurally high-cost environment.
Strengthen performance management to enhance visibility, accountability and
consistency in executing Operational Excellence initiatives across all organisational
layers.
Drive steering through Strategic Performance Plans to reinforce execution discipline
and enable sustainable efficiency improvements.
Improve operational effectiveness through workforce optimisation, simplification of
end-to-end processes and removal of structural inefficiencies.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
50
Topic
Risk summary
Risk level
Trend
Main response
Availability of
energy
resources
The availability and affordability of energy resources are critical to PostNL’s
operations and sustainability ambitions. Rising energy prices, grid congestion,
and limited electricity capacity in the Netherlands increase the risk of
disruption to business processes and delay the transition to an electric fleet.
Exceeding grid capacity may result in penalties and higher costs, while energy
scarcity could impact cost efficiency, service continuity, and progress toward
PostNL’s sustainability and emission-reduction targets.
Secure energy needs through futures contracts and local supply agreements.
Increase self-generation through renewable energy and self-sufficient buildings,
explore alternative or temporary energy solutions, and extend sustainable energy
options to delivery partners over time.
Reduce overall energy use by improving asset efficiency and develop on-site energy
(storage) solutions to mitigate the impact of grid congestion and capacity limits.
Information
technology and
cybersecurity
PostNL’s increasing digitalisation and reliance on interconnected systems
heighten exposure to cyber threats and IT disruptions. Although overall
resilience has improved, risks related to legacy systems, data breaches, and
third-party dependencies remain.
Strengthen cybersecurity governance through continuous improvement, clear
accountability, and central oversight supported by decentralised cybersecurity
coordinators.
Enhance resilience of critical IT applications via regular penetration testing, patch
management, and incident response reviews.
Progressively phase out legacy systems and accelerate transition to modern, secure
platforms with improved monitoring and access controls.
Total cost of
labour
Higher labour costs and related expenses could significantly impact our
financial performance, particularly if we are unable to efficiently adjust
pricing within our operating model. Operational disruptions from trade union
actions or negative media attention may further intensify these challenges. In
a high-inflation environment, rising labour indexations and salary
expectations continue to pressure our cost structure and resilience.
Proposed legislation mandating equal benefits for temporary workers by
2026 could further increase total labour costs.
Establishing collective labour agreements with robust wage agreements in the future.
Maintaining good relations with trade unions and social partners based on mutual
recognition of shared interests.
Balance the need for fair pay to remain a good employer with generating sufficient
cash flow to continue investing in our future. PostNL has adjusted its pricing strategy
to address higher minimum wage costs, supporting efforts to keep rising labour costs,
including temporary labour, within manageable limits.
Liability for loss
or damage
Rising parcel volumes and higher average shipment values continue to expose
PostNL to loss and damage claims. Exposure to such claims adversely impact
our financial performance.
Strengthen contractual frameworks with customers by refining liability terms,
enforcing clear claim limits, and ensuring consistent communication on delivery
conditions.
Enhance physical and digital security through additional metal detection gates,
improved parcel tracking, and new tools to monitor losses among delivery and retail
partners.
Continue targeted loss-prevention initiatives such as dedicated handling for high-
value shipments and receiver verification, ensuring sustained reduction in damage-
related payouts.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
51
Topic
Risk summary
Risk level
Trend
Main response
Compliance risks
Supply chain
accountability
PostNL depends on third-party suppliers and partners to deliver key products
and services, which heightens accountability across the supply chain. Non-
compliance by suppliers or their subcontractors with labour laws,
environmental standards, or ethical guidelines may expose PostNL to legal,
operational, and reputational risks. Ensuring compliance across multiple
layers of the supply chain—particularly within delivery, IT, and staffing
partners—adds complexity. Disruptions, underperformance, or regulatory
breaches could impact service quality, customer trust, and the company’s
ability to meet growing societal expectations.
We are modifying contracts with staffing agencies to include a ‘right to audit’ clause,
for regular monitoring and assurance of compliance with labour conditions and other
compliance requirements.
New due diligence process for delivery partners to thoroughly assess their
operational and compliance capabilities.
Management of cloud suppliers through robust assessments based on a strict control
framework.
Closely monitoring emerging societal expectations and increasing compliance
demands to proactively anticipate and respond to them.
Legal and
regulatory
developments
Regulatory requirements and oversight remain extensive and complex across
the markets in which we operate, covering postal, transport, competition,
labour, data protection and environmental standards. Uncertain regulatory
reform, including the revision of the Postal Act and evolving USO obligations,
present ongoing legal and compliance risks. Maintaining compliance is
essential to safeguard licence to operate. Misinterpretation of new or
amended laws or ineffective internal controls could result in sanctions or
reputational damage affecting PostNL’s financial performance.
Strengthen the compliance framework across all relevant domains (such as postal,
transport, environmental and labour) through periodic process reviews and updates
of internal controls.
Operate a robust integrity programme that embeds our Code of Conduct and
promotes awareness and adherence across the organisation, supported by
mandatory integrity e-learning modules.
Ensure timely adaptation of our operations to changes in legal and regulatory
requirements.
Emerging risks
Emerging risks are risks we do not expect to materially impact the company in the short term,
but which do require prompt mitigation actions to prevent them from exceeding our risk
appetite in the mid to long term. In 2025, we pinpointed two such risks: 'AI-driven workforce
and organisational transition' and 'Disruption of data sovereignty and digital infrastructure
dependence'. These are seen as exacerbating our main operational and strategic risks, namely
'IT and cybersecurity' and 'Data excellence and integrity', respectively.
Risk description
Response
AI-driven workforce and organisational transition
As PostNL accelerates its AI-first and automation agenda as part of its Breakthrough 2028 strategy, the
company faces a significant organisational transition risk. AI integration is reshaping job roles, skills
requirements and operational decision-making. While automation drives efficiency and cost competitiveness,
it also introduces uncertainty around workforce adaptation, capability gaps and organisational acceptance.
This rapid shift may create misalignment between technological progress and organisational readiness. This
risk is amplified by tight labour markets, short AI maturity cycles and evolving ethical standards in AI
governance.
Implement AI (up)skilling programme or framework that embeds retraining, inclusion and AI ethics
principles in workforce planning.
Continuous monitoring of employee sentiment and engagement linked to automation roll-outs.
Integration of AI impact assessments in HR, legal, and risk governance processes.
Collaboration with labour representatives, policymakers, and educational partners to foster
transparent AI adoption pathways.
Disruption of data sovereignty and digital infrastructure dependence
As PostNL increasingly digitises its operations and customer interactions, reliance on cloud-based
infrastructure, AI-driven analytics and external technology providers has grown substantially. However,
emerging global data sovereignty frameworks—particularly EU data residency and protection requirements
(such as GDPR), cross-border data flow restrictions and the geopolitical fragmentation of technology
standards—pose potential risks to continuity, compliance and competitiveness. Growing dependence on
non-European hyperscalers for cloud services introduces systemic risks in the event of regulatory disputes,
cyber incidents or service disruptions. Moreover, the rapid evolution of generative AI technologies, while
providing operational efficiencies, heightens concerns around algorithmic transparency, data bias and
intellectual property exposure.
Diversification of cloud vendors to reduce dependency on single providers and enhance resilience i.e.,
investments in European-based digital infrastructure and partnerships with EU-compliant cloud and
cybersecurity providers.
Implement technologies such as client-side encryption to prevent even cloud providers from accessing
organisational data.
Ongoing assessment of data residency obligations under the EU Data Act and AI Act.
Regulatory
developments
In this chapter we cover the key regulatory
developments that affected PostNL and the sector
in 2025, and interactions we had with policymakers
and stakeholders on developments in the sector and
the development and implementation of rules and
regulations.
8
PostNL Annual Report 2025
53
Regulatory developments
Introduction
PostNL operates in a highly regulated environment. This is,
among other reasons, due to the fact that PostNL is
designated as the provider of the universal service obligation
(USO) and the only postal transport company with a
nationwide network in the Netherlands. PostNL is also a
transport company and a labour-intensive company, with
sustainability high on its agenda, areas in which there are
many rules and regulations at local, national, EU and
international level. Politicians, public authorities and other
relevant stakeholders have a major impact on rules and
regulations that affect our sector and our business.
Consequently, PostNL maintains contacts with policymakers
and stakeholders on developments in the sector, social
developments, as well as changes to and the implementation
of rules and regulations. We strongly believe that advocacy
by stakeholders is crucial to the development of high-quality
and meaningful new rules and regulations that will benefit all
stakeholders in society. PostNL is always available to share its
sector-specific knowledge and market experiences.
As many regulatory issues affect not only PostNL but also
other companies in our sector or region, we work with
different industries and trade associations. These
associations address various issues of relevance to our
sector from different perspectives (a list of associations and
contributions can be found in the Content index later in this
chapter). Within these associations, we not only develop
common positions on future regulation, but also exchange
knowledge and best practices and create voluntary sectoral
initiatives. PostNL holds various board positions and actively
participates in working groups and events organised by these
associations. We do not make any financial contributions to
political parties or politicians’ election campaigns. We are
registered in the EU Transparency Register and apply its code
of conduct. This chapter elaborates on the most impactful
regulatory developments.
Postal developments
Revision of Dutch postal legislation
Dutch postal legislation, including the Postal Act and
secondary legislation, sets standards for the USO. Due to the
structural decline in mail volumes, evolving customer needs
and rising autonomous costs, the current postal network
through which USO and non-USO mail is delivered is no longer
financially viable. As a result, further significant adjustments
to the postal network are necessary. However, within the
current legal framework, PostNL can no longer sufficiently
adapt its postal operations. The legal framework for the USO
therefore determines the current network set-up, even
though the USO represents less than 15% of total postal
volumes. Without adjustments to the legal requirements,
PostNL is unable to take the necessary steps to transition
towards a financially sustainable and future-proof postal
service.
In 2025, PostNL therefore continued its efforts to
constructively contribute to ongoing policy discussions
regarding Dutch postal legislation and urged the Dutch
government to amend the Postal Act to help secure a suitable
postal service for everyone in the Netherlands – one that is
aligned with market dynamics and maintains financial
sustainability.
On 30 June, supported by a study by the Authority for
Consumers and Markets (ACM) showing that the current
situation is unsustainable and that change is urgently needed,
the government proposed amendments to the Postal Act.
These changes mainly relate to access to the network and the
continuity of the Universal Postal Service. PostNL considered
the proposed changes to be insufficient, due to a combination
of high remaining standards and the absence of financial
compensation. As a result, the postal service would remain
loss-making until at least 2029, jeopardising the continuity of
postal services in the Netherlands. Parliament was not ready
to debate the proposed revision of the Postal Act in 2025. A
further amendment by the Minister to the proposed revision
of the Postal is expected in 2026.
Secondary legislation proposes changes to transit time and
quality standard
On 3 October 2025, the Minister proposed an amendment to
the Postal Decree to adjust the transit time to delivery within
two days (D+2) from July 2026 with a 90% quality standard,
and to delivery within three days (D+3) from July 2027 with a
92% quality standard. The Minister is able to make these
changes under the current legislation. The Council of
Ministers approved the proposed amendment. PostNL
considers this amendment to be an important first step
towards a future-proof USO that meets the needs of postal
users, in line with adjustments already made in other
European countries. However, it does not yet result in a
future-proof USO. Even with the proposed adjustments, the
remaining USO requirements continue to result in high net
costs and a disproportionate financial burden for PostNL. The
proposed amendment was subject to a preliminary
parliamentary review procedure (voorhangprocedure) in the
Dutch Parliament. Parliament concluded the procedure in
February 2026 by adopting a motion explicitly supporting the
amendment. This marked an important step towards
implementation as of July 2026. The Postal Decree will
subsequently be submitted to the Council of State for advice.
PostNL has already initiated internal preparations to ensure
timely implementation of the D+2 model.
Request for financial compensation for the USO
Despite ongoing efforts to modernise Dutch postal legislation,
political decision-making on the future of the postal market
takes time, while the costs of the USO continue to rise.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
54
Therefore, in February 2025, PostNL requested that the
government reimburse the costs of the USO, as these impose
an unreasonable financial burden on the company. The
request for financial compensation amounts to €30 million in
2025 and €38 million in 2026 and concerns only the net costs
of the USO. These net costs, and thus the requested
compensation, have been determined as follows.
The USO regulation contains requirements intended to ensure
that postal operators maintain a minimum level of service to
the public. While these requirements provide societal
benefits, they may also impose costs on postal operators.
Some services may be economically unviable and would not
be provided in the absence of government regulation. Net
costs of the USO represent the costs incurred by a postal
operator that could be avoided without legal requirements,
minus the benefits of the USO. For example, for non-USO
mail, PostNL already delivers under a D+2 model (mail
delivered within two working days). The USO regulation
prevents PostNL from aligning USO mail with this frequency,
creating costs that could otherwise be avoided. Furthermore,
PostNL provides services such as collecting and delivering
mail from the country’s orange postboxes five days a week,
maintaining a specific distribution of postboxes, and
delivering specialised services including braille letters,
bereavement mail and medical mail.
Under European legislation, the provider responsible for the
USO is entitled to receive compensation for the net cost of
the service if this constitutes a disproportionate financial
burden. PostNL incurs significant net costs that result in such
a burden. The structural decline in mail volumes, changing
customer needs and rising costs have turned the USO into a
loss-making activity in its current form. In several other
European countries, including Italy, Spain and France,
compensation has also been provided to the designated USO
provider. In June 2025, the Minister rejected PostNL’s request
for financial compensation. PostNL objected to this decision.
In December, the Minister rejected the objection, and PostNL
filed an appeal with the court.
Rejection of advance payment for financial compensation of
the USO
After the rejection of financial compensation by the Minister
in June 2025, PostNL submitted a request to the
Administrative High Court for Trade and Industry (CBb) for an
advance payment of €15 million per year for 2025 and 2026.
The CBb rejected this request on 5 September, but explicitly
noted that PostNL has substantiated, with concrete
documentation, the increasing need to take measures with
regard to the USO and that there was an element of urgency.
In this context, the CBb stated that it is the responsibility of
the Minister and the legislator to shape and implement the
necessary structural measures with due care and diligence.
Withdrawal of USO designation
On 5 September, PostNL formally requested the Minister of
Economic Affairs to withdraw its designation as USO provider.
Submitting this request was a necessary step, but not an easy
decision for PostNL. It followed the absence of a short-term
solution for the high net costs of the USO, after the subsidy
request was rejected by the Minister and the CBb rejected
the requested advance payment. Furthermore, despite the
important step taken by the Minister to amend the Postal
Decree, there remains no prospect of a regulatory framework
that sufficiently reflects market developments. This creates
an unsustainable situation for PostNL and puts the continuity
of postal service provision in the Netherlands at risk. This is
irresponsible for people who rely on postal services and for
the thousands of people working in the postal sector. It is also
unreasonable to expect a commercial company to absorb
such losses while carrying out a mandatory public service. On
19 December, the Minister rejected PostNL’s request for
withdrawal of the USO designation. PostNL filed an objection
to this decision.
Adherence to USO requirements
In 2025, PostNL met the required coverage requirements for
the number of postboxes and continued to make  adjustments
to the nationwide postbox network. For example, in February
2025, PostNL introduced staggered collection from postboxes
throughout the day. This approach is more efficient, reduces
kilometres driven, is more sustainable and lowers costs,
helping to maintain affordable postal services in the
Netherlands. This ensures that services remain accessible
while contributing to necessary cost savings. In 2025, PostNL
also met the legal standards regarding the accessibility of
postal locations in the Netherlands.
However, meeting the quality-of-service standard requiring
95% next-day delivery of consumer mail has become
infeasible. In 2025, PostNL achieved a next-day delivery
performance of 86%, with 95% of mail delivered within two
working days. Delivery performance for funeral
announcements and medical mail reached 94% in 2025, close
to the target of 95%. Taking into account the confidence
interval, the quality-of-service performance of funeral
announcements and medical mail met the 95% target.
Quality-of-service performance continued to be impacted by
the tight labour market, resulting in performance pressure in
both delivery operations and sorting centres. Labour
shortages remain particularly severe in certain regions due to
economic factors, making the recruitment and retention of
postal workers difficult and further exacerbating delivery
challenges in those areas. Regional information is provided in
the table below, where D+1 refers to USO mail delivered
within one working day and D+2 refers to USO mail delivered
within two working days.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
55
Transit time in 2025 per delivery
region
D+1
D+2
Amsterdam and North Holland North
85%
95%
Central and East Gelderland
87%
96%
East Brabant
83%
94%
Groningen, Drenthe and North
Friesland
90%
97%
Haarlem and het Gooi
84%
94%
Limburg
82%
94%
Rotterdam
83%
94%
Utrecht
90%
98%
West Brabant, Zeeland and Zuid
Hollandse islands
80%
92%
Overijssel, North-East-polder and
South Friesland
91%
98%
The (preliminary) scores per delivery region reflect the highly
diverse labour market challenges.
In addition to the tight labour market, quality-of-service
performance was also negatively affected by relatively high
sick leave rates. The stringent USO requirement to deliver
mail next day throughout the Netherlands leaves no
operational flexibility to make the delivery model less labour-
intensive. These challenges underline the need to transition to
a delivery model based on delivery within two days, followed
by delivery within three days, which would support more
reliable delivery performance.
In 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, next-day delivery
was below the 95% target due to circumstances beyond
PostNL’s control, such as the Covid pandemic and a tight
labour market. For 2019, PostNL paid a fine imposed by the
ACM for not meeting the quality-of-service target. PostNL
appealed this decision at the CBb. In December 2025, the
CBb ruled that PostNL had not committed a violation. Certain
sample letters should have been excluded from the
measurement study because it could not be determined
whether PostNL was responsible for the delayed delivery. The
cause could also have been the sender or recipient. This
resulted in an adjusted confidence interval, under which
PostNL did meet the 95% standard. The imposed fine was
cancelled and repaid in December 2025. The CBb ruling is
also relevant for subsequent years. For 2021, 2022, 2023 and
2024, the (re)assessment of facts and circumstances and any
decision on the imposition of fines remain with the ACM.
Revision of the EU Postal Service Directive
The European Commission plans to introduce the EU Delivery
Act in the fourth quarter of 2026. This legislation is expected
to replace the existing Postal Services Directive and the
Cross-Border Parcel Regulation. In November 2025, the
Commission launched a Call for Evidence to assess whether
the market recognises several key challenges, including the
sustainability of the USO, recipients’ rights, a level playing
field and cross-border parcel delivery. The Call for Evidence
outlines policy options ranging from maintaining the status
quo to extending regulation to the entire delivery market.
A more detailed public consultation on the future of the EU
postal and delivery services framework was launched by the
European Commission on 11 December 2025. PostNL is
closely monitoring these developments, engaging in
stakeholder dialogue and actively preparing for potential
implications for postal regulation and possible future
legislation on (cross-border) parcel delivery.
CBb's ruling on the Sandd takeover
On 2 December, the CBb ruled that PostNL’s appeal against
the ACM’s decision not to grant a permit for the takeover of
Sandd was unfounded. The ACM’s decision therefore remains
in force. The ruling clarifies the ACM's application of the
assessment framework to the situation as it existed six years
ago. The merger has been effective since 2019. At that time,
PostNL had permission from the Ministry of Economic Affairs
to merge. Although that decision was later annulled, there
was no unlawful situation at the time of the merger, as the
ACM also stated immediately after the ruling in a press
release. On 13 February 2026, the ACM announced that it will
launch an investigation into PostNL in relation to the Sandd
acquisition, following the aforementioned CBb ruling. We do
not believe a new investigation contributes to the necessary
progress and clarity in a sector that requires stability and
forward-looking decision-making for customers and
employees.
Other postal developments
PostNL aims to keep mail delivery accessible, reliable and
future-proof for everyone. In a shrinking postal market, a
level playing field is essential. PostNL considers that Spotta’s
delivery of personalised flyer packages qualifies as a postal
service and that Spotta should therefore comply with the
relevant obligations under postal legislation. The ACM
concluded that Spotta is not a postal transport company, as
the postal items are not offered by a third party but compiled
by Spotta itself, and because Spotta also collects the
addresses. PostNL appealed this decision at the CBb after the
court followed the ACM’s reasoning.
PostNL also filed an appeal with the Supreme Court regarding
the Rotterdam Waste Regulation. This regulation requires
customers to include a name, in addition to the address, on
Direct Mail sent to addresses in Rotterdam, leading
customers to avoid Rotterdam for Direct Mail campaigns.
Proceedings before the Supreme Court will continue in 2026.
Reducing physical labour risks
In 2024 and 2025, the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate
conducted investigations into physical workload in parcel
sorting centres. Following these investigations, the
Inspectorate initiated enforcement actions against several
major market players including, PostNL.
PostNL has made significant progress in recent years and has
accelerated the implementation of measures to reduce
physical strain. In the coming years, PostNL will continue to
PostNL Annual Report 2025
56
invest in and further develop automation and mechanisation
in parcel sorting centres in the Netherlands and Belgium. For
more information, refer to the Physical Workload programme
paragraph on page 227 in the sustainability statements. The
pace of implementation largely depends on developments in
automation and mechanisation, which PostNL will support to
the full extent possible. The comprehensive action plan
combines risk assessment, alignment with health and safety
objectives and continuous monitoring to deliver both
immediate and long-term improvements. PostNL regularly
informed the Inspectorate of progress.
Sustainability
PostNL is committed to reducing the environmental impact of
its activities. As government policies at all levels can either
support or hinder progress towards sustainability objectives,
we maintain regular contact with different public authorities
regarding the impact and effectiveness of measures aimed at
supporting the green transition. PostNL monitors regulatory
developments related to, for example, green fleets,
deforestation and packaging, to ensure compliance and
implementation.
Cybersecurity
For more information on cybersecurity, refer to the
Cybersecurity paragraph on page 78 in the Corporate
governance chapter.
Customs and e-commerce measures
In response to increasing volumes of parcels from China, the
European Commission plans to introduce an e-commerce
handling fee to compensate for rising customs costs. The
introduction of a €3 fee per parcel is planned for July 2026.
Further details remain subject to clarification. PostNL
recognises the importance of ensuring a level playing field,
strengthening product safety and modernising customs
operations, but effective and workable implementation is
essential. Key concerns for PostNL include the collection of
fees, the associated operational risks for PostNL as USO
provider, the administrative burden for postal operators and
the availability of sufficient implementation time.
Prior to the EU-wide announcement, several Member States
considered introducing such fees at a national level as early
as January 2026, including the Netherlands and Belgium. Both
countries have since decided to postpone national
implementation. Several other Member States are still
considering introduction or have recently implemented a
handling fee. For PostNL, it is essential that a level playing
field between Member States is maintained through
harmonised European-level implementation.
Content index
PostNL is actively involved in key industry associations across
the Benelux and Europe to represent our interests and
contribute to the development of the sector.
The Netherlands
PostNL is a member VNO-NCW and of Transport en Logistiek
Nederland (TLN), enabling us to engage on topics such as
mobility, sustainability and labour market developments.
PostNL is also a member of DDMA, the Dutch data-driven
marketing and sales association, as well as Thuiswinkel.org,
the Dutch e-commerce representative organisation. At a local
level, PostNL actively participates in The Hague Connected,
the network of large employers in The Hague.
Belgium
PostNL is affiliated with Febetra, TLV, UPTR and the
Werkgeversorganisatie, four organisations representing the
transport and logistics sector, supporting fair competition and
innovation. Furthermore, PostNL is board member of the
Belgian Courier association (BCA) and a member of the
Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VOKA), the
Central Economic Council (CRB), the Belgian e-commerce
representative Becom and the Belgian Cycle Logistics
Federation (BCLF).
Europe
PostNL participates in PostEurop, the association of European
postal operators, where PostNL collaborates on regulatory
developments, sustainability initiatives and cross-border
delivery solutions. PostNL is also a member of Ecommerce
Europe.
Governance
We encourage bold innovation powered by data,
technology and intelligence, ensuring we remain resilient
and well-governed in a dynamic environment. Testing
small and scaling when effective enables us to innovate
responsibly and with speed.
Cybersecurity and data integrity remain central,
supported by an AI-first mindset that safeguards our
operations and stakeholders. This section explains how
our governance framework supports responsible
decision-making and long-term value.
Report of the
Supervisory
Board
This Report of the Supervisory Board sets out the
manner in which the Supervisory Board fulfilled its
duties and responsibilities in 2025. PostNL's
organisational structure and remuneration report
forms part of the Report of the Supervisory Board
and is disclosed in the Corporate governance and
Remuneration report chapters.
9
PostNL Annual Report 2025
59
Report of the Supervisory Board
Reflecting on 2025 with Jan
Nooitgedagt
Jan-Nooitgedagt.jpg
A new Board of Management, a new strategy?
No, that would be too easy. As early as February 2025, it was
announced that changing market dynamics, and their impact
on our performance, underscored the need for an adjustment
to our strategy. At the same time, this created the opportunity
for the new Board of Management to define a renewed
strategy during the Capital Markets Day in September 2025,
together with the related medium-term financial ambitions. As
Supervisory Board, we have discussed the new strategy and
financial ambitions extensively in several sessions with the
Board of Management, as well as the associated
organisational changes. As the new strategy is already
comprehensively explained throughout this annual report, I
will not elaborate further on its individual elements. The
Supervisory Board fully supports the new strategy, which
aims to steer PostNL towards a future of sustainable growth
and innovation. We are delighted with the appointments of
Pim and Linde, who have already demonstrated to form a
strong Board of Management, capable of successfully
advancing the strategy. It is impressive to see them
performing so effectively in their new roles.
Looking back on 2025, how do you feel about the year and
PostNL’s performance and financial position?
As expected, the external environment remained difficult in
2025, as reflected throughout this annual report. As the
Supervisory Board, we believe that the Board of Management
has taken all necessary steps and demonstrated relentless
commitment to adapting operations and offerings with
ongoing attention for customers, while improving efficiency
and capacity utilisation. Against this backdrop, we are
pleased that PostNL delivered within its communicated
outlook for 2025. Normalised EBIT ended up at €53 million,
revenue increased by 2.2% to €3,324 million and parcel
volumes showed a gradual recovery in line with e-commerce
trends. Free cash flow of €(25) million remained within the
communicated range.
Notwithstanding these circumstances, there were clear
opportunities and many achievements to be proud of,
including the continued progress made in areas such as ESG.
Tangible progress was made on sustainability and people
ambitions, with the share of emission-free last-mile deliveries
increasing to 33%, further improvements in CO₂ efficiency
across the network and a modest rise in employee
engagement to 69%. PostNL successfully placed a €100
million Schuldschein, launched a new €300 million bond, and
completed a tender offer for its outstanding 2026 notes.
Furthermore, the company’s digital transformation continued
to progress and contributed positively to results. In addition,
through disciplined cash and balance sheet management, the
outlook for free cash flow and normalised comprehensive
income was achieved, and, thanks to the dedication and
commitment of our employees, the company delivered a
strong operational performance in the fourth quarter. The
favourable net promoter score (NPS) results reaffirm PostNL’s
strong competitive position and demonstrate our continued
commitment to customers, thereby supporting our strategic
direction. We remain fully focused on delivering our
Breakthrough 2028 ambition, as presented at the Capital
Markets Day. We aim to grow our business, create
sustainable long-term value, lead through innovation, and
make an impact that matters.
Given the challenging macroeconomic environment, the
Supervisory Board fully supports the Board of Management in
securing the company’s robust financial position, and the
measures taken to mitigate the impact from cost increases.
Throughout the year, we held in-depth and constructive
discussions with the Board of Management, particularly in
relation to business performance and financial results. The
balance sheet position, and consequently the financial
resilience of the company, was a recurring topic of
discussion, alongside considerations regarding the company’s
credit rating. As a Supervisory Board, we were particularly
proud of our people and our partners, who worked tirelessly
to ensure that we continued to deliver mail and parcels
responsibly, every day.
What is the Supervisory Board’s view on the future of mail?
The urgent need to transform the current unsustainable
business model of the Mail segment is clearly reflected in its
results. Structural trends, including ongoing volume decline,
the shift towards delivery within two days, and continued cost
increases, persist. The future of mail services has therefore
been a recurring topic of discussion at several Supervisory
Board meetings. We fully support the necessary and
unavoidable actions taken by the Board of Management to
safeguard a future-proof and financially sustainable postal
PostNL Annual Report 2025
60
service in the Netherlands, while continuing to provide
employment security for tens of thousands of people. We are
pleased with the Dutch government’s announcement to
extend delivery times through amendments to the USO under
the Postal Decree, supported by a majority of the House of
Representatives, which we regard as an important first step
towards a future-proof postal service.
Could you share some insights into other topics discussed
by the Supervisory Board?
Absolutely. We regularly discussed the company’s new
strategy, as well as PostNL’s competitive position, market
dynamics, competition and market share, in close dialogue
with the Board of Management. In June, we held our annual
strategic plan update with the Board of Management and the
Executive Committee, including in-depth sessions on the
future of Mail and the E-commerce strategy. In addition, the
Supervisory Board was involved in discussions on the asset-
light business models, the development of international
opportunities, and the status and acceleration of the OOH
strategy. In the context of our digital transformation and
accelerating digitalisation across the company, we frequently
discussed PostNL's IT strategy, the speed of digitalisation, the
potential use and impact of AI, and cybersecurity with the
Board of Management, the Executive Committee, and senior
management. We also recognise the importance of
compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) and digital ethics.
Furthermore, changes in customer and consumer needs and
expectations, as well as the speed at which these changes
occur, remain recurring topics in Supervisory Board
discussions. Throughout 2025, the Supervisory Board was
regularly informed and engaged on initiatives launched by
PostNL to further enhance customer value, and received
updates on the development of digital KPIs and investments in
digitalisation. A key indicator for PostNL is NPS, which serves
as an important measure of customer satisfaction and a core
KPI for the company. The Supervisory Board was kept
informed of NPS developments and measurement outcomes
within PostNL and will continue to receive regular updates on
future NPS results.
And how is the Supervisory Board involved in ESG
developments?
ESG remains a key topic, encompassing a wide range of
dimensions relating to the environment, the responsibility
companies have towards their employees, their impact on
society, and governance. ESG is a fundamental element of
PostNL’s strategic development and will continue to be so.
Since 2023, the Supervisory Board has established an ESG
Committee to discuss and challenge dilemmas arising from
the balance between ESG ambitions and financial feasibility.
In terms of environmental progress during 2025, PostNL
continued to steadily reduce its environmental footprint, and
improved the average carbon efficiency of its own fleet
compared with 2024. The Supervisory Board discussed the
importance of tackling climate change and the environmental
goals set by the company with the Board of Management and
senior management, including the underlying plans on how to
reach those goals. Furthermore, with PostNL as one of the
largest employers in the Netherlands, the social dimension of
ESG is of particular importance to PostNL. The Supervisory
Board was closely involved in developments connected to the
scarcity of labour and absenteeism, the actions taken by the
company and the impact these issues have on the company’s
operations and finances. In June, an HR deep dive was held,
focusing on programmes aimed at staffing mail deliverers and
managing employability. The Supervisory Board also
discussed compliance as a whole, labour conditions along our
value chain, employee engagement, diversity, equity and
inclusion (DEI), and PostNL's culture. On the governance side,
we remained focused on being transparent, responsible and
accountable. PostNL has clear code of conduct and
acknowledges the importance of stakeholder dialogue.
Furthermore, through the Audit Committee, the Supervisory
Board is continuously updated on the progress the company
is making in relation to the reporting obligations of the EU
Taxonomy and the CSRD. In addition, the Supervisory Board
discussed the setting of targets for the Board of Management
and senior management to promote gender diversity, as well
as succession planning, through the Nomination Committee.
Several members of the Supervisory Board also met with the
daily management of the Central Works Council, and regular
informal sessions were held between Supervisory Board
members, PostNL employees and senior management to gain
insights into perspectives across the organisation. The
Supervisory Board members also maintained regular contact
with the members of the Executive Committee. Finally,
performance reviews were conducted with Pim and Linde.
How do you see the future?
2025 was a year of continuing challenging circumstances with
rising costs, a tight labour market, geopolitical volatility,
evolving consumer behaviour and client concentration. And a
further pressure on postal services. 2026 will be about
executing on our strategic actions and taking further action to
safeguard a future-proof and financially viable postal service
whilst awaiting the decisions from government. We are
confident that the Board of Management will continue to
make the right decisions and take appropriate actions to
steer the company forward, supported by talented and highly
motivated employees and management teams, and that
PostNL is well positioned to deliver. As I will be stepping down
as Chair and member of the Supervisory Board following the
AGM in April 2026, Koos Timmermans will succeed me as
Chair. This therefore marks my final reflection on the past
year. I have taken great pleasure in fulfilling this role and am
fully confident that the Supervisory Board is in safe and
capable hands under Koos’s leadership.
In closing, I would like to once again thank Herna Verhagen
for her dedication in her many years as CEO of PostNL, and
once again thank our people for their hard work and
dedication throughout 2025. I also want to thank our other
stakeholders for their trust in PostNL and for their
constructive feedback, which helps us to continuously
improve how we deliver on our purpose and our strategy.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
61
Board structure, composition and
responsibilities
At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on 15
April 2025, shareholders reappointed Nienke Meijer and Koos
Timmermans as members of the Supervisory Board for a
further term of four years. For the Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders to be held in April 2026, the Supervisory Board
has nominated Hannie Vlug for reappointment as a member
of the Supervisory Board for a four-year term and has
nominated Natasja Laheij for appointment as a member of the
Supervisory Board for a four-year term. Jan Nooitgedagt will
step down as Chair and member of the Supervisory Board,
with Koos Timmermans proposed for appointment as the new
Chair. As at year-end 2025, the Supervisory Board consisted
of eight members, seven of whom (88%) qualified as
independent within the meaning of the Supervisory Board’s
by-laws and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Three
members were female (37.5%).
Jan Nooitgedagt (1953, Dutch, male) – Chair
Jan Nooitgedagt was appointed member of the Supervisory
Board on 17 April 2018 and Chair of the Supervisory Board
on 19 June 2018. His current term expires in 2026. Jan
qualifies as independent within the meaning of the by-laws of
the Supervisory Board and the Dutch Corporate Governance
Code. He holds one position as referred to in article 2:142a of
the Dutch Civil Code*.
Marike van Lier Lels (1959, Dutch, female) – Vice chair
Marike van Lier Lels was appointed member of the
Supervisory Board on 16 April 2019. Her current term expires
in 2027. Marike qualifies as independent within the meaning of
the by-laws of the Supervisory Board and the Dutch
Corporate Governance Code. She holds one position as
referred to in article 2:142a of the Dutch Civil Code*.
Jeroen Hoencamp (1966, Dutch, male)
Jeroen Hoencamp was appointed member of the Supervisory
Board on 14 April 2020. His current term expires in 2028.
Jeroen qualifies as independent within the meaning of the by-
laws of the Supervisory Board and the Dutch Corporate
Governance Code. He holds one position as referred to in
article 2:142a of the Dutch Civil Code*.
Nienke Meijer (1965, Dutch, female)
Nienke Meijer was appointed member of the Supervisory
Board on 20 April 2021. Her current term expires in 2029.
Nienke is member of the supervisory board of Achmea, and
chair of the board of Foundation De Volkskrant. Nienke
qualifies as independent within the meaning of the bylaws of
the Supervisory Board and the Dutch Corporate Governance
Code. She holds two positions as referred to in article 2:142a
of the Dutch Civil Code*.
Ad Melkert (1956, Dutch, male)
Ad Melkert was appointed member of the Supervisory Board
on 14 April 2020. His current term expires in 2028. His
positions include chair of the Dutch Association of Hospitals,
the supervisory board of Florence and the supervisory board
of De Alliantie, and Extraordinary Councillor at the Council of
State. Ad qualifies as independent within the meaning of the
by-laws of the Supervisory Board and the Dutch Corporate
Governance Code. He holds one position as referred to in
article 2:142a of the Dutch Civil Code*.
Martin Plavec (1988, Czech, male)
Martin Plavec was appointed member of the Supervisory
Board on 18 April 2023. His current term expires in 2027.
Martin is member of the supervisory board of Metro AG,
member of the executive board of DODO Group, investment
manager at VESA Equity Investment and investment associate
at Czech Media Invest. Martin qualifies as non-independent
within the meaning of the by-laws of the Supervisory Board
and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. He holds one
position as referred to in article 2:142a of the Dutch Civil
Code*.
Koos Timmermans (1960, Dutch, male)
Koos Timmermans was appointed member of the Supervisory
Board on 20 April 2021. His current term expires in 2029. He
is a member of the supervisory board of NN Group, FMO and
KWF (Dutch Cancer Society), and chair of the supervisory
board of Port of Rotterdam Authority. Koos qualifies as
independent within the meaning of the by-laws of the
Supervisory Board and the Dutch Corporate Governance
Code. He holds five positions as referred to in article 2:142a
of the Dutch Civil Code*.
Hannie Vlug (1964, Dutch, female)
Hannie Vlug was appointed member of the Supervisory Board
on 19 April 2022. Her current term expires in 2026. She is
chair of the Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs
Bedrijfsleven and member of the supervisory board of the
Groene Hart Ziekenhuis. Hannie qualifies as independent
within the meaning of the by-laws of the Supervisory Board
and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. She holds one
position as referred to in article 2:142a of the Dutch Civil
Code*.
*In the Appendix: Glossary and definitions, this item is defined as the
“number of supervisory positions”.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
62
Competences Supervisory Board members
The following matrix provides an overview of the
competences of the Supervisory Board members in line with
the profile as drawn up by the Supervisory Board.
a. International and national developments in markets in
which PostNL operates and the relevant products and
technologies, particularly in the areas of:
1. Digital & marketing and innovation
2. IT and cyber security
3. Logistics
b. International/national developments in government policy
and legislation, public affairs and tax
c. Financial administration, accounting policies and internal
controls of listed multinationals
d. International and national acquisitions and joint ventures
e. ESG Developments
1. Sustainability
2. Social and political conditions in all key countries where
PostNL operates, with specific knowledge of and
attention to the interests of employees and HR
processes
3. (Corporate) Governance
f. Capital markets & Investor relations.
Competences matrix Supervisory Board PostNL
Competences *
A1
A2
A3
B
C
D
E1
E2
E3
F
Indep.
**
Jan Nooitgedagt (m)
¢
¢
ò
¢
ò
ò
ò
¢
ò
ò
Marike van Lier Lels (f)
ò
¢
ò
ò
ò
ò
ò
¢
ò
ò
Ad Melkert (m)
¢
¢
¢
ò
¢
¢
¢
ò
ò
¢
Jeroen Hoencamp (m)
ò
ò
¢
¢
¢
ò
¢
ò
ò
ò
Nienke Meijer (f)
ò
ò
ò
ò
¢
¢
ò
ò
ò
¢
Koos Timmermans (m)
ò
ò
¢
ò
ò
ò
¢
¢
ò
ò
Hannie Vlug (f)
¢
¢
¢
ò
¢
¢
ò
ò
ò
¢
Martin Plavec (m)
ò
ò
ò
ò
ò
ò
¢
¢
ò
ò
¢ Has sufficient/advanced knowledge, skills and experience in the area and can make a balanced independent judgement on the matter
ò Is in addition considered an expert in relation to previous or current roles
* Competences Supervisory Board PostNL
** Independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code 2022
PostNL Annual Report 2025
63
Committees of the Supervisory Board
PostNL’s Supervisory Board has an Audit Committee,
Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee and ESG
Committee. The committees have an advisory role based on a
mandate from the Supervisory Board. Only the Supervisory
Board has decision-making powers. Each committee reports
its deliberations, findings and recommendations after each
meeting to the full Supervisory Board. The committees
operate pursuant to terms of reference set by the
Supervisory Board in accordance with the law and the Code.
The terms of reference are available on our website.
In the description of the committees below the composition of
each committee is mentioned per the date of this report.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists and advises the Supervisory
Board and prepares the decision-making of the Supervisory
Board on the monitoring of the integrity and quality of the
financial reporting by the company and on the effectiveness
of the internal risk management and control systems of the
company. The Audit Committee focuses inter alia on the
supervision of the Board of Management concerning (i) the
integrity of the company’s financial and corporate
responsibility reporting (including but not limited to the choice
of accounting policies, application and assessment of the
effects of new rules, information about the handling of
estimated items in the financial statements and forecasts); (ii)
the external auditor's qualifications and independence,
remuneration and non-audit services for the company; (iii) the
relationship with the external auditor and the compliance by
PostNL with the recommendations from the external auditor
and the internal audit function; (iv) the company’s financing; (v)
the company's tax strategy; (vi) the application of information
and communication technology by the company, including the
risks related to cybersecurity, and; (vii) compliance with
relevant legislation and codes of conduct.
The Audit Committee consists of at least three members. All
members of the Audit Committee are members of the
Supervisory Board. A member of the Audit Committee shall
not simultaneously serve on the Audit Committee of more
than two other companies unless the Supervisory Board
determines that this simultaneous service would not impair
the ability of such a member to serve effectively on the Audit
Committee.
Each member of the Audit Committee must be financially
literate and at least one member of the Audit Committee shall
be a financial expert, with relevant knowledge and expertise
of financial accounting and reporting for listed companies or
other large companies.
At the date of this report, the Audit Committee consisted of
Koos Timmermans (Chair), Jan Nooitgedagt, Marike van Lier
Lels, Martin Plavec and Ad Melkert.
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee assists the Supervisory Board on
matters relating to the appointment procedures for members
of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management and
procedures to secure adequate succession of members of
the Board of Management and the assessment of such
candidates, and with assessing the size and composition of
the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management. The
Nomination Committee prepares proposals for nominations,
appointments and reappointments. At least once a year, the
size and composition of the Supervisory Board and the Board
of Management and the functioning of the individual members
are assessed by the Nomination Committee and discussed by
the Supervisory Board.
The Nomination Committee consists of at least three
members, including the chair (or vice chair) of the Supervisory
Board. All members of the Nomination Committee are
members of the Supervisory Board and are independent
within the meaning of the by-laws of the Supervisory Board
and the applicable corporate governance rules.
At the date of this report, the Nomination Committee
consisted of Jan Nooitgedagt (Chair), Marike van Lier Lels,
Jeroen Hoencamp and Koos Timmermans.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee proposes at least once every
four years a clear and understandable remuneration policy
for the Board of Management and Supervisory Board to be
pursued (such policies to be adopted by the General Meeting
of Shareholders). It proposes the individual remuneration of
the members of the Board of Management, prepared in
accordance with the applicable remuneration policy, sets out
proposals for common performance targets for the members
of the Board of Management for the forthcoming three-year
period, prepares the remuneration report, reviews the
granting of company shares or options for company shares to
other senior management pursuant to the Company’s share-
based incentive plans, and prepares a clear and
understandable proposal regarding the remuneration of the
Supervisory Board in accordance with the remuneration
policy.
The Remuneration Committee consists of at least three
members. The Chair of the Remuneration Committee may not
simultaneously serve as Chair of the Supervisory Board. All
members of the Remuneration Committee are members of
the Supervisory Board and qualify as independent within the
meaning of the by-laws of the Supervisory Board and the
applicable corporate governance rules. Members of the
Supervisory Board appointed pursuant to the enhanced right
of recommendation of the Central Works Council become, by
operation of law, members of the Remuneration Committee.
The other members of the Remuneration Committee are
appointed by, and may be replaced at any time by, the
Supervisory Board.
At the date of this report, the Remuneration Committee
consisted of Ad Melkert (Chair), Hannie Vlug, Koos
Timmermans and Nienke Meijer.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
64
ESG Committee
The ESG Committee assists the Supervisory Board on matters
where these relate to and/or concern the strategic areas of
ESG and what these mean for PostNL, including but not
limited to (a) the environment, including carbon impact,
renewable energy and biodiversity, (b) social sustainability,
including (i) human rights, (ii) fair wages and (iii) community/
stakeholder engagement, (c) relationship with stakeholders in
relation to ESG, (d) periodic review and evaluation of, and
progress against, the long-term strategic objectives of PostNL
in relation to ESG and (e) external ESG developments relevant
for PostNL and its reputation. In addition, the ESG Committee
shall assist the Supervisory Board with generally monitoring
and advising on relevant ESG developments in order to be
able to advise and challenge the Board of Management with
respect to ESG on a regular basis and advise on any other
action to be taken by the Supervisory Board in the context of
ESG. Explicitly excluded from the tasks / responsibilities of
the ESG Committee is the setting of ESG-related KPIs and
connected target setting, the sustainability reporting, and all
other aspects which are part of the responsibility of the Audit
Committee.
The ESG Committee consists of at least three members. All
members of the ESG Committee are members of the
Supervisory Board.
At the date of this report, the ESG Committee consisted of
Nienke Meijer (Chair), Hannie Vlug, Martin Plavec and Jeroen
Hoencamp.
Information by external parties
The Supervisory Board and its committees may hire
independent advisors as it deems appropriate. There is an
agreed procedure for members of the Supervisory Board to
obtain independent professional advice paid for by the
company, if so required.
Meetings of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board met six times in person and held six
digital meetings in 2025. All meetings were attended by the
full Board of Management, except for agenda items reserved
exclusively for the Supervisory Board. In addition, a dinner to
discuss the self-evaluation was held in February, a dinner
featuring an in-depth discussion on HR matters was held in
June, and an informal dinner involving members of the
Supervisory Board, the Board of Management and the
Executive Committee took place in December. The individual
attendance records and overall attendance percentages per
meeting are presented in the table below.
In addition to the topics mentioned in the Q&A with the Chair,
the Supervisory Board discussed a wide range of other topics
during the year. These included developments in PostNL’s
business segments, financial and market developments,
regulatory developments, and progress on and refinement of
the Strategic Plan. An overview of these topics is set out
below.
Business
In-depth sessions were held, involving internal and external
experts, on yield measures, the future of mail, digital
developments, the SME proposition, e-commerce
developments, OOH solutions, and the expansion of asset-
light platforms into new markets. In addition, the competitive
position, competitive dynamics, market share, cost-saving
initiatives and growth opportunities were discussed on a
regular basis. The Supervisory Board also discussed potential
acquisitions and divestments.
Financial
Financial topics discussed included the 2024 annual results
and the 2025 quarterly and half-year results, including
investor feedback following management roadshows,
executive remuneration, and the 2026 budget. Further topics
included PostNL’s financial position, the €100 million
Schuldschein placement, the issuance of €300 million notes,
and the tender offer for the outstanding 2026 notes. In
addition, the financial ambitions linked to the new strategy, as
presented during the Capital Markets Day, were discussed,
including (interim) dividend targets and PostNL’s Dividend
Policy. Progress on the implementation of the CSRD was
discussed extensively within both the Audit Committee and
the Supervisory Board.
Non-financial
The Supervisory Board fulfils an oversight role with respect to
non-financial matters, supported by PostNL’s internal audit
function, which monitors the non-financial governance
structure and reporting. In addition, the Supervisory Board
discussed various non-financial topics, including the
company’s culture, pensions, career and management
development, the reputation of PostNL, customer satisfaction
and NPS, and the relationship between the Supervisory Board
and the Board of Management with the works councils and
trade unions. Changes to the composition of the Executive
Committee were also discussed. The Supervisory Board
received updates on feedback from and interactions with
investors and analysts, as well as developments in the
Company’s share price, analyst recommendations, and
changes in the shareholder base.
Risk, compliance & IT
Topics discussed include IT developments and cyber security,
business continuity and compliance in general. Furthermore,
the Supervisory Board discussed the preparation of the AGM
and compliance with the Code. Twice a year, the Supervisory
Board reviews a litigation overview, describing claims
(including tax-related claims) against PostNL and litigation
involving PostNL, subject to a reporting threshold of
€250,000.
The Supervisory Board also receives biannual updates on
integrity, including the fraud and whistle-blower report. The
outcomes of the risk management process, the main risks
identified and the mitigation plans in place were shared with
both the Audit Committee and the Supervisory Board. A
description of PostNL’s major risks and its risk management
PostNL Annual Report 2025
65
framework can be found in the Risk and opportunity
management chapter. The annual internal audit plan was also
discussed, as were the quarterly internal audit reports.
Auditor
In addition, the 2024 auditor’s report prepared by PostNL’s
external auditor, KPMG, and the 2024 Annual Report
(including the Financial Statements and Non-Financial
Performance Statements) were discussed. In 2025, KPMG
reported on its overall assessment of internal control, with a
particular focus on IT and ESG-related CSRD reporting. KPMG
also outlined relevant developments, views and observations
related to the VOR, and provided recommendations for
further improvements to internal control. These observations
were linked to the soft-controls framework and were based
on interviews, on-site observations and available
documentation. The audit work performed by KPMG was
carried out on site, with conversations and discussions taking
place in a co-operative and constructive manner. In light of its
role as external auditor, KPMG attends at least one
Supervisory Board-only meeting each year.
Supervisory Board composition and discussions
The Supervisory Board discussed its composition and that of
its committees and the profile of the Supervisory Board. In
this context, the search for a new Supervisory Board member
and subsequent nomination of Natasja Laheij as new member
per the AGM in April 2026 were discussed on a regular basis.
More details about the Supervisory Board can be found in the
Corporate governance chapter. During 2025, all regular
meetings between the Supervisory Board and the Board of
Management were held face to face, while additional
meetings were predominantly held digitally. Overall, the
quality of the meetings was good and constructive. Building
on earlier evaluations, the Supervisory Board ensures that
sufficient time is reserved for Supervisory Board-only
discussions, by including this as a recurring agenda item at
each meeting. Further information on the 2025 evaluation of
the Supervisory Board is included in the Evaluation of the
Supervisory Board section.
Meetings of the committees of the
Supervisory Board
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee met five times in 2025. In general, all
meetings are attended by the CFO, director Audit & Security,
director Group Finance, director Accounting & Reporting and
the external auditor, KPMG. The CEO attends the Audit
Committee meetings when the half-year and full-year results
are being discussed. The chair of the Audit Committee
regularly meets the external auditor without management
present. Additionally, the director Audit & Security regularly
meets the chairman of the Audit Committee without
management, and meets the chairman of the Supervisory
Board at least once a year.
At each meeting, the Audit Committee discusses the results of
and developments in PostNL’s business segments, as well as
the progress in relation to reporting under the CSRD,
including the outcome of the DMA. In 2025, the Audit
Committee discussed PostNL’s full-year 2024 results, the
outlook for 2025, the 2025 first-quarter, half-year and third-
quarter results, and the related press releases, and the
preliminary 2026 budget.
In addition, the €100 million Schuldschein placement, the
issuance of a €300 million bond, and the tender offer for the
outstanding 2026 notes were discussed. Furthermore, the
Audit Committee reviewed the Eumedion, VEB and VBDO
focus letters, the risk paragraph, and the quantity and quality
of the explanatory notes in the financial reports included in
the 2024 Annual Report, as well as the preparation of
PostNL’s 2025 Annual Report. In addition, the Audit
Committee was presented with a further analysis of the
Verklaring Omtrent Risicobeheersing (VOR), the newly
incorporated risk management statement required under the
Code.
The main financial factors influencing the strategic plan and
PostNL’s financial performance, including volume
developments, pricing, cost savings, competition and market
share, regulatory developments, economic developments,
pensions, and employee conditions, were discussed. The
Audit Committee also discussed the development of working
capital, the strategy of Parcels, development of cost savings
at Mail in the Netherlands, cost savings at Head Office,
Parcels and Digital, (interim) dividend and dividend policy, the
capital allocation framework, and the relevant 2025 tax
matters, including matters such as transparency, tax planning,
and tax risk management. Cybersecurity and IT, including
digital ethics, were also recurring items on the agenda of the
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee discussed reports on
internal control and risk management, and reported its
deliberations and findings to the Supervisory Board in
connection to its assessment of the substantiation of the
evaluation by the Board of Management on the effectiveness
of the design and operation of the internal risk management
and control systems. Reports from the internal audit function
and the external auditor, including the internal audit and
KPMG's audit plan and KPMG’s board reports, were
discussed regularly. The Audit Committee receives and
discusses half-yearly updates on integrity issues (including the
fraud & whistle-blower report), claims and litigation,
compliance and any actions taken by management, if
applicable. No material fraud-related incidents were reported
in 2025.
The external audit fees were discussed and approved, and
the evaluation of the performance of KPMG over the financial
year 2024 was discussed, as well as the (terms of the)
contract extension with KPMG and the lead audit partner
rotation schedule. Furthermore, contemplated changes in the
laws and regulations governing financial reporting, the quality
assessment and performance of PostNL’s internal audit
function, and the development of the actions to mitigate the
deficiencies reported by the external auditor and internal
auditor function over 2024, were also discussed. In relation to
changes in laws and regulations governing financial reporting,
the reporting obligations of the EU Taxonomy and the status
of the reporting obligations of the CSRD, as well as the role of
the Audit Committee, were addressed and discussed.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
66
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee met four times in 2025. The
Nomination Committee discussed the overall composition and
profile of the Supervisory Board and its committees, as well
as succession planning for the Board of Management. In
connection with the planned stepping down of CEO Herna
Verhagen, the Committee discussed the appointment of Pim
as her successor and the appointment of Linde as the new
CFO. In addition, the Committee discussed the composition of
the Executive Committee.
The Nomination Committee also discussed succession
planning and talent management covering the Supervisory
Board, the Board of Management and senior management, as
well as diversity, equity and inclusion within the Company. In
this context, the Nomination Committee discussed ambitious
yet appropriate target figures for the Board of Management
and senior management to promote gender diversity.
Furthermore, the Committee led the search for a new
Supervisory Board member, resulting in the subsequent
nomination by the Supervisory Board of Natasja Laheij.
Remuneration Committee
In 2025, the Remuneration Committee met five times. The
Remuneration Committee discussed the remuneration
policies for the Board of Management and the Supervisory
Board, and reviewed the remuneration of the members of the
Board of Management, the Executive Committee and senior
management. The Committee also discussed PostNL’s
remuneration policies more broadly and the preparation of
the discussion of the Remuneration Policy at the 2025 AGM.
As in previous years, investor feedback was sought regarding
their views on the remuneration report included in the 2024
Annual Report. Further details on the discussions held by the
Remuneration Committee, as well as on the remuneration of
the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board, are
provided in the Remuneration report chapter. This chapter
includes a detailed explanation of the Remuneration Policy,
the actual remuneration awarded, and the relationship
between remuneration and performance of the members of
the Board of Management for 2025, and also provides further
insight into the remuneration policies as adopted at the AGM
in 2024.
ESG Committee
The ESG Committee met three times in 2025. The ESG
Committee discussed the ESG strategy of PostNL and the
governance structure set up in relation to ESG. At each
meeting, the ESG Committee discussed several key
challenges and dilemmas in relation to ESG topics, including
the balance between further reducing PostNL's environmental
footprint on the one hand and meeting market expectations
on the other. In addition, in 2025 the ESG Committee,
together with the Audit Committee, carried out a joint
evaluation of PostNL’s first CSRD-compliant annual report.
PostNL Attendance Supervisory Board members
Name
Supervisory Board
(incl. calls and
digital meetings)
Audit Committee
Nomination
Committee
Remuneration
Committee
ESG Committee
Jan Nooitgedagt
12/12
5/5
4/4
-
-
Marike van Lier Lels
12/12
5/5
4/4
-
-
Ad Melkert
12/12
5/5
-
5/5
-
Jeroen Hoencamp
11/12
-
4/4
-
3/3
Nienke Meijer
11/12
-
-
5/5
3/3
Koos Timmermans
11/12
5/5
3/3
4/5
-
Hannie Vlug
12/12
-
-
5/5
2/3
Martin Plavec
12/12
5/5
-
-
3/3
Overall attendance rate
97%
100%
100%
95%
92%
PostNL Annual Report 2025
67
Evaluation of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board is responsible for the quality of its
own performance. As such, the Supervisory Board evaluates
and discusses its functioning and that of its committees and
members annually, and at least every four years with the help
of an external evaluator. For 2025, the evaluation was done
with the help of an external evaluator. The evaluation process
consisted of completing an online questionnaire providing
personal insights and views on Supervisory Board and
Committee effectiveness, completing an online peer review
questionnaire and virtual interviews with each member of the
Supervisory Board and Board of Management conducted by
the external evaluator. The results have been presented to
the Supervisory Board as a report on the overall
effectiveness of the Supervisory Board and its Committees,
based on overall performance, strengths and development
areas, identified areas for improvement and
recommendations.
In 2025, the Supervisory Board reflected positively on its
overall functioning and effectiveness. The Supervisory Board
continues to operate in a constructive, open, and professional
manner, with discussions characterized by transparency,
meaningful engagement, and room for differing viewpoints.
Board processes and meetings are viewed as well-structured
and effective. The relationship between the Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board remains healthy and
based on mutual trust, with good alignment on the key
challenges and priorities for PostNL.
The Supervisory Board is satisfied with the quality, clarity,
and timeliness of information provided by Management. The
Board of Management continues to demonstrate
professionalism, dedication, and openness, supporting
effective supervision and enabling thorough discussions on
strategic, operational, and people‑related matters.
Deep‑dives and bilateral interactions with the Board of
Management and other leaders within the organisation are
viewed as valuable in strengthening the Supervisory Board’s
understanding of the business and its talent. At the same time,
the Board acknowledges the importance of further
strengthening its role in providing challenge.
In 2025, the Supervisory Board devoted considerable time to
strategic topics, including PostNL’s long‑term direction and
the balance between addressing short‑term pressures and
shaping the company’s future. The Breakthrough 2028
strategy remain well supported. Scenario planning and risk
management are well established, and the Supervisory Board
appreciates Board of Management’s proactive stance in
navigating a dynamic and competitive environment. At the
same time, the Supervisory Board notes that the balance
between addressing short‑term pressures and pursuing
long‑term opportunities remains a challenge.
The Supervisory Board recognises that the organisation
operates in a shifting market with increasing complexity. It
therefore underlines the importance of maintaining focus on
core priorities, ensuring execution at a high level, and
continuing to explore opportunities for innovation, efficiency,
and data‑driven decision‑making. The ongoing development
of the parcels and mail businesses, as well as broader
industry developments, remain key areas of attention.
People and culture continue to feature prominently on the
Supervisory Board’s agenda. The Board values the
organisation’s commitment, cohesiveness, and strong values,
as well as the increased exposure to talent across different
levels of leadership. The Supervisory Board notes the
progress made in strengthening the performance culture and
supports ongoing investment in leadership development and
succession planning. The organisation’s ability to attract and
retain diverse talent in a competitive market remains an
important focus area.
Looking ahead, the Supervisory Board acknowledges the
importance of continued renewal and development within the
Supervisory Board itself. Upcoming changes in composition
will require careful attention to preserving a strong mix of
skills, experience, and perspectives, in line with the needs of
the business. The Supervisory Board also recognises the
importance of ongoing reflection on its own dynamics,
including how it can continue to balance support and
challenge in an effective manner.
Finally, the Supervisory Board remains committed to fulfilling
its duties with due regard for all stakeholders and in the
context of PostNL’s public mandate. The broader regulatory
and market environment continues to evolve, and the
Supervisory Board underscores the importance of continued
reflection on the long‑term implications of these constraints
and on how the organisation can best position itself for
sustainable success amid evolving market circumstances.
The outcome of the evaluation will be followed up in 2026.
Concluding remarks
We observed that 2025 continued to be a year characterised
by challenging circumstances, including rising costs, a tight
labour market, geopolitical volatility, evolving consumer
behaviour, and client concentration, as well as further
pressure on postal services. Looking ahead, 2026 will focus
on executing the new strategy and taking additional actions to
safeguard a future-proof and financially viable postal service,
while awaiting decisions from government. We are confident
that our highly motivated people and strong management
teams are well equipped to address the challenges ahead.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of
Management, the Executive Committee and all other PostNL
employees worldwide for their continued commitment and
dedication throughout the year. We look ahead to 2026 with
confidence.
Additional information
More information can be found in the Corporate governance
and the Remuneration report chapters, which are deemed to
be incorporated by reference here.
The Hague, the Netherlands, 23 February 2026
14_Corporate governance.png
Corporate
governance
In this chapter we cover corporate governance-
related topics of PostNL, including our board
structure, composition and responsibilities, policies
and procedures and ethics and compliance.
10
PostNL Annual Report 2025
69
Corporate governance
PostNL N.V. is a limited liability company listed on Euronext
Amsterdam and governed by Dutch corporate law. PostNL
has a two-tier governance structure with a Board of
Management entrusted with executive management under the
supervision of an independent Supervisory Board. PostNL is a
so-called large company (structuurvennootschap). The large
company regime provides for a legal framework, which
determines the corporate management structure as well as
the powers and duties of the Boards.
Board structure, composition and
responsibilities
Board of Management
The Board of Management is responsible for the day-to-day
management of PostNL. It holds collective responsibility for
defining, implementing, and continuously evaluating our
mission, vision, strategy, objectives, and corporate culture.
This includes oversight of our Code of Conduct, group
policies, and procedures, such as our whistleblowing policy
and anti-corruption and anti-bribery procedures. Additionally,
the Board manages the company’s risk profile as defined by
our strategic direction, the company’s financing structure,
non-financial policies, external communication, and ensures
compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
By enforcing our group policies and procedures across the
entire value chain, the Board of Management ensures a solid
foundation for ethical business conduct. This approach
mitigates potential regulatory, legal, and reputational risks
arising from misconduct and reinforces our corporate culture.
The Board of Management acts in the best interests of
PostNL, with a focus on sustainable long-term value creation.
In doing so, it carefully considers the interests of all
stakeholders and is dedicated to leading the company in a
transparent manner.
The Board of Management performs its activities under the
supervision of the Supervisory Board. It informs the
Supervisory Board of significant developments and discusses,
inter alia, risk management, internal control, integrity and
compliance systems with the Supervisory Board and its Audit
Committee.
The Supervisory Board conducts an annual assessment of the
performance of the Board of Management, including its
individual members. The outcomes of this evaluation are
discussed, particularly in the context of succession planning
for members of the Board of Management. Additionally, the
Board of Management undertakes a self-assessment of its
collective performance as well as that of its individual
members.
Specific staff departments – Audit & Security, Legal, Tax,
Procurement & Services, Human Resources, Investor
Relations, Treasury, Public Affairs, Corporate Strategy,
Communication and Finance – support the Board of
Management and the business segments in the performance
of their duties and ensure compliance with applicable laws
and regulations.
The Board of Management incorporated the following bodies
to ensure compliance with applicable corporate governance
requirements: a Disclosure Committee and an Integrity
Committee.
The Disclosure Committee advises and assists the Board of
Management in ensuring compliance with regulations relating
to the publication of price-sensitive information. The
Disclosure Committee is composed of the CFO, director
Legal, director Communication, Investor Relations, and the
corporate secretary. The Disclosure Committee reports
directly to the Board of Management. The terms of reference
of the Disclosure Committee can be found on our website.
The Integrity Committee advises and assists the Board of
Management in developing, implementing and monitoring
group policies aimed at enhancing integrity and ethical
behaviour and at preventing irregularities, misconduct and
fraud. The Integrity Committee oversees investigations based
on reports of possible breaches under our Code of Conduct
and related policies. More information on integrity and the
Integrity Committee can be found later in this chapter.
Members of the Board of Management are appointed and can
be suspended or dismissed by the Supervisory Board. A
decision by the Supervisory Board to dismiss a member of the
Board of Management can only be taken after the General
Meeting of Shareholders has been consulted on the intended
dismissal.
Further details on the appointment and dismissal of members
of the Board of Management can be found in our articles of
association, which are available on our website. The by-laws
of the Board of Management also can be found on our
At year-end 2025, the Board of Management consisted of two
members: the chief executive officer (CEO) Pim Berendsen
and the chief financial officer (CFO) Linde Jansen.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
70
Pim Berendsen (1973, Dutch, male) – Chief Executive Officer
Pim Berendsen became chief executive officer on 15 April
2025. Prior to this, Pim had served as member of the Board of
Management since 18 April 2018. Pim Berendsen joined
PostNL and its legal predecessors in 2000 and went on to
hold various positions, including Financial Director and,
successively, Managing Director of the Data and Document
Management unit, Financial Director of Euromail, and
Manager of Strategy and M&A at Cendris. Between 2013 and
2015, he was director of corporate development at Van
Gansewinkel Group before returning to PostNL in 2015 to
become a member of the Executive Committee, responsible
for international, M&A and growth. He started his career as
an international tax adviser at Arthur Andersen.
Pim Berendsen is responsible for corporate strategy, public
affairs, communications, corporate responsibility, human
resources and internal audit. He also is responsible for E-
commerce, Mail in the Netherlands, Platforms and IT.
In addition, he is chair of the board of advice of Endeit
Investment Fund, chair of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, non-
executive member of the board of Whistl, non-executive
member of the board of Oranje Fonds and a member of the
executive committee and general board of the Confederation
of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW).
Pim Berendsen holds no positions as referred to in article
2:132a of the Dutch Civil Code. This article is described as
"number of supervisory positions" in Appendix Glossary and
definitions.
Linde Jansen (1981, Dutch, female) – Chief Financial Officer
Linde Jansen joined Heineken in 2007, holding a variety of
leadership roles in finance, enhancing financial processes and
played a pivotal role in transformation initiatives, business
strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and supply chain
optimisation. After 18 years, she concluded her tenure as
Director of Financial & ESG Reporting, where she led the
global implementation of CSRD.
Her career began in 2004 as an auditor at PwC, where she
earned her chartered accountant title. During that time, she
also served as a teacher at the University of Amsterdam’s
chartered accountancy programme.
Linde Jansen is responsible for finance, legal, procurement &
services, investor relations, M&A, and tax.
Linde Jansen holds no positions as referred to in article
2:132a of the Dutch Civil Code. This article is described as
"number of supervisory positions" in Appendix Glossary and
definitions.
Executive Committee
PostNL has an Executive Committee established to advise and
support the Board of Management in the execution of its
duties and responsibilities. The Executive Committee assists
the Board of Management in achieving the company’s
business objectives and implementing its strategic priorities,
providing additional expertise and support where needed.
The Executive Committee also oversees the development and
management of PostNL's senior leadership talent, ensuring a
consistent approach to talent management across all
business segments.
Members of the Executive Committee maintain regular
contact with the Supervisory Board, both formally during
Supervisory Board meetings and informally, at the initiative of
either a member of the Executive Committee or the
Supervisory Board. The CEO serves as the primary liaison
between the Executive Committee and the Supervisory
Board, including its chair.
At year-end 2025, the Executive Committee was composed of
the following eight members:
Pim Berendsen (CEO and chair)
Linde Jansen (CFO)
Maurice Unck, responsible for Mail in the Netherlands
Tijs Reumerman, responsible for Cross Border Solutions
Jeroen Veldstra, responsible for HR
Iris van Wees, responsible for E-commerce Operations
Stephan van den Eijnden, responsible for E-commerce
Commerce
Willem-Jan van Tongeren, Chief Information Officer,
responsible for IT.
As per 1 February 2026 the composition of the Executive
Committee has changed in line with the organisational
changes following the introduction of the new strategy. As per
that date Selma Postma has been appointed and is
responsible for E-commerce, Tijs Reumerman is responsible
for Platforms, and Iris van Wees and Stephan van den Eijnden
have stepped down as members of the Executive Committee,
reducing the number of members to seven.
Each Executive Committee member bears responsibility for
the operations and management in their business unit or staff
function, in line with PostNL’s policies, values and principles
and compliance standards. The Board of Management
reviews and assesses the performance of the Executive
Committee, as well as the effectiveness of the governance
structure of the Executive Committee, at least once a year. In
doing so, the Board of Management shall take account of the
checks and balances that are part of PostNL’s two-tier
system, such as whether the Supervisory Board is informed
adequately. With the exception of the members of the Board
of Management, Executive Committee members are
appointed, suspended and dismissed by the Board of
Management.
The by-laws of the Executive Committee can be found on our
Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board is charged with supervising the Board
of Management and the general course of affairs of PostNL,
as well as assisting the Board of Management with advice.
The Supervisory Board evaluates the main organisational
structure and the risk management, internal control, integrity
PostNL Annual Report 2025
71
and compliance systems established by the Board of
Management, as well as the general and financial risks.
In performing its duties, the Supervisory Board acts in
accordance with the interests of PostNL and considers the
relevant interests of the company’s stakeholders. The
responsibility for proper performance of its duties is vested in
the Supervisory Board as a whole. Members of the
Supervisory Board perform their duties without mandate and
independent of any particular interest in the company's
business. Members of the Supervisory Board may take views
that differ from those of the Board of Management. PostNL’s
Supervisory Board is responsible for the quality of its own
performance, which is reviewed annually.
The Supervisory Board performs an oversight role with
respect to corporate responsibility issues supported by
PostNL’s internal audit function and the company’s external
auditors who provide assurance on non-financial reporting.
The Board of Management provides the Supervisory Board
with the information necessary for the proper performance of
its duties in a timely manner. In addition, the Board of
Management is required to provide the means to allow the
Supervisory Board and its individual members to obtain all
information necessary to be able to function as the
supervisory body of PostNL. The Board of Management seeks
full transparency in its communication with the Supervisory
Board.
The by-laws of the Supervisory Board can be found on our
Appointment and dismissal
Members of the Supervisory Board are appointed by the
General Meeting of Shareholders following nomination by the
Supervisory Board. The General Meeting of Shareholders can
dismiss the Supervisory Board in its entirety by an absolute
majority of the votes cast representing at least one-third of
the issued share capital. According to the by-laws and the
profile of the Supervisory Board, a person may be appointed
to the Supervisory Board for a maximum period of four years
and may then be reappointed once for another four-year
period.
The Supervisory Board member may subsequently be
reappointed again for a period of two years, and this
appointment may be extended by at most two years. PostNL’s
articles of association provide that members of the
Supervisory Board shall resign periodically in accordance
with a rotation plan drawn up by the Supervisory Board in
order to limit the number of simultaneous appointments or
reappointments. The rotation plan is available on our website.
Further details on the appointment and dismissal of members
of the Supervisory Board can be found in our articles of
association.
Composition
Pursuant to our articles of association, the Supervisory Board
has at least three members. Taking this requirement into
account, the Supervisory Board decides on the number of its
members. At the date of this report, the Supervisory Board
consisted of eight members. The Supervisory Board prepared
a profile of its size and composition, taking into account the
nature of PostNL’s business and activities and the desired
expertise, competences, diversity and background of the
members of the Supervisory Board. Since PostNL is a so-
called large company (structuurvennootschap), the Central
Works Council, composed of elected employees from the
workforce, has an enhanced right of recommendation
(versterkt recht van aanbeveling) with regard to one third of
the total number of Supervisory Board members. The
Supervisory Board shall nominate a person recommended by
the Central Works Council pursuant to the enhanced right of
recommendation unless the Supervisory Board objects to the
recommendation because it considers the recommended
person unsuitable for the exercise of the duties of a
Supervisory Board member or because the Supervisory
Board shall not be composed properly if the recommended
person would be appointed. At the date of this report, two
members of the Supervisory Board are appointed taking into
account such enhanced right of recommendation: Ad Melkert
and Hannie Vlug.
The Supervisory Board also adopted a diversity, equity and
inclusion (DEI) policy for PostNL addressing the composition
of the Supervisory Board and Board of Management, which
also applies to the Executive Committee. The Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion Policy can be found on our website.
The Supervisory Board ensures that its composition meets
the required profile and is as independent and diverse as
possible, assuring sufficient knowledge of mail and
communication, logistics, corporate responsibility,
digitalisation, sustainability, management, public affairs, IT,
finance, corporate governance and the capital markets. A
Supervisory Board member must be capable of assessing the
broad outline of the company’s overall policy and should
have the specific expertise required to fulfil the duties
assigned to their designated role within the framework of the
profile. Each member should have sufficient time available for
the proper performance of their duties. The Supervisory
Board evaluates its profile regularly and discusses the profile
at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and with
PostNL’s central works council when it amends the profile.
The profile of the Supervisory Board is available on our
Chair
The chair of the Supervisory Board determines the agenda
and presides over meetings of the Supervisory Board, and is
responsible for the proper functioning of the Supervisory
Board and its committees. The chair arranges an introduction
and training programme for new members of the Supervisory
Board and initiates the evaluation of the performance of the
members of the Supervisory Board and the Board of
Management. The chair of the Supervisory Board may not be
a former member of PostNL’s Board of Management.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
72
Corporate secretary
The Executive Committee, Board of Management and
Supervisory Board are assisted by PostNL’s corporate
secretary. All members of the Executive Committee, Board of
Management and Supervisory Board have access to the
advice and services of the corporate secretary, who is
responsible for ensuring that the Executive Committee, Board
of Management and Supervisory Board procedures are
followed and that each of these bodies acts in accordance
with the law, the articles of association and the relevant by-
laws.
Business conduct - Policies and
procedures
Code of conduct
We are a large company with tens of thousands of
employees, multiple business segments and an international
network. Our Code of Conduct forms the foundation for our
actions and guides our decisions regarding doing business
with others or entering into joint ventures.
To provide further clarity on specific situations, we have
developed a range of group policies, such as our integrity
policy. These policies detail the appropriate actions to take in
particular scenarios and specify the points of contact for any
questions or concerns.
In this chapter we provide more insights into our Code of
Conduct, policies and procedures, including links to our
policies on our website.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
As outlined in the social disclosures, PostNL recognises the
power of DEI. We respect and value individual differences,
which strengthen our organisation, enhance innovation, and
make us more appealing as an employer and partner. This
commitment extends to fostering diversity within the
composition of the Executive Committee, Board of
Management, and Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board
and Board of Management actively promote DEI within these
bodies and the Executive Committee, with consideration given
to factors such as age, gender, expertise, experience, and
nationality. Our aim is to strike a balanced representation,
ensuring that diversity is reflected wherever possible, while
meeting, as a minimum, the statutory requirements. Further
details can be found in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Policy, available on our website.
At year-end 2025, PostNL’s Board of Management had two
members, of which one was female, i.e. 50% of the seats filled
by women. The Executive Committee had eight members, of
which two were female, i.e. 25% of the seats filled by women.
The Supervisory Board has eight members, of which three are
female, i.e. 37.5% of the seats filled by women. As follows
from PostNL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and the
profile of the Supervisory Board, diversity is taken into
account when selecting candidates in case of a vacancy in the
Executive Committee, Board of Management and Supervisory
Board. Ultimately, the capacities of the selected candidates
are assessed irrespective of the candidate's gender and the
most qualified candidates will be nominated for appointment.
Per 1 January 2022, new legislation in the Netherlands came
into force in relation to a balanced representation of men and
women in Supervisory Boards, Boards of Management and
senior management. The legislation introduced a binding
diversity quota for the Supervisory Board, whereby at least
one third of the members of the Supervisory Board should be
male, and at least one third of the members should be female.
Additionally, large companies such as PostNL should
determine an ambitious and appropriate target (in the form of
a target number) to promote gender diversity in the Board of
Management and senior management. As mentioned above,
PostNL complies with the binding diversity quota for the
Supervisory Board. PostNL has determined ambitious and
appropriate target numbers for the Board of Management
and senior management. More information on the
implementation of the DEI Policy can be found in the Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion Policy paragraph of the social
disclosures in the sustainability statements.
Procurement policy
At PostNL, we are working towards ensuring that our
procurement and service activities align with our
procurement policy, applicable legislation and regulations,
social and ethical standards, and sustainability requirements.
In collaboration with our suppliers, we continuously strive to
strengthen and enhance the supply chain, making it as
sustainable as possible. This reflects our focus on protecting
the environment, promoting social responsibility, and
upholding robust governance standards.
Our approach begins with the careful selection of suppliers
and the design of procurement processes that are aligned
with our ESG responsibilities. In addition to price, quality, and
delivery timelines, we also incorporate social and
environmental factors into our decision-making.
To support this, we can employ a risk-assessment matrix
when evaluating potential suppliers. Should a supplier fail to
meet our standards following this assessment, we will not
proceed with a contract. In situations where suppliers are
equally suitable, we prioritise those demonstrating stronger
sustainability performance.
The Procurement Policy can be found on our website, and
contains, for example, guidelines, risk classification, follow-up
measures and checklists. These protocols also include a
description of how to use our Conditions of Purchase, the
PostNL Code of Conduct and the PostNL Set of Guidelines for
Suppliers, in which our sustainability and biodiversity
requirements for suppliers are set out.
We regularly update our guidelines for suppliers and
contractors, providing a clear interpretation of the PostNL
Code of Conduct and the OECD guidelines. These
refinements emphasise our expectations regarding proactive
approaches to improving the environmental impact of goods
and services supplied to us.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
73
Biodiversity is explicitly addressed within the PostNL Set of
Guidelines for Suppliers. Procurement or production
processes must not result in, or contribute to, land
conversion or deforestation. The same principle applies to
financial investments. Suppliers are expected to ensure that
ecosystems remain undisturbed, thereby avoid significant
adverse impacts on biodiversity.
Our updated guidelines are applicable to all new contracts
and reflect our dedication to promoting sustainable practices
across our operations and supply chain. PostNL expects its
suppliers to both take responsibility for these issues within
their own organisation, and take responsibility further up the
supply chain and monitor how well these issues are dealt with
by their own suppliers (sub-suppliers). In most cases
contractors (i.e. agents or direct manufacturers) are likely to
work with sub-suppliers and subcontractors; this represents
an additional step that renders the link between PostNL and
any risks affecting PostNL less manageable. Nevertheless,
PostNL holds the view that involving an agent does not affect
its own responsibility for risks and regulation. More
information on our procurement policy can be found in the
Procurement Policy paragraph of the governance disclosures
in the sustainability statements.
Conflict of interest
Each member of the Board of Management and the
Supervisory Board must immediately report and provide all
relevant information to the chairman of the Supervisory
Board about any conflict of interest or potential conflict of
interest, material or not to the company and/or to the
relevant member. A member of the Board of Management
also informs the other members of the Board of Management
(as applicable).
If the chairman of the Supervisory Board has a conflict of
interest or potential conflict of interest that is material to the
company and/or to them, they are required to report this
immediately to the vice chairman of the Supervisory Board
and to provide all relevant information. In all situations, this
includes information concerning a spouse, registered partner
or other life companion, (foster) child or other relatives by
blood or marriage up to the second degree.
The Supervisory Board is responsible for deciding how to
resolve a conflict of interest between members of the Board
of Management, members of the Supervisory Board and/or
the external auditor on the one hand and the company on the
other.
In the event of a conflict of interest between PostNL and a
member of the Board of Management, the company will be
represented by another member of the Board of Management
or a member of the Supervisory Board appointed by the
Supervisory Board for this purpose.
A decision to enter into a transaction involving a conflict of
interest with a member of the Board of Management or the
Supervisory Board, material or not, to the company or to the
relevant member requires the approval of the Supervisory
Board. No such transactions were entered into in 2025 so
best practice provisions 2.7.3 and 2.7.4 of the Code did not
apply.
The by-laws of the Board of Management and the Supervisory
Board also include a provision that a member of the Board of
Management or the Supervisory Board does not participate in
any discussion or decision-making that involves a subject or
transaction in relation to which the member has a conflict of
interest with the company.
Shareholders and their rights
General Meeting of Shareholders
PostNL is required to hold an Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders within six months of the end of the financial
year. The agenda for this meeting includes the adoption of the
financial statements, a proposal on dividend and the release
from liability of the members of the Board of Management
and the Supervisory Board for the performance of their
respective duties during the financial year. This release only
covers liability for matters reflected in the relevant financial
statements or otherwise disclosed to the General Meeting of
Shareholders prior to the adoption of the relevant financial
statements.
General Meetings of Shareholders are held as often as the
Board of Management or the Supervisory Board deem
necessary, and shall be convened in case of a decision
entailing a significant change in the identity or character of
PostNL or its business.
Furthermore, the Supervisory Board and the Board of
Management are in principle required to convene a
shareholders meeting in case one or more shareholders
representing at least 10% of PostNL’s issued share capital so
request in writing, stating the proposed agenda in detail.
General Meetings of Shareholders may be held in Amsterdam,
The Hague, Hoofddorp or in the municipality of
Haarlemmermeer (Schiphol).
One or more shareholders representing at least 1% of
PostNL’s issued share capital are entitled to request that the
Board of Management or the Supervisory Board place items
on the agenda of a General Meeting of Shareholders. Such a
request must be honoured by the Board of Management or
the Supervisory Board, provided that the request is received
in writing at least 60 days before the date of such a meeting.
In the event a request is made by one or more shareholders
to either convene a meeting or to place an item on the agenda
of a General Meeting of Shareholders that may result in a
change of the company’s strategy, the Board of Management
is entitled to a reasonable period in which to respond, which
shall not exceed 180 days.
The Central Works Council of PostNL has the right to form an
opinion on proposals to determine or modify the policy on the
remuneration of the Board of Management, proposals that
entail a significant change in the identity or character of the
company or its business and proposals to appoint a member
PostNL Annual Report 2025
74
of the Supervisory Board. The Central Works Council has the
right to explain its position during the General Meeting of
Shareholders.
General Meetings of Shareholders are convened at least 42
days in advance by a notice published on the company’s
website.
Each shareholder is entitled to attend a General Meeting of
Shareholders, either in person or by written or electronic
proxy, to address the meeting and to exercise voting rights,
subject to the provisions of PostNL’s articles of association.
An eligible shareholder has the aforementioned rights if
registered as a shareholder on the applicable record date to
the extent described by Dutch law.
Each PostNL share carries the right to cast one vote. Unless
Dutch law or PostNL's articles of association stipulate
otherwise, resolutions are passed by a simple majority of
votes cast by the shareholders present or represented at the
meeting. Pursuant to PostNL’s articles of association, there
are no limitations to the rights of Dutch, non-resident or
foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights in
respect of PostNL’s securities.
General Meeting of Shareholders 2025
On 15 April 2025, PostNL held its Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders in The Hague, the Netherlands. The attendance
rate was 38.48% of the total outstanding share capital. The
agenda, resolutions and voting results for each resolution, the
presentations given during the meeting and a webcast of the
meeting are available on our website in Dutch and English.
Minutes of the meeting are available in Dutch only.
Liquidation rights
In the event of PostNL’s dissolution and liquidation, the assets
remaining after payment of all debts and liquidation expenses
are to be distributed in the following order of preference:
firstly, to the holders of all outstanding preference shares B (if
any), the nominal amount paid up on these shares plus
accumulated dividends for preceding years that have not yet
been paid; and secondly, to holders of ordinary shares in
proportion to their shareholdings.
Changes to the rights of shareholders
Rights of shareholders may change by way of an amendment
to the articles of association, a statutory merger or demerger
within the meaning of book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, or
dissolution of the company. A resolution of the General
Meeting of Shareholders is required to effect these changes.
Under PostNL's articles of association, such a resolution may
only be adopted upon a proposal by the Board of
Management that has been approved by the Supervisory
Board.
Major shareholders
To PostNL’s knowledge, it is not directly or indirectly owned
or controlled by another company or by any government.
PostNL does not know of any arrangements of which the
operation might, at a subsequent date, result in a change of
control, except as described under ‘Foundation Continuity
PostNL and preference shares B’ below.
The Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel
toezicht) imposes a duty to disclose percentage holdings in
the capital and/or underlying financial instruments and/or
voting rights in the company when such holding reaches,
exceeds or falls below 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%,
40%, 50%, 60%, 75% and 95%. Such a disclosure must be
made to the Dutch Financial Markets Authority (AFM) without
delay. The AFM then notifies the company and discloses the
(change in) holding on its website.
Articles of association, share acquisition,
reduction and increase of issued share
capital
Amendment of the articles of association
The company’s articles of association can be amended upon
a proposal by the Board of Management, approved by the
Supervisory Board and adopted by the General Meeting of
Shareholders. A proposal to amend the articles of association
must be stated in a notice convening a General Meeting of
Shareholders and announced in such a manner as permitted
by law at the time. The proposal shall be passed upon an
absolute majority of the votes cast in the General Meeting of
Shareholders. PostNL’s articles of association are available
on our website.
Ability of the company to acquire its own shares
Under its articles of association, PostNL may acquire its own
shares, provided that they are fully paid up. If such shares are
acquired for consideration, the following conditions apply:
PostNL’s shareholders' equity less the purchase price may
not fall below the sum of the paid-up capital and any
reserves required to be maintained by Dutch law or
pursuant to the articles of association.
Following the share acquisition, PostNL may not hold
shares with an aggregate nominal value exceeding half of
its issued share capital. The Board of Management is
authorised to decide to acquire PostNL shares. Such a
resolution requires the approval of the Supervisory Board.
In addition, the Board of Management requires prior
authorisation by the General Meeting of Shareholders. This
authorisation may be valid for a period not exceeding 18
months and must specify:
The number of shares that may be acquired
The manner in which shares may be acquired
The price limits within which shares may be acquired.
Authorisation by the General Meeting of Shareholders is not
required if the PostNL shares are acquired for the purpose of
transferring those shares to PostNL employees pursuant to
any arrangements applicable to such employees.
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Reduction of issued share capital in general
The issued share capital may be reduced by the cancellation
of shares following a repurchase. PostNL’s issued share
capital may also be reduced if the nominal value of its shares
is reduced by amendment of PostNL’s articles of association.
The resolution to reduce PostNL’s issued share capital
requires the approval of the General Meeting of
Shareholders. Pursuant to PostNL’s articles of association,
such a resolution may be adopted pursuant to a proposal of
the Board of Management that has been approved by the
Supervisory Board. The latter requirement is more stringent
than Dutch law.
Increase of issued share capital by issuance of shares/pre-
emptive rights
PostNL’s Board of Management has been designated as the
body authorised to resolve on the issuance of shares and to
grant rights to subscribe for shares, including options and
warrants. Such a resolution is subject to the approval of the
Supervisory Board. The scope and duration of this authority of
the Board of Management are determined by the General
Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Management cannot be
authorised to issue more shares than the number of authorised
shares that have not been issued (i.e. the number of authorised
shares minus the number of issued shares). The authority may
not be granted for a period longer than five years.
The term of designation of the Board of Management as the
body authorised to resolve on the issuance of shares may
also be extended by amendment of PostNL’s articles of
association.
If no extension is given, the issue of shares or granting of
rights to subscribe for shares requires a resolution of the
General Meeting of Shareholders. Such a resolution may only
be adopted pursuant to a proposal by the Board of
Management that has been approved by the Supervisory
Board. In principle, each holder of ordinary shares has a pre-
emptive right in case of any issue of ordinary shares or the
granting of rights to subscribe for these shares.
Pursuant to PostNL’s articles of association, shareholders’
pre-emptive rights may be restricted or excluded by a
resolution of the Board of Management, provided and as long
as the Board of Management has been designated as the
body authorised to resolve on the issuance of shares. Such a
resolution is subject to the approval of the Supervisory
Board. Pursuant to PostNL’s articles of association, the
provisions relating to the scope and duration of the authority
to issue shares and grant rights to subscribe for ordinary
shares are also applicable to the scope and duration of the
authority to exclude or restrict pre-emptive rights.
Dividend
The Board of Management may determine, subject to
approval by the Supervisory Board, that any dividend on
ordinary shares will be paid wholly or partly in PostNL
ordinary shares instead of cash, or that any dividend will be
paid by giving shareholders the option to choose between
PostNL ordinary shares or cash (optional dividends).
If and when dividends are declared, PostNL pays dividends
out of its profits, or by exception out of the distributable part
of its shareholders’ equity as shown in PostNL’s financial
statements. PostNL is not allowed to pay dividends if the
payment would reduce shareholders’ equity below the sum of
the paid-up capital and any reserves required by Dutch law or
the company's articles of association.
The Board of Management may, subject to approval by the
Supervisory Board and to provisions of Dutch law, distribute
interim dividend. No dividend shall be paid on shares held by
PostNL. Such shares shall not be included for the calculation
of the profit distribution, unless the Board of Management
resolves otherwise. Such a resolution is subject to the
approval of the Supervisory Board.
Under PostNL’s articles of association, if preference shares B
have been issued, PostNL must pay dividends on the paid-up
portion of the nominal value of the preference shares B.
Payment is made at a rate of the average 12-month EURIBOR
(Euro Interbank Offered Rate), weighted to reflect the number
of days for which the payment is made, plus a premium to be
determined by the Board of Management, subject to approval
by the Supervisory Board, of at least one percentage point and
at most three percentage points. The Board of Management
then determines, subject to the approval of the Supervisory
Board, the part of the remaining profits to be appropriated to
reserves. The profit that remains after appropriation is at the
disposal of the General Meeting of Shareholders.
More information about PostNL’s Dividend Policy can be
found in the PostNL on the Capital Markets chapter, and on
our website. Any changes to these guidelines shall be
explained in a separate agenda item at the Annual General
Meeting of Shareholders.
Foundation Continuity PostNL and
preference shares B
Stichting Continuïteit PostNL (Foundation Continuity PostNL)
was formed to safeguard the interests of PostNL, the
undertaking connected with PostNL and all parties involved. It
does this by, among other things, preventing any influences
that could threaten PostNL’s continuity, independence and
identity, as far as possible. Foundation Continuity PostNL is an
independent legal entity and is not owned or controlled by
PostNL or any other legal person.
PostNL’s articles of association provide for protective
preference shares B that can be issued to Foundation
Continuity PostNL. The preference shares B have a nominal
value of €0.08 and have the same voting rights as PostNL’s
ordinary shares.
PostNL and Foundation Continuity PostNL have entered into a
call option agreement, which enables Foundation Continuity
PostNL to acquire a number of preference shares B not
exceeding the total issued number of ordinary shares minus
one and minus any shares already issued to Foundation
Continuity PostNL. The call option agreement is meant as a
preventive measure against influences that might threaten the
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76
continuity, independence and identity of the company.
Preference shares B will be outstanding no longer than strictly
necessary. As at 31 December 2025 and at the date of this
Annual Report, there were no preference shares B issued. The
exercise price with respect to the call option is the nominal
value of €0.08 per preference share B, although upon
exercise only €0.02 per preference share B is required to be
paid.
The additional €0.06 is due when the Board of Management,
subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, requests
payment. Foundation Continuity PostNL has a credit facility in
place to enable it to exercise the call option.
Six months after the issuance of preference shares B,
Foundation Continuity PostNL may require PostNL to convene
a General Meeting of Shareholders to discuss cancellation of
these shares. However, if within these six months Foundation
Continuity PostNL should receive a demand for repayment
under the credit facilities referred to above, it may also
require PostNL to convene a General Meeting of
Shareholders. In accordance with PostNL’s articles of
association, a General Meeting of Shareholders must be
convened no later than 12 months after the first date of
issuance of any preference shares B to Foundation Continuity
PostNL. The agenda for that meeting shall include a resolution
regarding the repurchase and/or cancellation of the
preference shares B.
PostNL has granted Foundation Continuity PostNL the right to
file an application for an inquiry into the policy and conduct
of PostNL’s business with the Enterprise Chamber of the
Amsterdam Court of Appeal (Ondernemingskamer). Should
such an inquiry be granted, the Enterprise Chamber may
impose immediate provisions.
At 31 December 2025, the members of the Board of
Foundation Continuity PostNL were Mr M.P. Nieuwe Weme
(chair), Ms Y.C.M.T. van Rooy, Ms C.M.C. Mahieu and Mr P.S.
Overmars. All members of the Board of Foundation
Continuity PostNL are independent from PostNL. This means
that Foundation Continuity PostNL is an independent legal
entity as referred to in section 5:71 paragraph 1 sub c of the
Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het
financieel toezicht).
Integrity Committee
The Integrity Committee advises and assists the Board of
Management in developing, implementing, and monitoring
group policies and procedures aimed at enhancing integrity
and ethical behaviour as well as preventing fraud, corruption
and bribery. The Integrity Committee is composed of the
director Audit & Security (chairman), the manager Integrity
Office, the Corporate Security Officer, the director Legal, the
director HR Legal & Reward, the director Communications,
the director Strategy Mail, and the managing director E-
commerce Operations.
The Integrity Committee oversees investigations based on
reports of possible breaches filed under the PostNL Code of
Conduct, the PostNL Group procedure on whistleblowing and
the PostNL Group procedure on fraud prevention, anti-
bribery, and anti-corruption.
The Director of Audit & Security engages in regular
discussions with the Board of Management on a quarterly
basis, and semi-annually with the Audit Committee. These
discussions cover the activities of the Integrity Committee,
providing an overview of all significant reported and
investigated misconduct cases, as well as updates on the
progress of the annual PostNL Integrity Plan. This plan
addresses key areas such as governance, training and
awareness, and response and maintenance. Insights gained
from these activities are leveraged to recommend
improvements, supporting PostNL in its ongoing efforts to
mitigate potential integrity risks across its value chain.
Integrity Reporting to Board of Management, Executive
Committee, and Supervisory Board
PostNL’s administrative, management, and supervisory bodies
are instrumental in fostering a robust corporate culture. The
Integrity Report is shared quarterly with the Integrity
Committee, Board of Management, and Executive Committee,
and semi-annually with the Audit Committee and Supervisory
Board.
This report provides a detailed account of the activities
undertaken by the Integrity Committee, offering a
comprehensive overview of irregularities related to
misconduct and loss prevention. It also outlines the actions
taken by the Integrity Office and security investigations, along
with updates on the progress of the Integrity Plan. This plan
includes governance developments, training and awareness
initiatives, and response and maintenance activities, such as
analysis, root cause assessments, and continuous
improvement efforts.
The responsibility for executing, implementing, and
monitoring this group policy has been delegated by the Board
of Management to the Director Audit & Security. This
delegation includes ownership of the PostNL Code of
Conduct, the PostNL Group fraud prevention procedure, and
the PostNL Group whistleblowing procedure. Monitoring
processes are supported by continuous review and reporting
by the Corporate Security Officer, regular audits, compliance
checks, and incident reporting. The Integrity Committee
reviews these reports and processes on a quarterly basis.
Business conduct and integrity approach
The focus of our integrity approach is to regularly ensure our
employees are familiar with and are working in accordance
with the PostNL Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct informs how we act and make our
decisions and, as early as 2012, PostNL signed up to the ten
principles of the United Nations Global Compact on such
issues as human rights, labour, climate and anti-corruption.
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77
We further endorse the OECD guidelines for multinational
enterprises on responsible business conduct, while our
sustainability strategy aligns us with the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the same time, our
Code of Conduct influences our behaviour and helps us steer
our organisation in the way we want to do business,
supporting us as we create the right environment for people
to carry out their work effectively and feel connected.
Our business conduct and integrity approach is laid down in
the following group policies and procedures:
PostNL Code of Conduct
Group Policy on Integrity
Group Policy on Security
Group Procedure on Incident Reporting
Group Procedure on Whistleblowing
Group Procedure on Conflict of Interest
Group Procedure on Gifts and Hospitality
Group Procedure on Fraud Prevention - Guidance on anti-
bribery and anti-corruption
Code of Conduct for the use of business assets.
All integrity related incident reports are received at a single
point by designated and trained staff and are checked for
whether an alleged breach of the law has occurred, a formal
whistleblowing report is received, or any other type of
reported breach or indicator. These other reports and signals
are evaluated for further handling by responsible functions
(such as Security, line management or HR). This provides a
smoother follow-up of reported incidents, cases and
indicators, and ensures the best care for our employees. Our
whistleblowing procedure, updated in August 2025,
reinforces confidentiality, safeguards identity and reiterates
our zero-tolerance approach to retaliation. The process
provides a clear framework for stakeholders to report
concerns and for investigations to be conducted in a
structured and impartial manner.
Any PostNL stakeholder who reports suspected misconduct,
which the PostNL stakeholder reasonably believes, or may
reasonably believe, to be true, will be given protection for
such reporting. This protection means that PostNL will not
discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or in any
manner discriminate against any PostNL stakeholder in the
terms and conditions of employment. PostNL does not
tolerate any form of threat, retaliation or other action against
a PostNL stakeholder who has made or assisted in the making
of a report of suspected misconduct. Any such threat,
retaliation or other action must immediately be reported to
the director of Audit & Security. Any person entitled to
protection from retaliation who considers themself to be a
victim of or is threatened with reprisals may submit a
reasoned complaint to the local authorities, who will initiate
an extrajudicial protection procedure.
During the year, we initiated 586 investigations in response to
integrity-related issues. These investigations covered issues
such as the theft of parcels or mail, bribery and corruption, or
failure to follow workplace practices. The investigations
resulted in 226 discontinued work relationships. At year-end
2025, 62 investigations were ongoing.
Integrity-related investigations include cases of alleged
(sexual) harassment and discrimination. For more information
about reported incidents and complaints please see
Measures against violence and harassment in the workplace
in the Our workforce section of the Social disclosures.
PostNL continuously works to raise awareness of integrity-
related topics. This includes supporting employee
communication on inappropriate conduct, encouraging
dialogue with line management and HR representatives, and
following up on reported integrity incidents. Our main
business conduct and integrity policies and procedures are
embedded in the onboarding process for new employees. In
addition, we use insights from the Employee Engagement
Monitor, investigation outcomes, and other signals to identify
opportunities for continuous improvement of our integrity
approach and related activities across PostNL Group
companies. In October 2025, PostNL launched a new integrity
e-learning programme aimed at educating both management
and employees on our Code of Conduct, expected
behaviours, and available reporting channels, including the
whistleblowing procedure.
Our Code of Conduct and integrity-related policies form part
of our contractual agreements with suppliers and
contractors. For delivery partners in the Netherlands and
Belgium, we have implemented a dedicated due diligence
process aligned with a specific business conduct guideline for
delivery partners. The rollout of this due diligence process
was supported by targeted communication and awareness
activities.
We continuously work to foster a company environment in
which people feel safe and empowered to speak up. In
addition to conducting case-specific investigations, we
perform trend analyses of all reported incidents to identify
structural issues and determine where further preventive
actions are required. Information on alleged bribery and
corruption cases is included in the Governance performance
disclosures within our sustainability statements. More
information about our business conduct is included the
Business conduct section of the governance disclosures in the
sustainability statements.
Prevention of fraud, bribery and corruption
PostNL recognises the importance of maintaining robust fraud
prevention, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption policies,
procedures, and reporting mechanisms. These measures are
essential for safeguarding the integrity of our business and
ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Our policies are particularly focused on employees in key risk
areas such as executive and general management, sales
(including government-related sales), procurement (capex and
opex), temporary labour sourcing, delivery partnerships,
transport charters, people management within operations,
and finance and accounting. For employees in these at-risk
functions, the integrity e-learning programme is mandatory.
Additionally, pre-employment screening procedures are in
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place for these functions to further mitigate risks. More
information on how we institute and monitor integrity e-
learning can be found in the Our actions section of the
governance disclosures in the sustainability statements.
Compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation,
both domestically and internationally, is a top priority for
PostNL as we conduct business on a global scale. Any
incidents of actual or suspected bribery or corruption
involving our employees, suppliers, or delivery partners are
promptly investigated and handled appropriately.
The Integrity Committee plays a vital role in advising the
Board of Management and line management on mitigating
fraud risks and ensuring adherence to ethical standards, anti-
bribery, and anti-corruption practices. The Committee
provides quarterly reports to the Board of Management and
submits a comprehensive report to the Supervisory Board
every six months.
All alleged breaches of our anti-bribery and anti-corruption
policies are investigated by Audit & Security. Our security
investigators are recruited based on a clearly defined job
profile and undergo regular training to ensure they possess
the necessary skills to carry out thorough investigations. In
addition, Internal Audit systematically addresses fraud,
corruption, and bribery risks during the execution of internal
audits.
Cybersecurity
PostNL places cybersecurity at the heart of its operations. As
our business and customer services continue to digitalise,
protecting critical systems and data is essential to maintaining
continuity, trust, and regulatory compliance. In 2025, we
strengthened our governance, risk management, and control
environment, prepared for upcoming NIS2 obligations, and
further advanced our cybersecurity capabilities across both
IT and operational technology (OT), ensuring a resilient and
secure foundation for the organisation’s ongoing growth. In
line with this approach, our Board actively oversees
cybersecurity as a strategic enterprise risk, with the Audit
Committee receiving regular reporting on threats, incidents,
remediation progress, and third-party risk, ensuring robust
oversight and alignment with our organisational priorities.
Our cybersecurity operating model is structured around a
multi-layered approach, designed to protect the critical
information, systems, and applications that underpin our
business. The first line continuously assesses the cyber-risk
posture of key IT assets, implements secure-by-design
principles, and updates risk treatment plans in response to
emerging threats and evolving business priorities. In 2025, we
further strengthened the first line by expanding our Business
Information Security Officer (BISO) community, ensuring that
every business unit now has a dedicated BISO to drive local
execution and alignment with our central cybersecurity
governance. The second line provides independent oversight,
challenge, and monitoring, verifying that risk assessments,
controls, and remediation initiatives meet both our
organisational standards and the latest regulatory
expectations. This layered structure ensures that
cybersecurity is not only embedded across all levels of the
organisation but also continuously adapted to the dynamic
threat landscape, safeguarding our resilience, reputation, and
long-term value creation.
Governance and Risk Management
In 2025, we advanced our risk-based approach with the
launch of a new Cyber Security Control Framework, aligned
with the international standards ISO/IEC 27001/27002 and
the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, reinforcing the resilience
of our critical systems and processes. Simultaneously, we
implemented a Cyber Risk Management Framework, based
on IRAM2 and ISO 27005, establishing a consistent and
structured process to identify, assess, and mitigate cyber
risks across the organisation. Also in 2025, we transitioned to
a central Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform,
providing a unified view of risk, improving reporting and
oversight, and embedding cyber-risk management
consistently across all business segments.
NIS2 readiness
In anticipation of the EU’s NIS2 Directive, expected to take
effect in the Netherlands with the Cybersecurity Act in 2026,
PostNL has proactively strengthened its cybersecurity
posture and is actively preparing for ISO/IEC 27001
certification of critical IT services, targeting completion in
2026 with expert guidance. As part of this effort, many NIS2
requirements have already been implemented, while
additional measures are being embedded to ensure full and
sustainable compliance once the legislation comes into force.
Throughout the year, the boardroom training programme
continued, with NIS2 awareness sessions delivered to
executives and senior managers across IT and business
functions. In countries where NIS2 has already entered into
force and is applicable to PostNL, measures have been
implemented to align with the NIS2 requirements. These
initiatives demonstrate that PostNL is fully on track to meet
regulatory obligations and strengthen overall cybersecurity
resilience.
Cybersecurity Capability assessment
In 2025, we further advanced our cybersecurity capabilities
by expanding our knowledge, expertise, team, and supporting
tools. At the same time, we progressed with the cybersecurity
programme launched in 2024, a structured two-year initiative
with its own dedicated governance. Within this programme,
we defined several workstreams to provide focused attention
on the areas where we aim to excel or achieve significant
improvements.
The workstreams are focused on key areas including:
Asset management: enhancing visibility and control over
our digital and physical assets.
Access management: strengthening identity and access
controls by expanding Single Sign-On and completing
Privileged Access Management rollout to secure
appropriate access across the organisation.
Network security and monitoring: improving network
resilience and real-time monitoring for proactive threat
detection.
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Vulnerability and patch management: a harmonised
vulnerability management process is now in place across
all business segments. We improved coverage for both
cloud and traditional IT environments and introduced a
more risk-based prioritisation model to accelerate
remediation of critical vulnerabilities.
Operational technology (OT) security: we implemented a
dedicated OT security governance framework and defined
minimum standards for all sorting and logistics systems.
Network segmentation and monitoring work has begun and
will be rolled out to all locations per the implementation
plan.
Third-party risk management: oversight of our critical
suppliers was strengthened through a new monitoring
process tracking cybersecurity posture and NIS2 readiness.
Risk assessments for key IT vendors were completed, with
targeted follow-ups in 2026 to ensure timely
implementation of agreed improvements.
Incident landscape and assurance
In 2025, we observed an increase in detected security events,
reflecting both a more advanced threat landscape and
improved monitoring and classification capabilities. Our
layered security controls and response processes remained
effective, and no cyber incidents with a material impact on
the financial statements were identified.
Outlook
In 2026, we will focus on completing the remediation actions
from the 2025 risk assessments and control testing, achieving
ISO/IEC 27001 certification in support of NIS2 compliance,
and accelerating progress on OT security. We will also
strengthen continuous control monitoring and third-party
oversight. These efforts will further enhance our resilience,
support regulatory readiness and safeguard the trust of our
customers and stakeholders as we continue our digital
transformation.
Protecting data and privacy
PostNL believes that it is vital to handle the personal data of
its customers and consumers with due care and adheres to
applicable laws and regulations. The most notable of these is
Implementation Act.
We have established a Group Policy on Privacy which outlines
the fundamental principles we adhere to as a company
regarding the use of personal data. These principles are in
line with PostNL's Code of Conduct. We strive to provide high-
quality services, in which reliability is an important factor. We
therefore view the protection and careful handling of
personal data as an important precondition for further
innovation and development of our services. To help achieve
this, we have set up governance, processes, and procedures
to adequately implement 'accountability' in the field of the
protection of personal data. This includes a processing
register, a reporting process for data breaches, process for
handling the rights of the person concerned, implementation
of data privacy impact assessments, and the application of
the Privacy by Design principle in development of new
processes and systems.
PostNL also established a Data Governance Board to provide
oversight on how we use and protect data and in which
different data-related topics are discussed.
Asset protection and loss prevention
In order to prevent any threat which could adversely affect
the business of PostNL and its stakeholders, PostNL focuses
on ensuring its operations are secure. The Group Policy on
Security outlines the mandate of the security function within
PostNL and to define the responsibilities relating to security
matters. In other words, to ensure that adequate measures,
procedures, checks and balances are in place, regarding
asset protection, loss prevention and security information
management.
The PostNL programme on loss prevention is focused on
addressing the specific commercial and operational aspects
that may impact the rate of missing parcels. In our continuing
efforts to lower the number of missing parcels, the
commercial and operational management of Parcels works
closely together with PostNL Security to develop and
implement dedicated fraud and theft-risk mitigating actions.
Regulatory compliance management
PostNL believes that laws and regulations are essential tools
that govern behaviour, protect rights and promote fairness.
Laws and regulations are fundamental to the functioning of
society in general, and large companies such as PostNL.
Compliance forms part of our internal risk management and
control systems and governance framework, and we operate
in a sector that is defined by continually developing
regulations. In this paragraph we outline our approach, our
focus, and the main regulatory developments in 2025.
Our Approach to compliance
We manage compliance as part of our internal risk
management and control systems. These systems cover
explicit controls connected to business conduct, postal law,
human rights and labour conditions, environmental laws and
regulations, transportation laws and regulations, NIS2 and
GDPR. With these controls, we aim to provide a level of
comfort we deem sufficient to properly fulfil the duty of the
Board of Management to assume accountability for the
management of the related compliance risks identified within
our risk appetite.
Business management is responsible for the compliance risk
management ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements
as well as monitoring performance for the mentioned
compliance areas, and is supported by staff functions.
Management is required to confirm its responsibility for the
compliance with laws and regulations by its legal entities. As a
final step, we assess and report the status of compliance on a
quarterly basis as part of our regular risk management and
internal control reporting to our governance bodies.
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Focus areas in 2025
Based on our internal control assessments and internal audit
findings, for the vast majority of laws and regulations we did
not identify significant deficiencies relating to compliance
mitigating activities that require follow-up. Our focus areas
for 2025 were implementation of the risk management
statement (‘Verklaring Omtrent Risicobeheersing’) and
compliance in our value chain with a particular focus on
delivery partners and transport partners.
Risk Management Statement
In 2025, as part of the implementation of the risk
management statement we continued to strengthen our
internal control framework (ICF) for sustainability reporting.
The ICF already covered for the main operational risks,
covering key business processes, business resilience and
continuity and cybersecurity. We also transitioned towards a
more holistic and structured approach to compliance risk
management covering multiple areas - Business conduct,
Postal law, Environment, Human rights and labour conditions,
Transport laws and regulations, Cybersecurity and Privacy.
By focusing on these areas, PostNL aims to strengthen its
internal controls, enhance accountability, and meet the
growing expectations of our stakeholders regarding
transparency and ethical conduct.
Compliance in our value chain
Stakeholders increasingly expect large companies such as
PostNL to lead by example through their influence on value
chains. Responsibility along the value chain is a relevant topic
in the public arena. As a large company, we proactively
contribute to improvements in our value chain across a broad
range of topics, even when this goes beyond our own
responsibility under applicable laws and regulations.
This applies to areas such as the transport and handling of
dangerous goods, environmental compliance, responsible
(international) procurement, Foreign Nationals Employment
Act (Wet Arbeid Vreemdelingen), and the Labour Market
Fraud Act (Wet Aanpak Schijnconstructies).
In 2025, we focused on streamlining and optimising the due
diligence process for delivery partners across the business
segments and phase-wise implementation of a Third-party
Risk Management IT system.
Summary of instances of non-compliance
PostNL operates in a sector with a wide variety of compliance
topics, where both the number and complexity of laws and
regulations is increasing. While this requires a robust
approach to compliance (as described earlier in this chapter)
we are, on occasion, confronted with instances of
noncompliance. When these instances are discovered, we
take immediate steps to remedy them.
While there are a number of cases ongoing linked to PostNL’s
compliance with laws and regulations, there were no
We did incur two lower fines from the Labour Inspectorate
for violations of the Foreign Nationals Employment act which
took place in 2022, in the amounts of EUR 8,000 and EUR
12,000. In both cases, the foreign nationals in question were
hired by an Employment Agency.
We have implemented measures to improve our processes in
order to prevent these violations from occurring, and we will
continue to monitor, evaluate and update our processes on a
regular basis. For the purpose of this report, we did not take
relatively small fines such as traffic-related fines into account.
Insider trading – share ownership
Members of the Supervisory Board, the Board of
Management and PostNL’s senior management are subject to
the PostNL Group Policy on Prevention of Insider Trading,
which sets rules to prevent insider trading in our financial
instruments and in securities other than PostNL’s financial
instruments.
Under the current remuneration policies, share ownership is
mandatory for members of the Board of Management and not
required for members of the Supervisory Board. Further
details are provided in the Remuneration Report, which also
discloses the total number of PostNL shares held by each
member of the Board of Management. At the date of this
Annual Report, none of the members of the Supervisory
Board holds PostNL shares, with the exception of Martin
Plavec, who holds 6,000 PostNL shares.
Internal audit
PostNL's internal audit function provides independent and
objective assurance to the Board of Management and the
Supervisory Board on the effectiveness of the internal risk
management and control systems, and performs financial, IT,
sustainability and operational audits for the various units
within the PostNL Group. Each audit is followed by a formal
audit report to the management responsible. Adequate
follow-up on audit findings is assured. A summary report of
audit-related topics (findings, follow-up, and so on) is issued
every quarter to the Board of Management and the Audit
Committee. Audit planning, the quality and professionalism of
the audit team and the effectiveness and efficiency of the
execution of the audits are supervised by the Board of
Management and approved by the Audit Committee. The
internal audit function reports to the CEO, with open
communication to the CFO and the Audit Committee.
Transparent reporting
Transparency is a cornerstone of our corporate
responsibility. We understand that clear, comprehensive, and
truthful reporting is essential for maintaining trust with our
stakeholders, including investors, employees, customers, and
the communities in which we operate. This is reflected in our
approach to integrated reporting, where we aim to provide a
holistic view of our financial and sustainability performance.
More information on how we use the Integrated Reporting
framework and align with other standards and frameworks is
included in Basis for preparation section of the General
disclosures in the sustainability statements.
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81
In 2025, we were once again ranked as one of the most
sustainable companies in the transport and logistics sector
worldwide by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). This
benchmark evaluates listed companies on economic, social
and environmental transparency and performance. We also
achieved an A score in the CDP benchmark, a global
environmental disclosure system and we were awarded a
Platinum rating by EcoVadis, placing the company in the top
1% of the postal, courier and multi-modal freight transport
activities industry surveyed globally in terms of sustainability
performance and corporate social responsibility with a focus
on sustainable procurement.
External auditor
PostNL’s external auditor, KPMG Accountants NV, is
appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The lead
partner rotates after a maximum period of five years, and the
key assurance partners rotate after a maximum period of
seven years. Mr Roland Smeets is the lead audit partner since
the financial year 2022. The Supervisory Board recommends
to the General Meeting of Shareholders the appointment or
replacement of the external auditor. In doing so, it considers
the Audit Committee’s advice regarding the external auditor’s
nomination for appointment/reappointment or dismissal. The
Audit Committee prepares the selection of the external
auditor. The Audit Committee reports annually to the
Supervisory Board on the functioning of, and relevant
developments in the relationship with the external auditor.
The Audit Committee gives due consideration to the Board of
Management’s observations in this respect. At the Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders held on 20 April 2021,
KPMG Accountants NV was appointed as the external auditor
for PostNL for the financial years 2022, 2023 and 2024. At the
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on 16 April
2024, KPMG Accountants NV was appointed as the external
auditor for PostNL for the financial years 2025 and 2026.
The Audit Committee, supported by the internal audit
function, is required to pre-approve all services the external
auditor provides to ensure these do not impair the auditor’s
independence from PostNL. The Audit Committee grants a
general pre-approval for certain routine services every year.
By Dutch law, the external auditor is in principle prohibited to
render non-audit services.
Conflicts and potential conflicts of interest between the
external auditor and PostNL are settled in accordance with
the terms of reference of the Audit Committee and Dutch law.
See note '2.3.4 Other operating expenses' to the Consolidated
financial statements for more information.
The Audit Committee requires a formal written statement
from the external auditor confirming its independence.
Remuneration
report
In this chapter, we outline and explain both the
Remuneration Policy and the remuneration in 2025
of our Board of Management and our Supervisory
Board.
11
PostNL Annual Report 2025
83
Remuneration report
In conversation with our chairman
Remuneration Committee Chairman Ad Melkert reflects on
2025.
Ad Melkert.png
The Supervisory Board is responsible for the Remuneration
Policy of both the Board of Management and the Supervisory
Board, as well as for its implementation. The Remuneration
Committee oversees and ensures the implementation of the
remuneration policies as approved by the shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting (AGM), and ensures that decision-
making is aligned with these policies, PostNL’s performance,
and its strategic priorities. This report provides an overview
of the implementation of the remuneration policies for the
Board of Management and the Supervisory Board in 2025.
How do you look back on 2025 as chairman of the
Remuneration Committee?
The year 2025 was a challenging year for PostNL, marked by
difficult external circumstances and changing market
dynamics that impacted operating costs and influenced
customer behaviour. At the same time, important steps were
taken in numerous areas.
To safeguard a future-proof and financially viable postal
service, PostNL continued its efforts to constructively
contribute to ongoing discussions with the government,
actively advocating the need for legislative adjustments and
taking additional steps to accelerate the change process. In
mid-September, a new strategic direction was announced at
the Capital Markets Day, setting out clear objectives to steer
PostNL towards sustainable growth and innovation. This was
followed by the successful placement of a €300m Eurobond
on 25 September, to strengthen the company’s financial
position and supporting the creation of a resilient foundation
for long-term value creation.
Despite the challenging environment, growth and innovation
continued throughout the year. In line with the new strategy,
we made a clear move towards an AI-first approach to
accelerate innovation, strengthen competitiveness, empower
talent and support cost reduction across the organisation.
In terms of performance, normalised EBIT was in line with the
outlook for 2025. Although free cash flow decreased
compared to 2024, as anticipated, a strong focus on capital
expenditure discipline and strict working capital management
contributed positively to cash flow performance.
From a non-financial perspective, I am pleased to see that our
customer satisfaction (NPS) and employee engagement scores
increased compared to 2024, in line with our strategic
ambitions, and that further progress was made towards 2030
and 2040 sustainability goals. These results are reflected in
the STI and LTI realisation.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge the
departure of Herna Verhagen in 2025 after many years of
service, leadership and dedication. For all of us, the
appointment of the new Board of Management, together with
PostNL’s new strategy, marks the start of a new chapter in
PostNL’s exceptional history.
In April 2025 a new CEO and CFO were appointed. Can you
reflect on this?
After careful consideration, in November 2024 we announced
the intended appointment of Pim Berendsen as CEO of
PostNL, as from the 2025 AGM. Pim, who had served as CFO
in the Board of Management for many years, brings extensive
experience, expertise and stability in a rapidly evolving
environment.
In December 2024, following a thorough selection process,
we announced the intended appointment of Linde Jansen as
CFO. In addition to her strong financial background, Linde
brings executional strength, extensive experience in
transformation processes and has a distinct people-focused
approach.
I am pleased to see that, after the start in their tenures, our
new Board of Management has demonstrated its ability to
operate as a strong and cohesive team, delivering on the new
strategy with a clear focus on collaboration and value
creation. The change in Board composition has been reflected
in this remuneration report.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
84
At the Capital Markets Day in September 2025, PostNL
introduced a new strategy. Is there any impact on
remuneration?
As part of PostNL’s new strategy, several important steps
have been taken that affect the remuneration of the Board of
Management. The new strategy is built around four important
pillars: Growth, Value, Innovation and Impact. PostNL is
committed to growing its business, creating sustainable value,
leading through innovation and delivering meaningful impact,
while taking care of our people and the environment. The
strategy also provides clear direction on PostNL’s key
performance indicators (KPIs) going forward, supporting the
new strategic focus.
As the financial LTI performance measures included in the
2024 Remuneration Policy are not yet fully aligned with these
KPIs, a slightly amended policy is intended to be submitted for
voting at the 2026 AGM. More detailed information is included
in the Board of Management performance measures 2026
section in this Remuneration report. The policy will be
adjusted to ensure alignment between the Board of
Management’s LTI and PostNL’s renewed strategy, following
consultation that took place with key stakeholders. The
proposed adjustment is limited to changes in the financial LTI
performance measures and their respective weightings. A
broader (regular) evaluation of the Remuneration Policy
remains scheduled for 2027, in preparation for the 2028
AGM.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the non-financial,
climate-related, performance measure in the LTI will be
further aligned with PostNL’s strategic objectives as of 2026.
The new performance measure, which focuses on the
reduction of absolute CO₂ emissions, will also cover scope 3
emission reduction going forward, and therefore better
reflects PostNL’s broader sustainability ambitions. More
detailed information on this adjustment is included in the
Board of Management performance measures 2026 section in
this Remuneration report.
On a final note, looking at 2026, is there anything you would
like to add or highlight?
From a remuneration perspective, a significant milestone will
be reached with the implementation of the new PostNL
pension plan, which will transition before the summer of 2026,
following a long and intensive period of careful preparation
involving multiple parties.
As announced in the 2024 Remuneration Report, the
Supervisory Board will begin in 2026 adjusting variable
remuneration parameters for the Board of Management
towards the new policy levels, as previously approved by the
AGM, in 2024. Implementation of the updated variable
remuneration opportunities will commence in 2026 by setting
the STI and LTI target opportunity levels at the policy values
of 40% and 50%, respectively. As a second step, from 2027
onwards, a stretch opportunity in the event of
overperformance will be implemented for both the STI and
LTI, in line with the Remuneration Policy and market practice. 
In connection with these changes, the minimum share
ownership level for new members of the Board of
Management will be increased to 100% from 2027 onwards.
These steps align with PostNL’s renewed strategic focus and
financial ambitions and have been taken following a careful
and well-considered decision-making process. As these
changes relate to the implementation of variable
remuneration elements, they do not involve any guaranteed
compensation; all outcomes remain fully contingent on (high)
performance delivered.
On a final note, given the strong support for the 2024
remuneration report at the AGM in April 2025 and the
feedback received from stakeholders, no material
adjustments were implemented in this Remuneration report.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
85
Remuneration Policy of the Board of
Management
This section of the Remuneration report provides an overview
of the Board of Management Remuneration Policy, which was
adopted by the AGM on 16 April 2024 and became effective
as of 1 January 2024. The objective of the Remuneration
Policy is to attract, reward, and retain qualified members of
the Board of Management to set and implement PostNL’s
purpose, ambition, strategy, objectives, and culture.
PostNL’s purpose, ambition, and strategy are translated into
the objectives and guiding principles of the Board of
Management Remuneration Policy (the Policy) and its
application across the various remuneration components.
This ensures that remuneration practices are aligned with the
interests of all stakeholders, balance financial and non-
financial performance, and reflect PostNL’s strategic
objectives in the performance measures of variable
remuneration.
Alignment: the Policy is aligned with the interests of
multiple stakeholders and supports both short- and long-
term objectives, while taking into account the broader
societal context
Transparent: the Policy and its execution are clear and
practical
Compliant: PostNL applies the highest standards of good
corporate governance and complies with laws and
regulations
Simple: the Policy and its execution are straightforward and
easy to understand for all stakeholders
Sustainable: the Policy is aligned with PostNL’s
sustainability goals and fosters corporate responsibility.
External perspective
Market perspective is one of the factors considered by the
Supervisory Board when determining adequate remuneration
levels to attract and retain qualified leaders. To this end, the
Supervisory Board reviews a peer group to ensure a balanced
representation of the relevant labour market. The main
criteria used to define the peer group are a Dutch stock
exchange listing and comparability to PostNL in terms of size
(including revenue, employees, market capitalisation and
assets), board structure and geographical focus. PostNL
benchmarks its remuneration against a reassessed peer
group at least once every four years. The current peer group
is presented in the table below.
PostNL Peer group
Current peer group
Aalberts
Arcadis
Bam groep
Basic Fit
Brunel
For Farmers
Fugro
Heijmans
KPN
Signify
Sligro Food
Group
TKH Group
TomTom
Vopak
“The objective of the
Remuneration Policy is to attract,
reward and retain qualified Board
of Management members to set
and implement PostNL's purpose,
ambition, strategy, objectives and
culture”
Internal perspective
The remuneration of PostNL’s Executive Committee, other
senior management, and employees covered by a collective
labour agreement (CLA) is intended to align with the principles
underlying the Board of Management Remuneration Policy.
This alignment supports internal consistency in salary
structures, the design of incentive plans, and guidelines for
salary increases. In this context, the Supervisory Board
monitors the development of pay ratios.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
86
Summary of the Remuneration Policy 2024
The Remuneration Policy of the Board of Management was adopted by the AGM on 16 April 2024 and became effective as of 1 January 2024. The remuneration of the Board of Management
consists of the following elements: base salary, variable income (STI and LTI) and pensions and benefits. We have further explained these elements in the table below.
Type of
remuneration
2024 policy
Link to strategy
Fixed
remuneration
(Base salary)
Remuneration is set in line with the opportunity and takes multiple factors into consideration (e.g., environment/societal context of PostNL, nature and responsibility
of the role, individual/business performance, pay conditions within PostNL, market positioning).
Provides a fixed level of earnings
to attract and retain Board of
Management members to
execute PostNL's strategy.
Possible regular annual salary increase is capped at the salary increase of the broader workforce, as agreed upon in the CLA.
Base salary levels are set at around the median level of the peer group.
STI (cash
bonus)
The performance period is one year.
Rewards the delivery of short-
term performance and takes into
account the interests of multiple
stakeholders.
The STI is paid on an annual basis in cash.
The Supervisory Board selects on an annual basis the most relevant financial and non-financial performance measures which will be disclosed in the remuneration
report at the beginning of the performance period.
Financial performance measures count for 60% of the performance measures and may consist of measures that are: profit-related, cash-related, and revenue-
related and/or market/volume related. Non-financial performance measures count for 40% of the performance measures and may consist of measures that are:
sustainability-related, people-related, customer-related, and strategy-related.
At the end of the performance period, the Supervisory Board reviews the performance and assesses to what extent each of the target has been achieved to
determine pay-out levels. STI levels are set with a reference to the 25th percentile of the peer group.
LTI (shares)
The performance period is three years.
Rewards sustainable long-term
value creation to PostNL’s
strategy, stakeholder landscape,
and reinforces alignment with
shareholder interests by granting
shares.
Ordinary PostNL shares will be conditionally granted on an annual basis and at the beginning of the performance period.
Financial performance measures count for 66.66% of the performance measures.
Non-financial performance measures count for 33.33% of the performance measures.
For each annual award, the Supervisory Board selects the most relevant non-financial performance measure(s), which are ESG-related. The selected performance
measures, together with the underlying rationale, are disclosed in the remuneration report at the start of the relevant performance period.
Upon vesting, performance shares and their conditional dividend equivalent are subject to a holding period of two years. Therefore, the performance shares are
blocked for a total period of 5 years.
At the end of the performance period, the Supervisory Board reviews the performance and assesses to what extent each of the targets have been achieved to
determine vesting levels.
LTI levels are set with a reference to the 25th percentile of the peer group.
Benefits
Board of Management members are entitled to benefits such as pension benefits, risk insurance, company car (allowances), tax and social security, a fixed expense
allowance and possible service costs. Pension and benefits are in line with the Dutch market practice and are aligned with the elements applicable to the wider
workforce.
Remain competitive with the
market
PostNL Annual Report 2025
87
The table below presents an overview of the short-term
incentive (STI) payout and the long-term incentive (LTI) vesting
of conditionally awarded shares, both expressed as a
percentage of annual base salary. As 2024 was the year of
introduction of the Policy, the start scenario applied. The
Supervisory Board may decide to gradually increase STI and
LTI levels towards the policy maximum. Reference is made to
our website, regarding the 2024 Remuneration Policy of the
Board of Management.
Performance
STI
LTI
Pay-out
(policy
start)
Pay-out
(policy
maximum)
Vesting
(policy
start)
Vesting
(policy
maximum)
Below threshold
0%
0%
0%
0%
At threshold
18.75%
20%
18.75%
25%
At target
37.50%
40%
37.50%
50%
At stretch
0%
60%
0.00%
75%
2025 Board of Management actual
remuneration
The following section provides insight into how our
Remuneration Policy was implemented in 2025 for the Board
of Management. The presented figures are at market value,
unless stated otherwise. For IFRS-based figures on the
remuneration, see note '5.1 Remuneration of Supervisory
Consolidated financial statements for more information.
Implementation of the remuneration policies
In 2025, we ensured that all decisions regarding the
remuneration of the Board of Management were aligned with
the Remuneration Policy approved by the AGM in 2024 and
with the applicable decision-making processes. No deviations
from the Policy occurred. All remuneration is paid directly to
the members of the Board of Management by PostNL N.V. As
such, no remuneration has been granted and/or allocated by
subsidiaries or other companies whose financials are
consolidated by PostNL N.V.
Furthermore, PostNL did not grant any severance payments
to the Board of Management. No loans, advance payments or
guarantees were granted to members of the Board of
Management in 2025 either. Lastly, the Supervisory Board did
not claw back any variable remuneration from the Board of
Management.
Scenario analysis
In conformity with the Corporate Governance Code
(hereafter: the Code), scenario analyses have been performed
regarding the possible results of the variable remuneration
elements and the impact thereof on the remuneration of the
Board of Management members. Based on these analyses,
the Supervisory Board deems the remuneration levels to be
appropriate in view of the performance. Hence, no further
measures are required in this regard. The analyses, amongst
others, include a minimum performance scenario (0%), a
maximum performance scenario (100%) and share price
variations.
PostNL Remuneration Board of Management in €
Name of Director - position
Reported Year
Fixed remuneration
Variable remuneration
Total remuneration
Fixed-variable
remuneration
Base salary 1
Other benefits 2
Pension costs 3
One year variable
Multi-year
variable 4
Pim Berendsen - CEO 5
2025
531,145
119,227
28,456
197,427
0
876,255
77% - 23%
2024
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pim Berendsen - CFO 5
2025
166,218
49,094
11,717
61,783
25,631
314,443
72% - 28%
2024
550,617
135,335
41,014
122,237
27,474
876,677
83% - 17%
Linde Jansen - CFO 5
2025
403,219
29,286
24,803
149,876
0
607,184
75% - 25%
2024
0
0
0
0
0
0
Herna Verhagen - Former CEO 5
2025
218,707
51,028
13,418
81,293
33,726
398,172
71% - 29%
2024
724,495
193,630
47,036
160,838
36,148
1,162,147
83% - 17%
1
Base salaries 2025 were indexed with 3.5%.
2
Other benefits include company costs such as tax and social security, pension allowances, company car and other compensation.
3
Pension costs represent the cash out for the collective defined contribution plan (net of employee contributions), and risk premium for a net pension plan.
4
The 2025 amounts give the value of the shares that vested in May 2025 which relate to the LTI 2022-2024. The 2024 amounts give the value of the shares that vested in May 2024 which relate to the LTI 2021-2023.
5
Herna Verhagen decided to step down as CEO as per 15 April 2025. On the same date, Pim Berendsen was appointed CEO and stepped down from his role as CFO. Linde Jansen joined as incoming CFO on 17 March 2025 and
was formally appointed as CFO in the Board of Management on 15 April 2025. This table excludes for Herna Verhagen the remuneration that relates to the period after 15 April 2025. From 15 April up to 31 December 2025
Herna Verhagen was still engaged on the basis of an employment agreement. In the interest of PostNL, parties agreed upon a period of transition, availability as an advisor and leave. The remuneration for Herna Verhagen in this
period amounted to €687,657 (base salary €531,145, other benefits €123,926, pension costs €32,586). This remuneration and these components are in line with PostNL’s remuneration policy.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
88
External perspective
In line with the Remuneration Policy, the remuneration of the
BoM is benchmarked against a reassessed peer group at least
every four years. Interim adjustments in the composition of
the peer group are permitted, but have not taken place so far.
Internal perspective
In 2025, we continued to monitor the development of the
internal pay ratios which show a relatively consistent
development over the years. In conformity with the Code, the
ratio is calculated between the annual total remuneration for
the CEO and the average annual total remuneration of an
employee, which for 2025 was 22.2. The ratio between the
annual total remuneration of the CFO and the average annual
total remuneration of an employee was 16.7 for 2025. In the
'Performance/ remuneration/internal pay ratio' table, more
detailed information is provided on the calculation method
and the development of the BoM remuneration versus the
wider workforce.
Base salary
The base salaries for the members of the BoM were indexed
in 2025 (3.5%) in line with the 2024 CLA increases of the wider
workforce as further laid-down in the Remuneration Policy.
The total remuneration of the BoM in 2025 (and 2024) is
outlined in the table on the previous page. In view of the
appointment of the new BoM as per 15 April 2025, an
extended remuneration table is included in this year’s report.
Short-term incentive (STI) 2025
The STI, which rewards the achievement of short-term
performance while considering the interests of multiple
stakeholders, is based on annual financial and non-financial
performance measures for which targets are set over a one-
year performance period. As vesting schemes apply,
performance below target may still result in a partial STI
payout. No payout is made if performance falls below the
threshold level for the relevant performance measure. The
STI payout is based on actual performance, as assessed by
the Remuneration Committee, and is summarised in the table
below. The 2025 STI realisation amounts to 37.17% out of a
maximum of 37.50%, which equals a pay-out ratio of 99.12%.
For Herna Verhagen and Linde Jansen, a pro-rata time-based
STI applies. For Pim Berendsen, the STI is partially based on
his CFO salary (until 15 April 2025) and partially on his CEO
salary (from that date).
For 2025, normalised EBIT was €53 million, slightly higher
than 2024 and in line with the outlook. In 2025, free cash flow
decreased by €37 million to €(25) million. This decline was
mainly caused by higher investments in working capital and a
lower change in provisions, partly compensated by lower
income taxes paid in 2025. In 2025, PostNL again secured the
average number 1 NPS position in the relevant markets,
reflecting trust in PostNL’s reliability and service quality.
Employee engagement levels increased to 69% in 2025,
slightly above the target of 68%, mainly resulting from
improvements within Mail in the Netherlands, reflecting the
impact of local initiatives. Separate delivery quality
performance measures for consumer mail and business mail
were selected for 2025 (based on delivery within 2 days), in
anticipation of the government’s approval on the future
service proposition for consumer mail and, for business mail,
in line with the adjusted standard service proposition
applicable as from 2025. Consumer mail quality for delivery
within 2 days was 95.3%, below target level. In comparison
with the preliminary next-day delivery quality score of 86%,
the outcome reflects the necessity to adjust legislative quality
requirements. Business mail quality was 91.4%, above the
2025 target. Parcels delivery quality was high in 2025 (97.3%),
exceeding the target, driven by improved forecasting,
planning and monitoring in the supply chain.
PostNL Short-term Incentive
Name of Director -
position
Performance measure
Definition
Link to strategic objective
Relative
weight
Threshold
level
Target
level
Actual
performance
Actual
remuneration (%
of base salary)
Pim Berendsen -
CEO
Linde Jansen - CFO
(started 15 April
2025)
Herna Verhagen -
former CEO (until
15 April 2025)
Profitability
Normalised EBIT
Generate sustainable growth and cash
flow
30%
30m
50m
53m
11.25%
Cash generation
Free cash flow
30%
(50)m
(30)m
(25)m
11.25%
Total Financial performance measures
22.50%
NPS
Realise the average no 1 NPS position on the for
PostNL relevant markets
Accelerate our customers' success
10%
nr1 (1.5)
nr1 (1.417)
nr1 (1.17)
3.75%
Employee engagement
The share of engaged employees
Our people take pride in the work we do
10%
66.0%
68.0%
69.0%
3.75%
Quality Mail
improvement
'- Consumer Mail quality (2 day delivery)
Secure a sustainable mail business
5%
94.0%
96.0%
95.3%
1.54%
- Business Mail quality (2 day delivery)
5%
88.0%
90.0%
91.4%
1.88%
Quality Parcels
The share of parcels with an on-time, first-time
delivery attempt
Consumers can count on us
10%
96.0%
97.0%
97.3%
3.75%
Total Non-financial performance measures
14.67%
100%
Total
Total
37.17%
PostNL Annual Report 2025
89
Long-term Incentive (LTI) 2023-2025
The long-term incentive (LTI) rewards long-term value
creation in support of PostNL’s strategy and reinforces
alignment with shareholder interests through the granting of
shares. The plan is based on financial and non-financial
performance measures for which targets are set over a three-
year performance period. As vesting schemes apply,
performance below target may still result in a partial LTI
payout. At year-end 2025, the LTI performance period 2023–
2025 concluded. The Remuneration Committee assessed the
performance of the Board of Management over this three-
year period. The relative weighting, threshold and target
levels, and actual performance for each performance
measure, are summarised in the table below. The LTI 2023–
2025 was granted in 2023 and therefore falls under the
previous Remuneration Policy adopted by the AGM in 2022.
For Herna Verhagen and Linde Jansen, a pro-rata (time-
based) LTI applies.
Both earnings attributable to shareholders (cumulative
normalised comprehensive income) of €106 million and cash
generation (free cash flow) of € (3) million, unfortunately
ended below target and threshold level.
The LTI 2023-2025 also includes climate impact reduction as
a performance measure, to strengthen alignment with
PostNL's sustainability goals. Climate impact is defined as
‘CO₂ efficiency of our own operations’, measuring the relative
CO₂ reduction in grammes CO₂e per kilometre compared to
base year 2017. This metric reflects the most important
reduction lever in PostNL’s climate transition plan: the
decarbonisation of transport through fleet electrification and
the use of low-carbon fuels. Improving CO₂ efficiency directly
reduces scope 1 emissions and supports broader emission
reductions across the value chain, thereby contributing to
progress against PostNL’s Science Based Targets. In addition
to a threshold level and a target level, the climate impact
performance measure also contains a qualifier. The qualifier
for the LTI 2023–2025 was defined as ‘the absolute CO₂
emission in 2025 is lower than in 2022’, further reinforcing the
link between remuneration outcomes and absolute emission
reduction. With CO₂ emissions of 108.5 grammes CO₂e per
kilometre in 2025, compared to 152 grammes CO₂e per
kilometre in 2022 and a 52.0% CO₂ reduction compared to the
base year 2017, both the qualifier and target level were
exceeded. The progress made in the period 2023–2025 was
mainly driven by the electrification of our fleet and the use of
biofuels.
The LTI 2023-2025 realisation, which is linked to the climate
impact performance measure, amounts to 12.50% out of a
maximum of 37.50%, which equals a pay-out ratio of 33.33%.
The applicable number of performance shares will vest in
2026 and are subject to a two-year holding period. The
holding period (together with the minimum shareholding
requirement as described in section 'Share ownership’) aligns
the long-term interest of the members of the Board of
Management with our shareholders. Furthermore, the holding
period ensures that the performance shares are held for a
period of at least 5 years.
Departure CEO
Herna Verhagen decided to step down as CEO as per 15 April
2025. Her employment with PostNL started in 1991 and ended
on 31 December 2025. As outlined in the remuneration policy,
Herna Verhagen was still engaged on the basis of an
employment agreement. In the interest of PostNL, parties
agreed upon a period of transition, availability as an advisor
and leave. Salary payments and other regular benefits (e.g.
car, pensions) have been continued until the end date of
employment. Herna Verhagen has a good leaver status. In
accordance with the remuneration policy, the STI and LTI
awards are subject to a pro rata time based and performance
based vesting until 15 April 2025. The LTI performance is
based on the average of the last 10 years as lower limit. From
15 April up to 31 December 2025 Herna Verhagen was not
entitled to any variable remuneration.
PostNL Long-term Incentive
Name of Director - position
Performance measure
Definition
Relative
weight
Threshold
level
Target level
Actual
performance
Actual
remuneration (%
of base salary)
Pim Berendsen - CEO
Linde Jansen - CFO (started
15 April 2025)
Herna Verhagen - former
CEO (until 15 April 2025)
Earnings attributable to shareholders
Cumulative normalised comprehensive income
33.33%
185m
309m
106m
0%
Cash generation
Cumulative Free cash flow
33.33%
92m
154m
(3)m
0%
Total Financial performance measures
0%
Climate impact
CO 2 efficiency of our own operations (base year 2017 = 0%)
33.33%
35.0%
45.1%
52.0%
12.50%
Total Non-financial performance measures
12.50%
Total
12.50%
PostNL Annual Report 2025
90
PostNL Shares (market value) in €
Name of Director - position
Specification of plan
Value of shares held
at 1 Jan 2025
Value of shares
granted during
2025 1
Value of dividend
shares 2
Value of shares
settled during 2025
Value of shares
forfeited during
2025
Value of net shares
under a holding
period at 31 Dec
2025
Value of shares
subject to a
performance
condition at 31 Dec
2025
Pim Berendsen - CEO 3
PSP 2025
315,001
315,001
PSP 2024
171,756
7,905
179,661
PSP 2023
141,666
6,520
148,185
PSP 2022
73,511
3,384
(25,631)
(51,263)
13,264
PSP 2021
14,395
14,395
PSP 2020
87,713
Total shares
489,041
315,001
17,809
(25,631)
(51,263)
27,659
642,847
Linde Jansen - CFO 3
PSP 2025
224,937
224,937
PSP 2024
143,142
143,142
PSP 2023
61,347
61,347
Total shares
429,426
429,426
Herna Verhagen - Former CEO 3
PSP 2025
26,026
26,026
PSP 2024
225,994
10,401
236,395
PSP 2023
186,401
8,578
194,979
PSP 2022
96,724
4,451
(33,726)
(67,450)
17,453
PSP 2021
18,940
18,940
PSP 2020
115,411
Total shares
643,470
26,026
23,430
(33,726)
(67,450)
36,393
457,400
Total market value
1,132,511
770,453
41,239
(59,357)
(118,713)
64,052
1,529,673
1
The number of conditional shares granted is based on 37.5% of the annual base salary divided by the five-day average Euronext Amsterdam share price of PostNL prior to the date of publication of the Q1 2025 results (€0.917).
Vesting takes place at the end of the 3 year performance period, is subject to the long-term incentive plan's performance measures and is determined by the Supervisory Board. Performance will be disclosed in the 2027
remuneration report. More information about the characteristics of the share plans can be found in the summary of the Remuneration Policy of the Board of Management in this chapter.
2
Conditional dividend shares were granted following the final dividend 2024.
3
Herna Verhagen decided to step down as CEO as per 15 April 2025. On the same date, Pim Berendsen was appointed CEO and stepped down from his role as CFO. Linde Jansen joined as incoming CFO on 17 March 2025 and
was formally appointed as CFO in the Board of Management on 15 April 2025.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
91
Shares held by the Board of Management
PostNL Share ownership as percentage of the minimum
shareholding in %
Board of Management
2024
2025
Pim Berendsen - CEO
66
53
Linde Jansen - CFO
0
The table above provides an overview of the shares held as a
percentage of the minimal at year-end 2025 (and 2024) by the
CEO and CFO. All members of the Board of Management are
required to hold a specified value of PostNL shares. This
minimum shareholding requirement fosters the identification
of Board of Management members with PostNL’s strategy and
its shareholders and aims to ensure a sustainable link to the
performance of the company. The minimum after-tax
shareholding requirement in 2024 and 2025 is equivalent to
75% of the average annual base salary. These minimum
shareholdings can be built up over 7 years, in line with the
Remuneration Policy.
As shown in the table above, at year-end 2025 the CEO held
53% of the minimum shareholding requirement, representing
a decrease compared with 2024. This decrease reflects the
increase in base salary following his appointment as CEO, as
well as developments in the share price. As the CFO does not
yet hold any unconditional shares, her shareholding at year-
end 2025 amounted to 0%.
The former CEO is no longer included in this table. She met
the minimum shareholding requirement from the introduction
of this obligation in 2020 until her departure.
Information on the change of remuneration and company
performance
The table on the following page provides an overview on the
change of remuneration, company performance, average
remuneration per FTE and internal pay ratios over the last 5
financial years (IFRS based).
PostNL Shares held by Board of Management in shares
Board of Management
2024
2025
Pim Berendsen - CEO
Conditional shares
367,074
609,854
Unconditional shares under a holding period
96,867
26,239
Unconditional shares not subject to a holding period
110,524
193,735
574,465
829,828
Linde Jansen - CFO
Conditional shares
0
407,385
Unconditional shares under a holding period
0
0
Unconditional shares not subject to a holding period
0
0
0
407,385
PostNL Annual Report 2025
92
PostNL Performance/remuneration/internal pay ratio
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Profitability 1
in € million
308
84
92
53
53
Delta in %
23%
(73)%
10%
(42)%
(1)%
Earnings attributable to shareholders 2
in € million
285
90
52
38
21
Delta in %
43%
(68)%
(42)%
(27)%
(45)%
Revenue PostNL
in € million
3,466
3,144
3,165
3,252
3,324
Delta in %
6%
(9)%
1%
3%
2%
Total remuneration CEO 3
in € 
1,237,076
1,177,485
1,189,664
1,247,558
1,366,198
Delta in %
0%
(5)%
1%
5%
10%
Total remuneration CFO 3
in € 
927,541
880,509
898,214
929,680
1,028,195
Delta in %
0%
(5)%
2%
4%
11%
Average remuneration per FTE 4
in €
51,905
54,753
55,110
58,266
61,535
Delta in %
0%
5%
1%
6%
6%
Internal pay ratio 5
CEO
23.8
21.5
21.6
21.4
22.2
Delta in %
0%
(10)%
0%
(1)%
4%
CFO
17.9
16.1
16.3
16.0
16.7
Delta in %
0%
(10)%
1%
(2)%
5%
1
Profitability is equal to normalised EBIT (see chapter 6 Financial review).
2
Earnings attributable to shareholders is equal to normalised comprehensive income (see chapter 6 Financial review).
3
IFRS based remuneration, for more information see note 5.1 of the performance statements.
4
Based on the total salaries, pensions and social security contributions (excluding the CEO and CFO) increased with the external temporary staff
cost (from 2021 onwards) divided by the average number of FTE's (total of own personnel and external temporary staff) minus two as reported in
the chapter 'Financial Statements' of the relevant years.
5
Herna Verhagen decided to step down as CEO as per 15 April 2025. On the same date, Pim Berendsen was appointed CEO and stepped down from
his role as CFO. Linde Jansen joined as incoming CFO on 17 March 2025 and was formally appointed as CFO in the Board of Management on 15
April 2025. This table excludes for Herna Verhagen the remuneration that relates to the period after 15 April 2025.
Internal pay ratios
As described in the Board of Management — Actual
remuneration paragraph, PostNL calculates the ratios
between the annual total remuneration of the CEO and CFO
and the average annual total remuneration of an employee.
The pay ratio was 22.2 for the CEO in 2025 (2024: 21.4) and
16.7 for the CFO in 2025 (2024: 16.0). The increase results
from a higher STI realisation than last year and the change in
board composition (resulting in an increase in shares granted,
in line with the Remuneration Policy).
As of 2021, external temporary staff have been included in
the internal pay ratio calculation. Accordingly, all full-time
equivalents (FTEs) of hired external staff are included when
determining the average number of FTEs. The related costs
expenses' to the Consolidated Financial Statements) are
included in the calculation of average remuneration per FTE.
For administrative reasons, it is not feasible to distinguish
between external staff who worked for shorter or longer than
three months during the calendar year. As a result, no
differentiation is made based on the duration of activities
performed by external staff for PostNL. The pay ratios for
2025, excluding external temporary staff, would have been
22.7 (2024: 22.0) for the CEO and 17.1 (2024: 16.4) for the
CFO.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
93
Board of Management performance
measures 2026
Based on the variable remuneration framework set out in the
Remuneration Policy, the Supervisory Board has reviewed
and selected the most appropriate performance measures
for 2026 in line with PostNL’s renewed strategy. In doing so,
the Supervisory Board has balanced the interests of PostNL’s
relevant stakeholders and taken into account key
developments, including the transition towards a future-proof
postal service in the Netherlands.
The performance measures for the STI 2026 and the LTI
2026–2028 are presented in the tables on this page. The
weighting of financial and non-financial performance
measures for the STI is set in accordance with the
Remuneration Policy, at 60% financial and 40% non-financial.
The weighting of financial and non-financial performance
measures for the LTI is set at 75% financial and 25% non-
financial, in line with the to be adjusted Remuneration Policy
which will be submitted for approval at the 2026 AGM.
PostNL STI 2026
STI performance measure
Definition
Weight
Profitability
Normalised EBIT
30%
Cash generation
Free cash flow
30%
NPS
Realise the average no 1 cNPS
position on the for PostNL
relevant markets
10%
Employee engagement
The average engagement of
our employees
10%
Quality Mail
Percent of consignments that
are delivered within D+2
timeframe for consumer mail
5%
Percent of consignments that
are delivered within D+2
timeframe for business mail
5%
Quality Parcels
Percent of consignments that
are delivered within the
timeframe set for parcels
10%
STI 2026
The STI performance measures for this year remain
unchanged compared to 2025, as these measures are aligned
with PostNL’s new strategy. For more information, please see
the Our strategy chapter. Both financial performance
measures, normalised EBIT and free cash flow, qualify as key
performance indicators, which are crucial in assessing the
progress made on our objectives. The same applies to the
non-financial performance measures NPS and employee
engagement. As PostNL continues to focus on delivering
excellent customer experiences and on engaging and
empowering its people, these performance measures remain
central to the strategy and therefore have been selected for
the STI. Additionally, delivery quality performance measures
for both mail and parcels remain part of the STI in 2026 as
they are key in determining the reliability of our services,
underpin our strategic priorities and reflect the importance of
predictable delivery.
LTI 2026-2028
As mentioned in the interview with the Chairman of the
Remuneration Committee in this chapter, the Supervisory
Board intends to slightly adjust the (financial LTI performance
measures in the) Remuneration Policy as from 2026 to ensure
continued alignment with PostNL’s renewed strategy.
Subject to approval by the AGM in April 2026, the adjusted
Remuneration Policy will as of 2026 include normalised profit
and return on invested capital (ROIC) as financial
performance measures, in addition to free cash flow.
Under the amended Dividend Policy, which applies from
2026 onwards, dividend determination will be based on
normalised profit, in line with market practice, rather than
on normalised comprehensive income, which applied until
2025. Aligning the LTI performance measures with the
revised Dividend Policy by selecting normalised profit as a
performance measure from 2026, ensures a clear link
between business performance, dividend determination,
and LTI vesting outcomes.
As part of the renewed strategy, PostNL places increased
focus on ROIC. To promote efficient capital allocation and
support long-term value creation for shareholders, a strong
ROIC ambition has been set towards 2028. In light of
PostNL’s strategic priorities and ambition, ROIC has been
selected as a financial performance measure.
With four LTI performance measures in total instead of the
current three, the weighting of the LTI performance
measures will be adjusted accordingly, with each measure
weighting equally (25%). This change supports the guiding
principles of the Remuneration Policy, simplicity and
transparency, and underlines the equal strategic
importance of each performance measure in addressing
PostNL’s objectives and challenges in the coming years.
PostNL LTI 2026-2028
LTI performance measure
Definition
Weight
Earnings attributable to
shareholders
Normalised profit
25%
Cash generation
Free cash flow
25%
Capital efficiency
Return on Invested Capital
(ROIC)
25%
Climate impact
The reduction of absolute CO₂
emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3),
compared to base year 2021
25%
Towards the end of 2025, PostNL engaged with the Central
Works Council, investors, proxy advisors and investor
representatives. The proposed adjustments to the Policy,
although limited, were well received in view of the enhanced
alignment with PostNL’s strategy. Our conversations have not
resulted in adjustments to our proposal.
The non-financial, climate-related, performance measure in
the LTI will also be further aligned with PostNL’s strategic
objectives. In line with PostNL’s SBTi targets, ‘the reduction of
absolute CO₂ emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) compared to the
2021 base year’ has been selected as climate-related
performance measure as of 2026. This measure captures the
total reduction in emissions across the full value chain and
better reflects PostNL’s broader sustainability ambitions, as it
encompasses the impact of both PostNL’s own operations
and those of its delivery partners and suppliers. No
Remuneration Policy adjustment is required for this.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
94
Remuneration Policy of the
Supervisory Board
This section provides a high-level overview of the
Remuneration Policy of the Supervisory Board as adopted by
the 2024 AGM and effective as per 1 January 2024.
Objective and guiding principles
The objective of the Policy is to attract and retain qualified
talent to perform the Supervisory Board’s duties and act in
accordance with the interests of PostNL and its stakeholders.
The Policy is built on the following principles:
Alignment
Independence
Transparent
Compliant
Simple.
The Remuneration Committee takes multiple factors into
account when determining compensation levels, including the
type of role, the pay conditions of PostNL’s employees,
societal context and relevant market developments.
Compensation levels will be benchmarked at least every four
years against the same peer group that is used for the Board
of Management benchmark. PostNL aims to position
compensation between the lower quartile and median levels
of the peer group for all compensation elements of the Policy.
In line with the Code, the remuneration of the Supervisory
Board is not related to the company performance and paid in
cash only.
Fee Structure
The Remuneration Policy contains the following compensation
elements:
Board fees for chairman and members
Committee fees for chairman and members
Other benefits
Expenses.
The fee structure is included in the table below.
PostNL Fee Structure Supervisory Board
Annual Board fees
Chair
€65,000
Member
€47,500
Annual Committee fees
Chair Audit Committee
€10,000
Chair Remuneration / Nomination / ESG
Committee
€9,000
Member Audit Committee
€7,500
Member Remuneration / Nomination / ESG
Committee
€6,000
For more details regarding the 2024 Remuneration Policy of
the Supervisory Board, we refer to our website.
2025 Supervisory Board actual
remuneration
This section provides insight into the implementation of the
Remuneration Policy for the Supervisory Board in 2025.
Unless stated otherwise, the figures presented are at market
value. For remuneration figures prepared in accordance with
IFRS, reference is made to note ‘5.1 Remuneration of the
In 2025, we ensured that all decisions regarding the
remuneration of the Supervisory Board were fully aligned
with the Remuneration Policy approved by the AGM in 2024
and with the applicable decision-making processes. No
deviations from the Policy occurred. All remuneration is paid
directly to the members of the Supervisory Board by PostNL
N.V. As such, no remuneration has been granted and/or
allocated by subsidiaries or other companies whose financials
are consolidated by PostNL N.V.
The total remuneration of the Supervisory Board in 2025 (per
individual member) and 2024 (as a total) is presented in the
table on the following page. In accordance with the
Remuneration Policy, members of the Supervisory Board are
entitled to a Board fee and, where applicable, one or more
fixed committee fees.
Members of the Supervisory Board do not receive
performance-related remuneration and do not accrue
pension rights with PostNL. Accordingly, their remuneration is
fully fixed. No severance payments are payable in the event
of termination. PostNL does not grant loans, including
mortgage loans, advance payments, guarantees, or options or
shares to members of the Supervisory Board.
With the exception of Martin Plavec, who holds 6,000 PostNL
shares, none of the members of the Supervisory Board hold
shares in PostNL N.V.
A five-year overview of the total remuneration of the
Supervisory Board is presented in the table on the following
page.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
95
PostNL Total remuneration Supervisory Board in €,
2024, 2025
Supervisory Board member
Board fee
Committee fees
Total fees
Nomination
Remuneration
Audit
ESG
Jan Nooitgedagt
65,000
9,000
7,500
81,500
Marike van Lier Lels
47,500
6,000
7,500
61,000
Ad Melkert
47,500
9,000
7,500
64,000
Jeroen Hoencamp
47,500
6,000
6,000
59,500
Nienke Meijer
47,500
6,000
9,000
62,500
Koos Timmermans
47,500
3,000
6,000
10,000
66,500
Hannie Vlug
47,500
6,000
6,000
59,500
Martin Plavec
47,500
7,500
6,000
61,0001
Total 2025
397,500
24,000
27,000
40,000
27,000
515,500
Total 2024
397,500
21,000
27,000
40,000
27,000
512,500
1
Excluding mandatory social security and health insurance contributions.
PostNL Five-year overview total remuneration Supervisory Board in €,
2021-2025
Supervisory Board member
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Jan Nooitgedagt
69,236
70,000
70,000
81,500
81,500
Marike van Lier Lels
52,500
52,500
52,500
61,000
61,000
Ad Melkert
55,000
55,000
55,000
64,000
64,000
Jeroen Hoencamp
45,000
45,000
47,500
59,500
59,500
Nienke Meijer
35,312
45,000
48,750
62,500
62,500
Koos Timmermans
38,194
55,000
55,000
63,500
66,500
Hannie Vlug
35,437
47,500
59,500
59,500
Martin Plavec
34,250
61,000
61,000
Total current members
295,242
357,937
410,500
512,500
515,500
Agnes Jongerius
13,750
Thessa Menssen
16,806
Eelco Blok
16,042
Total former members
46,598
Total remuneration
341,840
357,937
410,500
512,500
515,500
Our tax
strategy and
policy provisions
In this chapter we provide an overview of our tax
strategy, its underlying policy provisions, and their
application.
12
Our tax strategy and policy provisions
Introduction
PostNL’s tax strategy and policy are based on the mandate
granted by the Board of Management to the Group Tax
department. The strategy and policy set out the principles
applicable across the PostNL Group and define and allocate
roles and responsibilities in the area of taxation.
The objective of this tax strategy and policy is aligned with
the Tax Governance Code (TGC) developed under the
umbrella of VNO-NCW. This objective is to ensure a coherent,
responsible and compliant approach to taxation in the
broadest sense. Our conduct and approach to tax matters, as
well as the related principles and procedures, are
consistently aligned with this objective.
Tax strategy and risk management
Our approach to tax is fully aligned with PostNL’s overall
strategy, whereby tax is viewed not solely as a cost factor,
but as a contributor to socio-economic cohesion, sustainable
growth and long-term prosperity. Accordingly, a coherent,
responsible and compliant approach to taxation is considered
an integral part of doing business, supported by a moderate
tax risk appetite. Group Tax is mandated by the Board of
Management to oversee this tax approach. In this role, Group
Tax advises and supports the Board of Management on tax
matters and acts as the central tax business partner for all
stakeholders. Group Tax comprises specialists in direct and
indirect taxes, payroll taxes, government grants, tax
compliance and reporting.
Our approach to tax risk management is based on a tax
control framework (TCF), which forms part of PostNL’s
internal control framework. Key elements include periodic tax
reports provided to the CFO, at least quarterly reviews of the
tax position, and the execution of a quarterly tax risk
management cycle, including (key) control execution and
testing. In addition, Group Tax ensures adherence to the tax
strategy and policies within the team and across the PostNL
Group, thereby strengthening tax awareness. To support this
approach, PostNL maintains ongoing dialogue with
governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, industry
groups and employer organisations on the interpretation of
and compliance with tax laws and regulations.
Policy provisions
Approach to tax: tax strategy and tax policy
provisions
We see tax not as a cost factor alone, but as a means for
socio-economic cohesion, sustainable growth and long-term
prosperity.
Our approach to tax is based on a tax strategy and a set of
policy provisions approved by our Board of Management
Group Tax reports at least semi-annually to the Board of
Management and at least annually to the Audit Committee
on tax risks, adherence to the tax strategy and its
underlying policy provisions
Our tax strategy and its underlying policy provisions apply
to all PostNL Group entities
Our tax policy provisions apply to how we operate in our
relationships with employees, customers, contractors and
suppliers.
Accountability and tax governance
Tax is a core part of corporate social responsibility and
governance and is overseen by our Board of Management.
Our Board of Management is accountable for the tax
strategy, the underlying policy provisions and tax risk
management
We have a tax control framework that sets out our tax
controls and risk management
Internal and external auditors regularly review tax controls
as part of the audit of our financial results.
Tax compliance
We are committed to comply with the letter, the intent and
the spirit of tax legislation in the countries in which we
operate and to pay the right amount of tax at the right time.
We prepare and file all tax returns required, providing
complete, accurate and timely disclosures to all relevant
tax authorities
Our responsible tax planning is based on reasonable
interpretations of applicable law and is aligned with the
substance of the economic and commercial activity of our
business
We will not undertake transactions or engage in
arrangements of which the sole purpose is to create a tax
benefit that is in excess of a reasonable interpretation of
relevant tax rules
We will only claim tax incentives in line with the policy
intent of such tax incentives and provided such incentives
are generally available
If we seek certainty in advance from tax authorities to
confirm an applicable tax treatment, we do so based on full
disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances.
1 For the definition of offshore jurisdictions (e.g. tax havens), PostNL uses the following sources: the EU black list of non-cooperative jurisdictions; the OECD list of jurisdictions committed to improving transparency and establishing
effective exchange of information in tax matters; and, the Dutch Ministry of Finance’s list of low-tax states and non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purpose.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
98
Business structure
We will only use business structures that are driven by
commercial considerations, are aligned with business
activities, and have genuine substance.
We do not use so-called tax havens 1 for tax avoidance. All
entities in tax havens exist for substantive and commercial
reasons
We pay tax on profits according to where value is created
within the normal course of commercial activity
We use the arm’s length principle, in line with guidelines
issued by the OECD, and apply this consistently across our
businesses, contingent on local laws.
Relationships with tax authorities and other
external stakeholders
Mutual respect, transparency and trust drive our
relationships with tax authorities and other relevant external
stakeholders.
We seek to develop cooperative relationships with tax
authorities, and relevant other authorities, based on mutual
respect, transparency and trust
We seek to engage constructively in national and
international dialogue with governments, business groups
and civil society to support the development of effective
tax systems, legislation and administration
We will work collaboratively with tax authorities to achieve
early agreement on disputed issues and certainty on a real-
time basis, wherever possible. Where there is controversy,
we will strive to resolve the controversy by applying these
principles.
Tax transparency and reporting
We regularly provide information to our stakeholders,
including investors, policy makers, employees, civil society
and the general public, about our approach to tax and taxes
paid. We therefore publish the following information:
A tax strategy or policy and our approach to tax risk
management
A list of group entities, with ownership information and a
brief explanation of the type and geographic scope of
activities
Annual information on the corporate income tax we accrue
and pay on a cash basis at a country level
The total tax borne and collected by us, globally or per
country, including corporate income taxes, property taxes,
(non-creditable) VAT and other sales taxes, employer/
employee- related taxes, and other taxes that constitute
costs to us or are remitted by us on behalf of customers or
employees, by category of taxes
Information on financially material tax incentives (e.g. tax
holidays), including an outline of the incentive requirements
and when it expires
An outline of the advocacy approach we take on tax issues,
the channels through which we engage in regard to policy
development, and the overall purpose of its engagement.
Managing tax
Group Tax operates in line with recognised best practices in
tax governance and compliance. It manages all relevant taxes
and ensures the optimal use of available subsidy
opportunities, in strict accordance with PostNL’s tax
governance framework, strategy and principles. A key priority
is promoting tax awareness across the organisation,
supported by regular meetings and targeted communication
initiatives. A cornerstone of PostNL’s tax governance is the
tax control framework. The TCF is designed to identify,
monitor and mitigate tax risks, while ensuring complete,
accurate and timely tax reporting and compliance, and is fully
embedded within the internal control environment. To
maintain a robust and effective TCF, the Internal Audit
department performs an annual audit of the TCF. When
engaging third-party tax expertise, PostNL applies the
principles set out in its tax governance framework and
expects external advisors to adhere to these principles when
providing tax-related services. Group Tax is responsible for
identifying, assessing and managing the tax risks of PostNL.
Identified tax risks and the effectiveness of the TCF are
reviewed quarterly with the CFO.
PostNL has a moderate appetite for tax risk. Nevertheless,
PostNL operates on a global basis and, as such, is potentially
exposed to different types of risks, including those related to
taxation. Examples of such tax risks that occur or have
occurred for PostNL are:
Adverse decisions or interpretations of tax authorities on
pending disputes;
Changes in tax treaties, tax laws, OECD Guidelines, EU
Directives and other rules could have a material adverse
effect on PostNL’s net result and cash flow; and
Potential DTA impairments, due the fact that business
results do not meet expectations or changes in applicable
national and international (tax) legislation.
In 2025, PostNL participated for the third time in the peer
review of the TGC initiated by VNO-NCW. In this process,
PostNL acted both as a reviewer of another company’s
compliance with the TGC and was subject to review itself. The
outcome of the peer review was positive: the reviewer
confirmed our assessment that PostNL was fully compliant
with the TGC. PostNL will continue to participate in these
monitoring initiatives.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
99
Taxes in more details
An (inter)national trend is the increasing call for more
transparency. PostNL assesses continuously its level of
transparency in context of this trend. In 2025, the following
developments and projects impacted PostNL’s tax position:
The tax deductibility of liquidation losses arising from the
winding-up of (former) Italian subsidiaries
The carry-forward of tax losses
Implementation of processes and controls regarding Pillar
Two, as well as adhering to the first filing requirements.
A goodwill impairment recognised in relation to Mail in the
Netherlands
A thorough review and update of our TCF
The determination and implementation of tax and reporting
implications of various treasury transactions.
A new pension arrangement currently under discussion
with the Dutch tax authorities.
The tax metrics (quantitative side of things) for 2025 will be
expressed in more details in the next paragraph.
Total tax contribution
PostNL is transparent about its plans, activities, results and
contributions to society. Tax follows the business and we
consider our tax payments as a contribution to the
communities in which we operate. PostNL’s total tax
contribution (TTC) endorses our values in this matter: tax is
paid in the country where we operate. As PostNL mainly
operates from the Netherlands and Belgium, the TTC is
predominately paid to the Dutch and Belgian tax authorities.
Additionally, PostNL strives to be sustainable, which
underpinned by the fact that we did not pay any material
environmental taxes in 2025. For more information, we refer
to the tables set out below.
PostNL General information in € million, unless indicated
otherwise
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Number of employees (average FTE)
20,151
19,398
Total revenue including interest
3,275
3,343
Profit before income taxes
25
(18)
Total income tax expense
6
1
Effective income tax rate
25.2%
(5.5)%
The table below presents our total tax contribution for 2025.
Given the different activities of PostNL, we pay a number of
different taxes. In 2025, we paid €453 million in taxes (2024:
€475 million). Below, we also present certain metrics per
country.
Total revenue including interest by country
2025: €3,343 million (2024: €3,275 million)
40132174447275
Taxes paid by country
2025: €453 million (2024: €475 million)
40132174447339
Taxes paid by type
2025: €453 million (2024: €475 million)
40132174447400
PostNL Annual Report 2025
100
PostNL Taxes paid by type in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Corporate income tax
31
(8)
Wage tax and social security
contributions
296
307
VAT and sales tax
128
126
Dividend withholding tax
2
1
Other taxes
19
26
Total
475
453
The comparison between 2024 and 2025 indicates several
changes in PostNL’s tax metrics. Corporate income tax
differed from 2024, primarily as a result of the finalization of
prior-year positions. Wage tax and social security
contributions, VAT and sales tax, as well as other taxes, were
broadly comparable to 2024.
Tax information per country
The vast majority of our business is currently concentrated in
the Benelux. To provide transparency of our business, results
and corresponding taxes on a per country basis, we provide
a breakdown with general information and total tax
contribution (borne and collected) as well as a list of group
entities in appendix 4.
PostNL General information by country in € million, unless
indicated otherwise
Country
Number of
employees (average
FTE)
Total revenue
including interest
Profit/(loss) before
income taxes
Total income tax
expense
Effective income tax
rate (in %)
Netherlands
18,288
2,745
(24)
(1)
2.5%
Belgium
630
84
5
2
38.5%
France
21
17
0
0
(1.1)%
Germany
130
62
0
0
(64.8)%
Italy
29
23
0
0
6.6%
Great Britain
72
45
0
0
25.2%
Switzerland
6
5
0
0
0.1%
Spain
99
58
0
0
52.0%
Hungary
12
2
0
0
(20.3)%
Czech Republic
15
28
0
0
21.0%
Poland
11
7
0
0
13.2%
United States
21
8
1
0
27.9%
Canada
16
32
0
0
(93.8)%
Hong Kong
46
227
0
(1)
(180.8)%
Singapore
2
0
0
0
84.6%
Total 2025
19,398
3,343
(18)
1
(5.5)%
PostNL Annual Report 2025
101
PostNL Total tax contribution (born & collected) in € million
Country
Corporate income tax
Wage tax and social
security contributions
VAT and sales tax
Dividend withholding tax
Other taxes
Total tax contribution 1
borne 4
collected
borne
collected
borne
collected
borne
collected
borne
collected
borne 2
collected 3
Netherlands
10
12
132
(281)
16
(137)
0
(1)
10
(26)
168
(433)
Belgium
2
(2)
12
(19)
0
21
0
0
1
(1)
14
(1)
France
0
0
0
(1)
0
(2)
0
0
0
0
0
(2)
Germany
(0)
0
1
(3)
0
(7)
0
0
(0)
0
1
(10)
Italy
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
2
0
0
(0)
0
0
1
Great Britain
0
0
0
(1)
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
(0)
Switzerland
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(0)
Spain
0
(0)
1
(1)
0
(4)
0
0
0
0
1
(5)
Hungary
0
(0)
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
(0)
1
0
Czech Republic
0
0
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
0
0
(0)
0
(1)
Poland
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(1)
0
0
(0)
(0)
0
(1)
United States
(0)
(1)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(1)
Canada
0
(1)
0
0
0
0
0
0
(0)
1
(0)
(0)
Hong Kong
0
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(0)
Singapore
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(0)
(0)
Total 2025
12
8
148
(307)
17
(126)
0
(1)
11
(26)
187
(453)
1
Zero amounts in this table are mainly the result of rounding in € million and therefore representing smaller amounts
2
Taxes borne represent the taxes that are an expense/(income) item as included in the income statement.
3
Taxes collected represent the taxes (paid)/received included in our cash flow, also representing payments made on behalf of other parties.
4
The difference between the corporate income tax borne (€12 million) and the total income tax expense (€1 million) is due to changes in deferred taxes, see note 2.4.2 to the Consolidated financial statements.
5
In 2025, there are no material allowances (such as the energy- and investment allowance in the Netherlands) and/or tax incentives applicable.
PostNL on the
capital markets
PostNL is a listed company and endeavours to
maintain close contact with its financial
stakeholders. The main goal of our investor
relations' activities is to build the financial brand of
PostNL. This chapter provides information on the
company's capital structure, its investor relations
activities, the dividend policy, and the financial
calendar for the year ahead.
13
PostNL on the capital markets
Shares and share ownership
Ordinary shares in PostNL N.V. (ticker: PNL, ISIN code NL0009739416) are listed on Euronext
Amsterdam and included in the AMS Next 20-index. Options on PostNL shares are traded on
Euronext Derivatives Amsterdam and the European Options Exchange in Amsterdam.
PostNL Relative performance PostNL compared to AMS Next 20-index
2025
40132174448845
31/12/2024
31/12/2025
PostNL’s authorised share capital is divided into 1,500,000,000 shares of €0.08 each and
consists of 750,000,000 ordinary shares and 750,000,000 preference shares B. The number of
issued and outstanding ordinary shares was 508,680,625 on 31 December 2025 (2024:
502,111,291 shares). No preference shares B were issued and outstanding. See note '4.6
Equity' to the Consolidated financial statements for more information on PostNL’s equity.
Major shareholders
Under the Dutch Financial Supervision Act, holdings of 3% or more must be disclosed to the
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). Such disclosure must be made to the Dutch
Financial Markets Authority (AFM) without delay.
PostNL Overview of substantial shareholders
31 December 2025
Company
(In)direct voting rights
Date AFM notification
Real
Potential
Vesa/EP 1
29.90%
1.5%
22 November 2022
Talpa Beheer BV
4.91%
14 May 2021
Saba Capital Management, L.P.
3.00%
06 November 2024
1 Vesa Equity Investment Sarl/EP Investment Sarl
These interests are reported to the AFM’s register of substantial interests per 31 December
2025 and do not necessarily reflect the actual shareholding in the company.
Shareholder base
PostNL has a broad shareholder base. We estimate that 24% of the outstanding shares is
owned by retail investors. Institutional investors hold 76% of the total shares, of which the
main part is held outside the Netherlands.
PostNL Institutional shareholders by region in %
2025
24739011652309
PostNL Annual Report 2025
104
Bonds and credit rating
PostNL currently has three Eurobonds outstanding, all listed on Euronext Amsterdam
POSTNL 4.750% 2031 (ISIN XS2803804314), nominal value outstanding €300 million
POSTNL 4.000% 2030 (ISIN XS3145729557), nominal value outstanding €300 million
POSTNL 0.625% 2026 (ISIN XS2047619064), nominal value outstanding €105 million
In 2025, a new bond of €300 million was issued, with maturity date in October 2030. The net
proceeds are used for general corporate purposes.
The 4.750% 2031 bond is sustainability-linked. The three key performance indicators in the
Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework are closely related to PostNL’s ESG strategy.
PostNL is committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by over 90% and its
absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 from base year 2021. Alongside, the
company aims to increase its share of females in senior management positions to 36% in 2030.
Please refer to page 180 for the annual update on sustainability-linked key performance
indicators.
The 0.625% 2026 bond is a Green Bond, based on PostNL's Green Bond Framework. The
eligible green projects focus on green kilometres, sustainable buildings, and innovation and
efficiency. The company will annually publish a separate Green Bond Report in line with the
framework until an amount equal to the net proceeds of the Green Bond has been allocated to
the eligible green projects. The latest Green Bond Report was published on 4 April 2025. After
issuance of the new bond, the company repaid €195 million, bringing the outstanding nominal
value of the Green Bond to €105 million per 31 December 2025.
The sustainability-linked bond and the Green Bond highlight the company’s ambition towards
becoming a truly sustainable e-commerce logistics provider and enables the company to
contribute meaningfully to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ‘Decent work
and economic growth’, ‘Climate action’, and infrastructure’ and ‘Responsible consumption and
production’.
Furthermore, in 2025 a Schuldschein transaction, nominal value €100 million was issued, with
maturities of 3 and 5 years, at both fixed and floating interest rates, supporting the
optimisation of PostNL’s capital structure and funding profile.
In accordance with PostNL’s financial framework, the company is aiming to be properly
financed. Currently, PostNL is rated by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) at BBB- with stable outlook.
Investor relations
PostNL endeavours to stay in regular contact with its shareholders. The main goal of our
investor relations’ activities is to build our financial brand. To achieve that, we inform the
financial markets about relevant company developments in a transparent, consistent and
timely way. The Board of Management and the investor relations team maintain an active
dialogue with the financial community, and comply with applicable laws and rules and
regulations of Euronext Amsterdam and the AFM and other relevant bodies.
PostNL communicates with the financial community through press releases, the Annual Report,
General Meetings of Shareholders and the company’s website. The company meets with
(potential) investors regularly to ensure they receive a balanced and complete view of the
company’s strategy, performance and the issues faced by the business, and to listen to their
feedback, while always observing applicable rules concerning selective disclosure, equal
treatment of (potential) shareholders and insider trading. Explanation by the Board of
Management of quarterly results is given at conference calls, accessible by phone and via the
website. Additionally, General Meetings of Shareholders are broadcast via audiocast.
Contact between the Board of Management, the financial markets and the media is carefully
handled and structured. The company will not compromise the independence of analysts in
relation to the company and vice versa. Contact with financial stakeholders is taken care of by
the Board of Management and PostNL’s investor relations team. The Board of Management has
adopted investor relations and media guidelines.
Dividend 2025
PostNL aims to pay a dividend that develops substantially in line with operational performance.
Dividend distribution is conditional on PostNL being properly financed in accordance with its
financial framework. PostNL is steering for a solid balance sheet with a positive consolidated
equity, aiming at a leverage ratio (adjusted net debt/EBITDA) not exceeding 2.0. The dividend
pay-out ratio is around 70% - 90% of normalised comprehensive income. Shareholders are
offered a choice to opt for cash or shares.
The current Dividend Policy is to be applied on any profits over the financial year 2020 and
subsequent years thereafter (until adjusted). As of 2026, the Dividend Policy will be adjusted to
better align with the company’s strategy. The adjustments will be discussed in the 2026 Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
105
Important dates in 2026
PostNL Financial calendar
23 February
Results fourth quarter and full year 2025
14 April
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
28 April
Trading update first quarter 2026
3 August
Results second quarter and half year 2026
26 October
Trading update third quarter 2026
PostNL Dividend calendar (final dividend 2025)
16 April
Ex-dividend date
17 April
Record date
20 April
Start election period
4 May
End election period
6 May
Payment date
Contact details
Visiting address:
Waldorpstraat 3
2521 CA The Hague
The Netherlands
E-mail: ir@postnl.nl
Website: postnl.nl/en
Mail address:
PostNL Investor Relations
PO 30250
2500 GG The Hague
The Netherlands
Statements of
the Board of
Management
In this chapter we cover our application of the
principles and best practices of the Dutch
Corporate Governance Code.
14
PostNL Annual Report 2025
107
Statements of the Board of Management
Dutch Corporate Governance Code
PostNL applies the principles and best practices of the Dutch
Corporate Governance Code (the Code), as referred to in
article 391, paragraph 5, book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code
(DCC). Future developments might justify deviations from the
Code at the moment of occurrence. In such case, we will
explain such deviations in the Annual Report. Each substantial
change in the corporate governance structure of the
company and in the compliance of the company with the
Code shall be discussed with the General Meeting of
Shareholders. The full text of the Code can be found on our
Tax Governance Code
PostNL voluntarily applies the principles of the Dutch tax
governance code developed under the umbrella of VNO-
NCW. More information can be found in chapter Our tax
Risk management statement under
the Code
The Board of Management is responsible for establishing and
maintaining adequate internal risk management and control
systems. During the financial year, the Board has assessed
the design and effectiveness of these systems, and the results
have been discussed with the Audit Committee, the
Supervisory Board, and the external auditor.
The Board of Management recognises the inherent limitations
of internal risk management and control systems. Whilst
PostNL continuously works towards improving its processes
and procedures, these systems cannot provide absolute
certainty that all risks have been identified or are effectively
managed. The level of certainty that they provide is
influenced by, among other things, inherent limitations to risk
management, business considerations such as the company’s
risk appetite, the complexity of the company’s operations,
and the dynamic nature of the business environment. Certain
risks remain outside the company’s direct control, as they
depend on third parties or external circumstances beyond
the company’s influence.
The principal risks the company faces, the company’s risk
management framework and the company’s risk appetite are
described in chapter 7 Risk management of this Board report.
Statement by the Board of Management
Based on its assessment and with reference to Best Practice
Provision 1.4.3 of the 2025 Dutch Corporate Governance
Code, the Board of Management of PostNL N.V. confirms to
the best of its knowledge:
I. that the report provides sufficient insights into failings in
the effectiveness of the internal risk management and
control systems;
II. that these systems provide reasonable assurance that the
financial reporting does not contain material inaccuracies;
III. that these systems provide limited assurance that the
sustainability reporting in the sustainability statements
does not contain material inaccuracies;
IV. that the Board of Management at balance sheet date is
not aware that the internal risk management and control
systems do not provide sufficient comfort that the
operational and compliance risks identified in section 10
of this report are effectively managed considering the
company’s risk appetite, where “sufficient comfort” is to
be read as: comfort considering our risk appetite, the
complexity of our enterprise, inherent limitations to these
systems and other disclosures on these systems in our
Board report;
V. that, based on the current state of affairs, it is justified
that the financial reporting is prepared on a going concern
basis; and
VI. that the Board report states the material risks, as referred
to in Best Practice Provision 1.2.1, and the uncertainties,
to the extent that they are relevant to the expectation of
the company’s continuity for a period of twelve months
after the preparation of the report.
Due to inherent limitations to risk management and control
systems, the above does not imply that these systems and
procedures provide certainty as to the realisation of strategic,
operations, compliance and reporting objectives, nor that they
can prevent all misstatements, inaccuracies, fraud, operational
issues, and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Responsibility statement under the
Dutch Financial Markets Supervision
Act
With reference to section 5:25c paragraph 2 under c of the
Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act, the Board of
Management confirms to the best of its knowledge that:
The annual financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2025 give a true and fair view of the assets,
liabilities, financial position, and profit or loss of PostNL and
its consolidated companies.
The Report of the Board of Management gives a true and
fair view of the situation on the balance sheet date and of
developments during the financial year of PostNL and its
consolidated companies, together with a description of the
main risks facing PostNL.
The members of the Supervisory Board and the Board of
Management have signed the financial statements pursuant to
their statutory obligation under article 2:101(2) of the DCC.
The Hague, the Netherlands, 23 February 2026
The Board of Management
Financial
statements
PostNL Annual Report 2025
109
Consolidated primary statements
PostNL Consolidated statement of profit or loss in € million
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Revenue from contracts with customers
2.1
3,243
3,309
Other operating revenue
9
15
Total revenue
3,252
3,324
Other income
2.2
3
10
Cost of materials
(74)
(72)
Work contracted out and other external expenses
2.3.1
(1,703)
(1,751)
Salaries, pensions and social security contributions
2.3.2
(1,120)
(1,138)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments
2.3.3
(188)
(237)
Other operating expenses
2.3.4
(133)
(125)
Total operating expenses
(3,218)
(3,324)
Operating income
37
11
Interest and similar income
23
19
Interest and similar expenses
(31)
(47)
Net financial income/(expense)
2.4.1
(8)
(29)
Results from investments in JVs/associates
(4)
0
Profit/(loss) before income taxes
25
(18)
Income taxes
2.4.2
(6)
(1)
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
19
(19)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations
(1)
1
Profit/(loss) for the year
18
(17)
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
1
(1)
Equity holders of the parent
17
(16)
PostNL Earnings per share in € cents
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Earnings per ordinary share 1
2.4.3
3.4
(3.2)
Earnings per diluted ordinary share 2
2.4.3
3.4
(3.2)
Earnings from continuing operations per ordinary share 1
3.6
(3.5)
Earnings from continuing operations per diluted ordinary share 2
3.5
(3.5)
Earnings from discontinued operations per ordinary share 1
(0.1)
0.3
Earnings from discontinued operations per diluted ordinary
share 2
(0.1)
0.3
1
Earnings per ordinary share are in 2025 based on an average of 506,376,859 outstanding ordinary shares
(2024: 498,332,152).
2
Earnings per diluted ordinary share are in 2025 based on an average of 508,385,687 ordinary shares on a
fully diluted basis in the year (2024: 499,156,545).
PostNL Consolidated statement of comprehensive income in € million
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Profit/(loss) for the year
18
(17)
Actuarial gains/(losses) pensions, net of tax
(0)
0
Change in value of financial assets at fair value through OCI
4.2
3
6
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to the
income statement
2
6
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax
1
(1)
Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax
5
(2)
Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified to the
income statement
6
(3)
Total other comprehensive income for the year
8
3
Total comprehensive income for the year
26
(14)
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
1
(1)
Equity holders of the parent
25
(13)
PostNL Annual Report 2025
110
PostNL Consolidated statement of cash flow in € million
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
restated
2025
Profit/(loss) before income taxes
25
(18)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments
188
237
Share-based payments
1
3
(Profit)/loss on disposal of assets
(2)
(4)
(Profit)/loss on sale of Group companies
0
(5)
Interest and similar income
(23)
(19)
Interest and similar expenses
31
47
Results from investments in JVs/associates
4
(0)
Investment income
10
19
Changes in provisions
21
5
Inventory
(1)
1
Trade accounts receivable
(4)
(22)
Other accounts receivable
(1)
2
Other current assets
(9)
18
Trade accounts payable
(35)
(14)
Other current liabilities excluding short-term financing and taxes
33
(63)
Changes in working capital
(17)
(78)
Cash generated from operations
227
168
Interest paid
(28)
(35)
Income taxes received/(paid)
(31)
8
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities
2.5.1
168
142
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
restated
2025
Interest received
21
17
Dividend received
0
4
Disposal of group companies
10
Disposal of JVs/associates
1
1
Capital expenditure on intangible assets
(69)
(71)
Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment
(31)
(35)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
16
8
Investments in short-term investments
(205)
(101)
Repayments from short-term investments
55
150
Changes in other loans receivable
2
2
Other changes in (financial) fixed assets
(2)
(2)
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities
2.5.2
(211)
(18)
Dividends paid
(22)
(15)
Changes related to non-controlling interests
(1)
0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
297
398
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
0
1
Repayments of short-term borrowings
(364)
(205)
Repayments of leases/incentives
(84)
(89)
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities
2.5.3
(173)
90
Total change in cash from continuing operations
(216)
213
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
518
303
Cash transfers relating to discontinued operations
1
(1)
Total change in cash from continuing operations
(216)
213
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
303
515
PostNL Annual Report 2025
111
PostNL Consolidated statement of financial position in € million
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
restated
2025
Assets
Goodwill
207
167
Other intangible assets
206
205
Intangible fixed assets
3.3
414
372
Land and buildings
290
277
Plant and equipment
156
148
Other equipment
11
11
Construction in progress
10
13
Property, plant and equipment
3.2
467
449
Right-of-use assets
3.4
281
289
Investments in joint ventures/associates
1
1
Loans receivable
4.1
13
12
Deferred tax assets
3.6
9
10
Financial assets at fair value through OCI
4.2
20
29
Total non-current assets
1,204
1,162
Inventory
10
9
Trade accounts receivable
3.1.1
325
341
Accounts receivable
3.1.1
16
13
Income tax receivable
23
1
Prepayments and accrued income
88
60
Short-term investments
4.1
150
101
Cash and cash equivalents
4.1
303
515
Total current assets
915
1,039
Assets classified as held for sale
1
3
Total assets
2,120
2,204
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
restated
2025
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent
202
176
Non-controlling interests
3
2
Total equity
2.6
205
178
Deferred tax liabilities
3.6
39
26
Provisions for pension liabilities
2
2
Other provisions
3.5
56
59
Long-term debt
4.1
596
696
Long-term lease liabilities
3.4
221
215
Other long-term liabilities
4.1
67
57
Total non-current liabilities
982
1,056
Trade accounts payable
177
160
Other provisions
3.5
29
31
Short-term debt
4.1
10
115
Short-term lease liabilities
3.4
78
84
Other current liabilities
3.1.2
148
115
Income tax payable
2
1
Contract liabilities
3.1.3
53
51
Accrued current  liabilities
3.1.4
436
412
Total current liabilities
933
970
Total equity and liabilities
2,120
2,204
PostNL Annual Report 2025
112
PostNL Consolidated statement of changes in equity in € million
Issued share capital
Additional paid-in
capital
Other
reserves 1
Retained
earnings
Attributable to equity
holders of the parent
Non-controlling
interests
Total
equity
Balance at 1 January 2024
40
165
(40)
34
198
2
200
Total comprehensive income
8
17
25
1
26
Appropriation of net income
23
(23)
0
0
Final dividend previous year
0
(0)
(11)
(11)
(11)
Interim dividend current year
0
(0)
(11)
(11)
(11)
Share-based compensation
0
1
(0)
1
1
Other
(1)
(1)
0
(1)
Balance at 31 December 2024
40
166
(10)
6
202
3
205
Total comprehensive income
3
(16)
(13)
(1)
(14)
Appropriation of net income
(9)
9
0
0
Final dividend previous year
0
(0)
(15)
(15)
(15)
Share-based compensation
0
1
2
3
3
Balance at 31 December 2025
41
166
(14)
(16)
176
2
178
1
The other reserves include the currency translation reserve, the hedge reserve and the reserve relating to financial assets at fair value through OCI. Reference is made to note 2.6.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
113
Section 1: Basis of preparation
1.1 General information
PostNL N.V. is a public limited liability company with its registered seat and head office in The
Hague, the Netherlands . PostNL provides businesses and consumers in the Benelux with an
extensive range of services for their mail and parcels needs. Through our international sales
network Spring, we connect local businesses around the world to consumers globally.
PostNL’s services involve collecting, sorting, transporting and delivering letters and parcels for
the company’s customers within specific timeframes. The company also provides services in
the area of data management, direct marketing and fulfilment.
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of PostNL N.V. and its
consolidated subsidiaries (hereafter referred to as ‘PostNL’, ‘Group’ or ‘the company’). The
consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by PostNL’s Board of Management
and Supervisory Board on 23 February 2026 and are subject to adoption at the Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders on 14 April 2026.
1.2 Accounting principles applied
The consolidated financial statements of PostNL:
Have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as endorsed by the
European Union (EU-IFRS) and with Section 2:362(9) of the Dutch Civil Code, and
Have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for financial instruments.
The material accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial
statements are included at the relevant notes to the consolidated financial statements or, in
case of more general policies, see note 5.4 Summary of all other accounting policies to the
Consolidated financial statements for more information. These policies have been consistently
applied to all the years presented, unless stated otherwise. All amounts included in the
consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, unless stated otherwise. Note that
the numbers presented in the financial statements and disclosures thereto may not sum
precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures
due to rounding.
Restatement
Per 31 December 2024, PostNL had short-term investments in time deposits with a maturity
longer than three months of €150 million. These investments were classified as ‘cash and cash
equivalents’. PostNL has restated the comparative statement of financial position and the
comparative statement of cash flows for the reclassification of these investments to ‘short-
term investments’. In the statement of cash flows, the related movements in short-term
investments are reported under net cash (used in)/from investing activities. The reclassification
did not impact profit or loss, comprehensive income or equity, nor did it impact key
performance indicators and ratios relevant to PostNL. Refer to note 4.1 for further information.
Going concern
The financial statements of the company have been prepared on the basis of the going
concern assumption.
1.3 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of PostNL's consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying
PostNL’s accounting policies.
Estimates, assumptions and judgements are based on historical experience and other factors,
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. The resulting accounting positions will, by definition, seldom equal the related
actual results. On a continuous basis, we evaluate our expectations with the actual results, and
include the learnings going forward.
The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions
and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed below.
Other provisions
Other provisions mainly include expected costs related to jubilee, illness, long-term disability
and termination employee benefit obligations and claims & indemnities. The provisions
recorded reflect the present value of management's best estimate of the expenditure required
to settle the obligation. Given the uncertain outcome, management must use a certain degree
of judgement in this respect. This includes the thorough analysis and concluding view of our
position and that of the third party. See note 3.5 Other provisions to the Consolidated financial
statements for more information on the other provisions.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
114
Impairment of non-current assets
In determining impairments of intangible assets including goodwill and software, tangible fixed
assets and financial fixed assets, management must make significant judgements and estimates
to determine whether the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value. The recoverable
amount is the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing the
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-
tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the
asset-specific risks. Determining cash flows requires the use of judgements and estimates that
have been included in PostNL’s strategic plans and long-term forecasts. The data necessary
for the execution of the impairment tests are based on management estimates of future cash
flows, which make it necessary to estimate revenue growth rates and profit margins.
Goodwill impairment of €40 million in CGU Mail in the Netherlands
Triggered by insufficient progress towards economically viable adjusted postal regulation,
based on the proposed changes to the Universal Service Obligation as announced by the
Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs on 30 June 2025, management performed a mid-year
goodwill impairment test of the cash generating unit Mail in the Netherlands as part of interim
reporting, showing negative headroom of €40 million. Per year-end 2024, the test already
showed limited available positive headroom. Per year-end 2025, taking into account the
goodwill impairment of €40 million recorded mid-year, the test again showed limited available
positive headroom. See note 3.3 Intangible fixed assets to the Consolidated financial
statements for more information on the impairment test of goodwill.
Impact assessment of climate related risks
Climate change may impact PostNL’s operations and valuation of its non-current assets.
Management evaluated the potential impacts of climate-related physical risks. In relation to
the financial statements, management concluded that these risks have no current impact on
the valuation of the non-current assets.
Deferred revenue and revenue-related accruals
PostNL has to estimate the deferred revenues from stamps sold but not yet used by its
customers. The company uses a seasonal model based on historical figures in order to
account for the seasonal effects on sales from stamps (for example, stamp sales for Christmas
greetings in November and December). Additionally, the company handles large quantities of
international mail and parcel volumes to and from foreign postal operators. Although the net
outstanding accrual positions reflect our best estimate, given the assumptions involved, final
settlements might deviate from the outstanding positions. See note 3.1 Working capital to the
Consolidated financial statements for details on the current positions.
Income taxes and deferred tax assets
The company is subject to income taxes in a number of jurisdictions. Significant judgement is
required in determining the provision and liability for income taxes. PostNL recognises
liabilities for potential tax issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due,
based on its best interpretation of the relevant tax laws and rules. PostNL recognises deferred
tax assets to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax
asset to be recovered. This is based on estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which the
company operates and the period over which deferred tax assets are recoverable. See notes
2.4.2 Income taxes and 3.6 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities to the Consolidated
financial statements for more information on income taxes and deferred tax assets.
Contingent liabilities
Legal proceedings covering a range of matters are pending against the company in various
jurisdictions. The cases and claims often raise difficult and complex factual and legal issues
that are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including but not limited to the facts
and circumstances of each particular case and claim, the jurisdiction and the differences in
applicable law. PostNL consults with legal counsel and certain other experts on matters
related to litigation. PostNL recognises a liability when it is determined that an adverse
outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. See note 3.7
Commitments and contingencies to the Consolidated financial statements for more
information on commitments and contingencies.
1.4 Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
There are no IFRS standards, amended standards or IFRIC interpretations taking effect for the
first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2025 that would have a material impact on
the 2025 accounts of the Group.
Standards issued but not yet effective
The new and amended standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up
to the date of issuance of the financial statements have been reviewed by the Group. The
Group intends to adopt these new and amended standards and interpretations, if applicable,
when they become effective.
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
In April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18, which replaces IAS 1 Presentation of Financial
Statements. IFRS 18 introduces new requirements for presentation within the statement of
profit or loss, including specified totals and subtotals. Furthermore, entities are required to
classify all income and expenses within the statement of profit or loss into one of five
categories: operating, investing, financing, income taxes and discontinued operations, whereof
the first three are new. It also requires disclosure of newly defined management-defined
PostNL Annual Report 2025
115
performance measures, subtotals of income and expenses, and includes new requirements for
aggregation and disaggregation of financial information based on the identified ‘roles’ of the
primary financial statements and the notes. Entities’ net profit will not change.
In addition, narrow-scope amendments have been made to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows,
which include changing the starting point for determining cash flows from operations under the
indirect method, from ‘profit or loss before income taxes’ to ‘operating profit or loss’ and
removing the optionality around classification of cash flows from dividends and interest. In
addition, there are consequential amendments to several other standards.
IFRS 18, and the amendments to the other standards, is effective for reporting periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2027, but earlier application is permitted and must be
disclosed. IFRS 18 will apply retrospectively.
The Group is in the process of identifying the impacts the amendments will have on the
consolidated primary financial statements and notes to these statements. The currently
expected main impacts on our Group’s financial statements are as follows:
Currently, all foreign exchange rate differences on balance sheet positions, including related
hedging results, and all expenses related to our banking arrangements, are classified as
financial income and expense. As of 1 January 2027, these results will be included in the
operating category of the statement of profit or loss, which is the current basis for our KPI
normalised EBIT. The amounts involved are not expected to have a material impact.
Additional disclosures will be required for management-defined performance measures. For
the KPI Normalised EBIT, the reconciliation to IFRS results is already disclosed in the
financial statements.
The statement of cash flows will start with operating income instead of profit before tax, and
interest paid will be classified to cash flows from financing activities instead of cash flows
from operating activities. This change is not expected to affect our Free Cash Flow
performance.
There are no other IFRS standards, amended standards or IFRIC interpretations that would be
expected to have a material impact on the future accounts of the Group.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
116
Section 2: Result for the year
2.1 Operating revenue
Accounting policies
Revenue recognition
PostNL's revenue from contracts with customers consist of the provision of postal and
logistics services. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when the goods
are transferred or the services are rendered to the customer at an amount that reflects
the consideration to which PostNL expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services. Revenue is the gross inflow of economic benefits during the current year that
arise from ordinary activities and result in an increase in equity, other than increases
relating to contributions from equity participants.
Variable consideration/volume discounts
If the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, PostNL estimates the amount
of consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods or
rendering the services to the customer. The variable consideration is estimated at
contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that a significant revenue
reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the
associated uncertainty with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. PostNL
provides volume discounts to certain customers once the quantity of goods transferred or
services rendered during the period exceeds a threshold specified in the contract.
Discounts are offset against amounts invoiced to the customer. To estimate the variable
consideration for the expected future discounts, PostNL applies the expected value
method. The variable consideration can be reasonably accurately determined from
achieved volumes and contract agreements.
Contract liabilities
A contract liability is the obligation to transfer goods or render services to a customer for
which PostNL has received consideration (or an amount of consideration is due) from the
customer. If a customer pays consideration before PostNL transfers goods or renders
services to the customer, a contract liability is recognised when the payment is made or
the payment is due (whichever is earlier). Contract liabilities are recognised as revenue
when PostNL performs under the contract and relate to amongst others deferred revenue
from unused stamps, deferred revenue from franking machines and the rental of
mailboxes. See note 3.1.3 Contract liabilities to the Consolidated financial statements for
more information.
Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue from contracts with customers represent revenue from the transfer of goods and
rendering of services to third parties less discounts, credit notes and taxes levied on
sales. Accumulated experience is used to estimate and provide for the discounts.
Other operating revenue
Other operating revenue relates to the sale of goods and rendering of services not related
to PostNL’s ordinary postal and logistics services and mainly include rental income of
temporarily leased-out property and custom clearance income.
The company’s business involves the logistical service of delivering mail, parcels and other
consignments. Nearly all of the company’s revenues are represented by a single performance
obligation being ‘logistic services’. Revenue is being recognised at a point in time when the
goods are transferred or services are rendered to the customer, generally on delivery of the
mail, parcels or other consignments. Other performance obligations within the company’s
business comprise fulfilment services with storage (revenue recognition over time) and
packing/shipping (revenue recognition at a point in time), the rental of post-boxes (revenue
recognition over time) and stamp collection services (revenue recognition at a point in time).
The following table presents PostNL's revenue from contracts with customers relating to the
reported operating segments. See note 2.7 Segment information to the Consolidated financial
statements for the segment information of the other revenue and eliminations.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
117
PostNL Revenue from contracts with customers in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Parcels
2,390
2,449
Mail in the Netherlands
1,307
1,308
PostNL Other
240
251
Eliminations
(694)
(699)
Total
3,243
3,309
The increase in revenue mainly related to volume growth within Parcels. Revenue within Mail in
the Netherlands was impacted by the continued decline in addressed mail volumes offset by
price increases and one-off mailings. In 2025, revenue from contracts with customers includes
intercompany sales of €311 million for Parcels (2024: €310 million), €144 million for Mail in the
Netherlands (2024: €150 million) and €245 million for PostNL Other (2024: €234 million).
The following table presents the geographical segmentation of revenue from contracts with
customers. The basis of allocation of revenue by geographical area is the country or region in
which the entity recording the sales is located. The increase in revenue from the rest of Europe
was mainly due to volume growth in Spring.
PostNL Geographical segmentation in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
The Netherlands
2,687
2,715
Rest of Europe
295
326
Europe
2,982
3,041
Rest of World
261
267
Total
3,243
3,309
2.2 Other income
Accounting policies
Other income mainly relates to the profit or loss from the sale of group companies, the
sale of assets held for sale and the sale or sale-and-leaseback of property, plant and
equipment. Other income is recognised when the significant risks and rewards (economical
ownership) are transferred, which will be the moment of the actual transfer of the
property from PostNL to the buyer or when the contract is signed and all conditions for
recognition are met.
In 2025, other income of €10 million (2024: €3 million) relates for €5 million to the book profit
on the sale of PS Nachtdistributie and for €4 million (2024: €2 million) to the sale of real estate
in the Netherlands. The cash proceeds from the sale of PS Nachtdistributie amounted to €10
million and the buyer was granted a loan of €2 million.
2.3 Operating expense
2.3.1 Work contracted out and other external expenses
Accounting policies
Operating expenses related to ordinary activities are recognised on an accrual basis. In
case it is not possible to directly relate the operating expenses to a particular income
earned or expected future income, these expenses are recognised in the period incurred.
Lease expenses
Lease expenses relate to short-term leases and leases of which the underlying assets are
of low value. Payments made (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged
to the income statement as incurred during the period of the lease.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
118
PostNL Work contracted out and other external expenses in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Parcels
1,160
1,200
Mail in the Netherlands
259
253
PostNL Other
75
80
Work contracted out
1,494
1,533
Rent & lease expenses
12
10
External temporary staff
197
208
Total
1,703
1,751
Costs of work contracted out and other external expenses increased by €48 million in 2025
mainly due to cost increases caused by inflation and service expansion within Parcels.
2.3.2 Salaries, pensions and social security contributions
PostNL Salaries, pensions and social security contributions in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Salaries
911
920
Social security charges
141
148
Salaries and social security charges
1,052
1,068
Pension charges
96
93
Net additions/(releases) from restructuring provisions
(2)
4
Share-based payments
1
3
Gross salaries, pensions and social security contributions
1,147
1,167
Capitalised salaries, pensions and social security contributions
(27)
(29)
Total
1,120
1,138
See note 3.5 Other provisions for the net additions from restructuring provisions and note 3.3
Intangible fixed assets for the capitalised salary costs, pensions and social security
contributions related to IT investments.
Pensions
PostNL’s main Dutch pension plan (main plan) covers the employees subject to PostNL’s
collective labour agreement and staff with a personal labour agreement in the Netherlands.
The main plan is externally funded in ‘Stichting Pensioenfonds PostNL’, an independent legal
entity which is not owned or controlled by any other legal entity and which falls under the
regulatory supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank.
The main plan is a collective defined contribution plan. In 2025, total employer operating
expenses amounted to €93 million (2024: €96 million). Total employer cash contributions in
2025 amounted to €101 million (2024: €88 million) and included the December 2024 invoice of
€8 million paid early January 2025.
In June 2024, PostNL signed an agreement with Stichting Pensioenfonds PostNL for a payment
of €20 million to resolve a dispute between the pension fund and De Nederlandsche Bank. As
part of the agreement, the payment is expected to take place in 2026 and will then be exactly
offset by a lower regular pension contribution payable.
PostNL Workforce1 as indicated
2024
2025
Headcount
Parcels
8,541
8,417
Mail in the Netherlands
22,272
21,479
PostNL Other
1,592
1,635
Total at year end
32,405
31,531
Full-time equivalents (FTEs)
Parcels
7,587
7,430
Mail in the Netherlands
10,990
10,404
PostNL Other
1,574
1,564
Total year average
20,151
19,398
External temporary staff year average
2,882
2,917
1
Including temporary personnel on our payroll; the external temporary staff are additional.
The total headcount of PostNL decreased by 874 employees. The decrease within Mail in the
Netherlands mainly relates to the impact of volume decline and cost savings initiatives. In
addition, staffing at Mail in the Netherlands was affected by an ongoing tight labour market.
The workforce is also measured in FTEs based on the hours worked divided by the local
PostNL Annual Report 2025
119
standard. In 2025, the average number of FTEs decreased by 753 FTEs compared to 2024.
The average number of employees working in the Netherlands was 18,288 FTEs (2024: 19,125)
and outside the Netherlands was 1,110 FTEs (2024: 1,026).
2.3.3 Depreciation, amortisation and impairments
PostNL Depreciation, amortisation and impairments in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Amortisation of intangible assets
62
68
Impairment of intangible assets
0
40
Depreciation property, plant and equipment
52
49
Depreciation right-of-use assets
74
81
Total
188
237
In 2025, amortisation of intangible assets related to software for €66 million (2024: €59 million)
and other intangibles for €3 million ( 2024: €3 million). The increase in amortisation of software
relates to increased investments in IT projects in previous years. In 2025, the impairment of
intangible assets relates to the impairment of goodwill of CGU Mail in the Netherlands, see
note 3.3 Intangible fixed assets.
2.3.4 Other operating expenses
The other operating expenses of €125 million (2024: €133 million) consist of IT, communication,
office, travel, consulting and training expenses and other shared services costs.
In 2025, total incurred KPMG audit fees amounted to3.2 million (2024: €3.0 million).
PostNL Audit fees in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Audit fees
1.8
2.1
Audit-related fees
1.2
1.1
Tax advisory fees
0.0
0.0
Other non-audit services
0.0
0.0
Total
3.0
3.2
Audit fees include fees from the audit of the financial statements. Audit-related services
include fees from assurance engagements related to the non-financial information, regulatory
reporting obligations, employee benefit plan data and Green Bond report.
In accordance with Dutch legislation, article 2:382a of the Dutch Civil Code, the total audit and
audit-related fees charged by the auditor KPMG based in the Netherlands amounted to €3.0
million (2024: €2.8 million), subdivided into audit services of €1.8 million and audit-related
services of €1.2 million.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
120
2.4 Net profit and earnings per share
2.4.1 Net financial expense/(income)
Accounting policies
Interest income and expense are recognised on a time-proportionate basis using the
effective interest method. All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss using the
effective interest method, except to the extent that they can be capitalised as cost of a
qualifying asset.
PostNL Net financial expense/(income) in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Interest expenses on long-term borrowings
16
25
Interest on leases
10
11
Interest on taxes
1
6
Other
3
5
Interest and similar expense
31
47
Other interest and similar income
(23)
(19)
Net financial expense/(income)
8
29
Interest expenses on long-term borrowings increased mainly due to a new bond as of June
2024, which replaced a bond with a lower interest rate that was repaid in November 2024, new
Schuldschein loans of €100 million as of June 2025 and a new bond as of October 2025, which
partially replaced a bond with a lower interest rate. The decrease of other interest and similar
income of €4 million relates to €11 million of lower interest on cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments, partly offset by €4 million of dividend received from our stake in
Whistl and €3 million of interest income due to the buyback of a nominal €195 million
eurobond, of which the repurchase price was lower than the book value.
2.4.2 Income taxes
Accounting policies
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in
the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in
other comprehensive income. The amount of income tax included in the income statement
is determined in accordance with tax rules and legislation, based on which income taxes
are payable or recoverable.
When interest or a penalty is a separately identifiable financing charge or an operating
expense, then it is measured at the amount the entity would be required to pay to settle
the obligation at the reporting date. The liability is discounted if the effect of the time
value of money is material.
PostNL Income taxes in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Current tax expense
13
12
Changes in deferred taxes
(7)
(11)
Total income tax expense
6
1
Income taxes paid/(received)
31
(8)
The difference between the total income taxes in the income statement and the current tax
expense is due to temporary differences. These differences are recognised as deferred tax
assets or deferred tax liabilities. See note 3.6 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities to the
Consolidated financial statements for more information.
In 2025, the income taxes paid relate mainly to income taxes paid and received in the
Netherlands regarding prior years and Belgium regarding current year. On a net basis, we have
received an amount of approximately €8 million, primarily resulting from the carryback of a
loss to earlier financial years.
The 2025 difference between the total income tax expense (€1 million) and the income taxes
received (€8 million) can mainly be explained by the 2025 movements of the net income tax
payable position (€21 million) and by changes in deferred taxes (€11 million).
PostNL Annual Report 2025
121
PostNL Effective income tax rate in %
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Dutch statutory income tax rate
25.8
25.8
Adjustment regarding statutory income tax rates other countries
(0.7)
0.2
Weighted average statutory tax rate
25.1
26.0
Tax effects of:
Non and partly deductible costs
17.1
(65.0)
Exempt income
1.7
7.6
Other
(18.7)
25.9
Effective income tax rate
25.2
(5.5)
The effective income tax rate is (5.5)%. This effective income tax rate, being lower compared to
the Dutch statutory tax rate 25.8%, can be explained as follows:
The line ‘Non and partly deductible costs’ mainly relates to the so-called mixed expenses (e.g.
meals, entertainment) (-6.0%), a non-deductible goodwill impairment (-57.5%) and several other
smaller effects (-1.5%). The line ‘Exempt income’ relates to the non-taxable treatment of our
(negative) results from (former) participations. The line ‘Other’ consists in 2025 mainly of the
impact of the movement of deferred tax positions on tax losses (-3.9%), as well as other
deferred tax effects subsequent to the non-deductible goodwill impairment (30.2%) and several
smaller effects (1.7%).
Pillar Two
On 19 December 2023, the government of the Netherlands enacted the Pillar Two income
taxes legislation effective from 31 December 2023. PostNL NV is the ultimate Dutch parent
company (UPE in Pillar Two terms). The UPE will be responsible for the payment of top-up tax
on profits of group entities that are taxed at an effective tax rate of less than 15%. The main
jurisdictions in which material Pillar Two exposures may arise for PostNL are the Netherlands
and Belgium.
Based on the analysis made, PostNL will be able to make use of the transitional country-by-
country safe harbour regime during 2025 for its most material countries and therefore no
material top-up tax is expected. This information is based on the PostNL Group’s consolidated
financial statements and country-by-country report of 2025.
2.4.3 Earnings per ordinary share: (3.2) eurocents (2024:
3.4 eurocents)
Accounting policies
PostNL presents (diluted) earnings per share (EPS) for its ordinary shares. EPS is calculated
by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the equity holders of the parent by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is
calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the equity holders of the parent by
the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, including the effects for
dilution of ordinary shares following the obligations to employees under existing share
plans.
The following table summarises the outstanding shares for PostNL’s calculation related to
earnings per share.
PostNL (Average) number of outstanding ordinary shares in shares
Year averages and numbers at 31 December
2024
2025
Number of issued and outstanding ordinary shares
502,111,291
508,680,625
Shares held by the company to cover share plans
0
0
Average number of ordinary shares per year
498,332,152
506,376,859
Diluted number of ordinary shares per year
824,393
2,008,828
Average number of ordinary shares per year on a fully diluted basis
499,156,545
508,385,687
At 31 December 2025, PostNL had potential obligations under share plans to deliver 2,008,828
shares (2024: 824,393 shares), calculated based on the share price of €1.059 as at 31
December 2025 (31 December 2024: €1.042).
PostNL Annual Report 2025
122
2.5 Cash flow performance
Accounting policies
The consolidated statement of cash flows is prepared in accordance with IAS 7 using the
indirect method. Cash flows in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange
rates. Receipts and payments with respect to taxation on profits and interest payments
are included in the cash flow from operating activities. Interest receipts and the cost of
acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and investments, insofar as it was paid for in cash,
are included in cash flows from investing activities. Acquisitions of subsidiaries are
presented net of cash balances acquired. Cash flows from derivatives are recognised in
the statement of cash flows in the same category as those of the hedged item.
2.5.1 Net cash (used in)/from operating activities
In 2025, net cash from operating activities of €142 million (2024: €168 million) resulted from
168 million of cash generated from operations (2024: €227 million) and €8 million income tax
received (2024: €31 million income tax paid) reduced by €35 million interest paid (2024: €28
million).
Cash generated from operations
The decrease in cash generated from operations of €59 million is explained by a lower change
in working capital of €60 million and a lower change in other provisions of €16 million, partly
offset by €18 million higher profit before income tax adjusted for non-cash items and
investment income.
PostNL Cash generated from operations in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Total profit before tax adjusted for non cash items and investment income
224
242
Additions to/releases from provisions
31
15
Withdrawals
(11)
(11)
Change in other provisions
21
5
Changes in working capital
(17)
(78)
Total cash generated from operations
227
168
For the changes in provisions, reference is made to note 3.5 Other provisions. The higher
investments in working capital mainly relate to decreases in accruals for terminal dues and
social security contributions payable.
Interest paid
The interest paid is explained as follows:
PostNL Interest paid in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Interest on long-term borrowings
9
21
Interest on leases
10
11
Interest on taxes
7
1
Bank charges and other
3
3
Total
28
35
Income taxes received/(paid)
The income taxes received of €8 million (2024: €31 million income taxes paid) and the interest
paid on taxes of €1 million (2024: €7 million) mainly related to income tax settlements in the
Netherlands concerning prior years.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
123
2.5.2 Net cash (used in)/from investing activities
PostNL Net cash investing activities in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Disposal of subsidiaries
10
Capital expenditure on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
(99)
(106)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
16
8
Interest received
21
17
Changes in short-term investments
(150)
50
Changes in other loans receivable
2
2
Other
(0)
2
Net cash (used in)/from investing activities
(211)
(18)
Disposal of subsidiaries
In 2025, the disposal of subsidiaries of €10 million related to the proceeds of the sale of PS
Nachtdistributie.
Capital expenditure on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
In 2025, capital expenditures on intangible assets of €71 million (2024: €69 million) mostly
related to software. Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment of €35 million
(2024 : €31 million) mainly related to automated parcel lockers, the sorting and delivery centres
within Parcels and to various other equipment. Capital expenditures are funded primarily by
cash generated from operations and are part of strict cash control and review.
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
In 2025, proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment amounted to €8 million
(2024: €16 million) and mainly related to the sale of real estate in the Netherlands.
Interest received
In 2025, interest received decreased by €4 million mainly due to lower interest on cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments.
Changes in short-term investments
In 2025, changes in short-term investments related to time deposits and repos with a lifetime
at investment date longer than three months.
Changes in other loans receivable
In 2025, changes in other loans receivable mainly related to proceeds from a lessor loan
relating to the lease of a sorting machine by Bol.com.
Other
In 2025, an amount of €4 million is included for a dividend received from our stake in Whistl, a
financial asset at fair value through OCI (2024: €1 million for the disposal of CB Healthcare, an
associated company).
2.5.3 Net cash (used in)/from financing activities
PostNL Net cash financing activities in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Dividends paid
(22)
(15)
Changes related to non-controlling interests
(1)
0
Net cash from debt financing activities
(67)
194
Repayments of leases/incentives
(84)
(89)
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities
(173)
90
In 2025, net cash from financing activities of €90 million (2024: €(173) million) mainly related to
the final 2024 cash dividend paid of €15 million (2024: €22 million related to the final 2023 and
interim 2024 cash dividend), net cash from debt financing activities of €194 million (2024: €(67)
million) and the repayments of leases of €89 million (2024: €84 million).
In 2025, net cash from debt financing activities included proceeds of new Schuldschein loans
of €100 million and a new eurobond loan of €298 million (2024: €297 million), partly offset by
the buyback of a eurobond loan of €195 million (2024: repayment of a eurobond loan of €353
million) and the repayment of (legal) lease loans relating to Parcels' sorting centres and sorting
machines of €10 million (2024: €10 million). Refer to note 3.4 for further information on leases.
Reference is also made to note 4.1 Adjusted net debt and note 4.5 Financial instruments.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
124
2.6 Other comprehensive income and equity development
The decrease of total equity from €205 million on 31 December 2024 to €178 million on 31
December 2025 is mainly explained by a net loss for the year of €17 million and the payment
of cash dividend of €15 million, partly offset by other comprehensive income of €3 million.
Other comprehensive income mainly consisted of increases in value of financial assets at fair
value through OCI of €6 million mainly related to the investment in Whistl, partly offset by
losses on cash flow hedges of €2 million.
Issued share capital and Additional paid-in capital
As at 31 December 2025, issued share capital amounted to € 41 million (2024: €40 million) and
additional paid-in capital amounted to €166 million (2024: €166 million). For details on Issued
share capital and Additional paid-in capital, reference is made to note 4.6.
The following table presents the reserves included in the other reserves.
PostNL Other reserves in € million
Currency
translation
reserve
Hedge
reserve
Financial
assets at fair
value OCI
Other
reserves
Total other
reserves
Balance at 1 January 2024
2
(3)
6
(45)
(40)
Total comprehensive income
1
5
3
(0)
8
Appropriation of net income
23
23
Share-based compensation
(0)
(0)
Other
(1)
(1)
Balance at 31 December 2024
2
2
8
(23)
(10)
Total comprehensive income
(1)
(2)
6
0
3
Appropriation of net income
(9)
(9)
Share-based compensation
2
2
Balance at 31 December 2025
1
1
15
(30)
(14)
Currency translation reserve
As at 31 December 2025, the translation reserve amounted to €1 million (2024: €2 million),
mainly reflecting the movement in exchange rate differences on converting subsidiaries of
Spring within Parcels into euros.
Hedge reserve
As at 31 December 2025, the hedge reserve amounted to €1 million (2024: €2 million). The tax
impact on the cash flow hedges included in the hedge reserve as at 31 December 2025 is €0
million (2024: €(2) million). For more information, see note 4.5 to the Consolidated financial
statements.
Financial assets at fair value through OCI
As at 31 December 2025, the reserve related to the financial assets at fair value through OCI
amounted to €15 million (2024: €8 million). The increase in 2025 of €6 million mainly related to
the increase in value of the investment in Whistl (2024: €3 million). For more information, see
note 4.2 to the Consolidated financial statements.
Other reserves
As at 31 December 2025, the other reserves amounted to €(30) million (2024: €(23) million). In
2025, the other reserves decreased by €7 million mainly resulting from the appropriation of
net income from 2024 of €(9) million.
Retained earnings
As at 31 December 2025, retained earnings amounted to €(16) million (2024: €6 million). In
2025, retained earnings decreased by €23 million due to the total loss for the year attributable
to the shareholders of the parent of €16 million in 2025 and the payment of a cash dividend of
€15 million, partly offset by the appropriation of net income from 2024 of €9 million.
The Board of Management has proposed to make an amount of €20 million out of the
distributable part of the shareholders' equity available for distribution of dividend. Refer to
note 6.4 for more details of this proposal.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
125
2.7 Segment information
Accounting policies
PostNL reports two operating segments: Parcels and Mail in the Netherlands and one
other segment: PostNL Other. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent
with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-makers. These chief
operating decision-makers, who are responsible for allocating resources and assessing
the performance of the operating segments, have been identified as the Board of
Management of PostNL that makes strategic decisions. Transfer prices between
operating segments are on an arm's length basis and intercompany sales relate to similar
activities as revenue. PostNL Other represents head office entities.
The following table presents the reconciliation of the 2025 segment information relating to the
income statement of the reportable segments. Segment information relating to the balance
sheet is reported in note 3.8.
PostNL Segmentation in € million
Year ended at 31 December 2025
Parcels
Mail in NL
Total segments
PostNL Other
Eliminations
Total
Revenue from contracts with customers
2,138
1,164
3,303
6
3,309
Intercompany sales
311
144
454
245
(699)
0
Other operating revenue
8
7
15
0
15
Total revenue
2,457
1,315
3,772
251
(699)
3,324
Other income
9
1
10
1
10
Depreciation/impairment PP&E
(37)
(8)
(45)
(3)
(49)
Amortisation/impairment intangibles
(2)
(44)
(46)
(62)
(108)
Depreciation/impairment right-of-use assets
(60)
(9)
(69)
(11)
(81)
Total operating income
66
(37)
28
(18)
11
Net financial income/(expense)
(29)
Income taxes
(1)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations
1
Profit/(loss) for the year
(17)
Normalised EBIT
61
2
63
(10)
53
The key financial performance indicator for management of the reportable segments is
normalised EBIT. Normalised EBIT is derived from the IFRS-based performance measure
operating income adjusted for the impact of project costs and incidentals. Normalised EBIT is
reported on a monthly basis to the chief operating decision-makers. The following table
presents the reconciliation from reported operating income to normalised EBIT.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
126
PostNL From operating income to normalised EBIT in € million
Year ended at
31 December 2025
Reported
operating income
Project costs
and other
Impairment of
goodwill
Normalised EBIT
Parcels
66
(5)
61
Mail in NL
(37)
(0)
40
2
PostNL Other
(18)
8
(10)
Total 2025
11
2
40
53
From operating income to normalised EBIT
In 2025, normalised EBIT totalled €53 million (2024: €53 million). Normalised EBIT excludes
exceptional items, which amounted to €42 million in 2025 (2024: €15 million). Reference is
made to note 3.3 for further information on the impairment of goodwill of €40 million. The
normalisation for project costs and other included results mainly related to legal and other
advisory costs (€8 million) in PostNL Other, the book profit on the sale of PS Nachtdistributie
(€5 million) in Parcels, and amortisation costs related to prior fiscal years (€2 million) and a
refund of disputed claim-related costs related to prior fiscal years (€2 million) in Mail in NL.
Normalised EBIT was stable at €53 million and comprised a lower result in Parcels (€5 million)
and Mail in the Netherlands (€1 million) offset by a higher result in PostNL Other (€6 million).
As of 1 January 2025, following the decision to combine all activities and organisational
responsibilities related to real estate in one segment, the financial results and positions of
PostNL Real Estate are included in the segment Parcels. Previously, the entity was part of the
segment Mail in NL. The related operating income/normalised EBIT in 2024 amounted to €16
million. The comparative 2024 figures have been restated.
The following tables present the reconciliation of the 2024 segment information relating to the
income statement of the reportable segments. Segment information relating to the balance
sheet is reported in note 3.8.
PostNL Segmentation in € million
Year ended at 31 December 2024
Parcels
Mail in NL
Total segments
PostNL Other
Eliminations
Total
Revenue from contracts with customers
2,080
1,157
3,237
6
3,243
Intercompany sales
310
150
460
234
(694)
0
Other operating revenue
3
6
9
0
9
Total revenue
2,393
1,313
3,706
240
(694)
3,252
Other income
3
1
3
0
3
Depreciation/impairment PP&E
(40)
(8)
(48)
(4)
(52)
Amortisation/impairment intangibles
(2)
(2)
(4)
(58)
(62)
Depreciation/impairment right-of-use assets
(54)
(9)
(63)
(11)
(74)
Total operating income
63
(3)
60
(23)
37
Net financial income/(expense)
(8)
Results from investments in JVs/associates
(4)
Income taxes
(6)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations
(1)
Profit/(loss) for the year
18
Normalised EBIT
65
3
68
(16)
53
PostNL Annual Report 2025
127
PostNL From operating income to normalised EBIT in € million
Year ended at 31 December 2024
Reported
operating income
Project costs and
other
Normalised EBIT
Parcels
63
3
65
Mail in NL
(3)
6
3
PostNL Other
(23)
7
(16)
Total 2024
37
15
53
In 2024, the normalisation for project costs and other included results related to legal and
other advisory costs (€8 million), disputed claim-related costs related to prior fiscal years (€6
million), and depreciation costs related to prior fiscal years (€2 million).
PostNL Annual Report 2025
128
Section 3: Operating assets and liabilities
3.1 Working capital
Accounting policies
Trade receivables are recorded where PostNL has the unconditional rights to
consideration from the customers. Trade receivables that do not contain a significant
financing component or for which PostNL has applied the practical expedient are
measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15.
PostNL recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs). ECLs are based on the
difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all
the cash flows that PostNL expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the
original effective interest rate. For trade receivables, PostNL applies a simplified approach
in calculating ECLs. Therefore, PostNL does not track changes in credit risk, but instead
recognises a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date.
PostNL has established a provision matrix that is based on its historical credit loss
experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic
environment. The amount of the ECLs is recognised in the income statement. Any reversal
of the ECLs is included in the income statement on the same line as where the original
expense was recorded.
The risk of uncollectability of accounts receivable is primarily estimated based on prior
experience with, and the past due status of, doubtful debtors adjusted for forward-looking
factors. Large accounts are assessed individually based on factors that include ability to
pay, bankruptcy and payment history. In addition, debtors in certain countries are subject
to a higher collectability risk, which is taken into account when assessing the overall risk
of uncollectability.
Prepayments and accrued income
Prepayments and accrued income mainly relates to prepaid expenses, accrued income for
receivables where PostNL has not the unconditional rights to the consideration,
receivables for terminal dues and the positive fair value of the outstanding foreign
exchange hedges and interest rate swaps.
3.1.1 Accounts receivable
PostNL Accounts receivable in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
Trade accounts receivable - total
333
351
Allowance for expected credit losses
(8)
(10)
Trade accounts receivable
325
341
VAT receivable
6
6
Other accounts receivable
9
6
Accounts receivable
16
13
Total accounts receivable
341
354
Trade accounts receivable are non-interest bearing and are generally on terms of 7 to 30 days.
Trade accounts receivable includes an amount of €126 million (2024: €110 million) that was
unbilled at 31 December 2025.
The main part of the allowance for expected credit losses related to a collective loss
component established for groups of similar trade accounts receivable balances. This
collective loss component is largely based on the ageing of the trade accounts receivable and
is reviewed periodically. The fair value of the total (trade) accounts receivable approximated
its carrying value.
Trade accounts receivable increased slightly from €333 million on 31 December 2024 to €351
million on 31 December 2025. The trade accounts receivable past due decreased from €143
million on 31 December 2024 to €74 million on 31 December 2025 (see table expected credit
losses below).
PostNL Annual Report 2025
129
The top 10 trade accounts receivable accounted for 20% of the outstanding balance as at 31
December 2025 (2024: 24%). The concentration of the trade accounts receivable portfolio over
the different regions can be summarised as follows:
The Netherlands €265 million (2024: €257 million)
Rest of Europe €51 million (2024: €46 million)
The rest of the world €26 million (2024: €22 million).
The movements in the allowance for expected credit losses of trade accounts receivable were
as follows:
PostNL Statement of changes in the allowance for expected credit losses of trade
accounts receivable in € million
2024
2025
Balance at 1 January
7
8
Provided for during financial year
3
4
Receivables written off during year as uncollectable
(1)
(2)
Balance at 31 December
8
10
Set out below is the information about the credit risk exposure on the trade accounts
receivable using a provision matrix.
PostNL Expected credit losses in € million
Months due
At 31 December
Up to 1 month
1-2 months
2-3 months
3-4 months
over 4 months
Total
Expected credit loss rate1
0%
3%
3%
5%
86%
Gross amount of trade accounts receivable 1
292
13
6
15
7
333
Trade accounts receivable past due 1
108
11
4
14
6
143
Expected credit loss 2024
1
0
0
1
6
8
Expected credit loss rate
0%
1%
2%
23%
47%
Gross amount of trade accounts receivable
307
16
7
4
18
351
Trade accounts receivable past due
41
10
4
3
16
74
Expected credit loss 2025
1
0
0
1
8
10
1
Comparative figures have been adjusted to reflect revised presentation of netting entries
PostNL Annual Report 2025
130
3.1.2 Other current liabilities
PostNL Other current liabilities in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
VAT payable
43
40
Social security contributions payable
47
25
Payments from customers received in advance
43
45
Pensions payable
12
1
Other
4
4
Total
148
115
The decrease in social security contributions payable and pensions payable is mainly related
to amounts due in December 2024 which have been paid in early January 2025.
3.1.3 Contract liabilities
PostNL Contract liabilities in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
Deferred revenue from unused stamps
25
26
Refund liability stamps
11
11
Deferred revenue from franking machines
5
5
Rental of mailboxes
7
6
Other amounts received in advanced from customers
4
3
Total
53
51
We expect to perform almost all services related to the outstanding contract liabilities at 31
December 2025 within one year. For the estimated refund of €11 million, mainly related to
retailers for their unsold stamps for Christmas greetings, no service is expected to be
performed in 2026. However, note that within one year we expect outstanding contract
liabilities more or less in line with the amounts currently reported.
3.1.4 Accrued current liabilities
PostNL Accrued current liabilities in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
To be paid to third parties
117
109
To be paid to personnel
28
37
Vacation days/vacation payments
100
98
Terminal dues
180
156
Interest payable
11
13
Other accrued current liabilities
0
0
Total
436
412
Main items within the expenses to be paid to third parties included payables to business
partners of €17 million (2024: €13 million), payables for the onward postage of €13 million
(2024: €12 million) and claims of €3 million (2024: €4 million), the remainder are various other
expenses to be paid.
Expenses to be paid to personnel included accrued wages and salaries of €16 million (2024:
17 million) and accruals for employee profit-sharing of €15 million (2024: €9 million).
The accrual for terminal dues relates to payables to foreign postal operators relating to the
years 2025 and before, partly consisting of positions in SDR currency. The net payable
position, including the receivable for terminal dues of €28 million (2024: €47 million) included in
prepayments and accrued income, amounted to €128 million (2024: €133 million). The change
reflects both the regular course of business as well as settlements of outstanding positions.
The positions where there is no price multi- or bilateral agreement on price are based on our
best estimate of the price for which we expect to settle.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
131
3.2 Property, plant and equipment
Accounting policies
Property, plant and equipment is valued at historical cost, less depreciation and
impairment losses. The initial costs of an asset comprises its purchase price, costs of
bringing the asset into working condition, handling and installation costs and non-
refundable purchase taxes.
Land is not depreciated. System software is capitalised and amortised as a part of the
tangible fixed asset for which it was acquired to operate.
Other property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over its
expected useful life, taking into account any residual value. The asset’s residual value and
useful life is reviewed on an annual basis and, if necessary, changes are accounted for
prospectively.
For the accounting policy concerning impairments, reference is made to note 5.4.
PostNL Property, plant and equipment in € million
Land and
buildings
Plant and
equipment
Other equipment
Construction
in progress
Total
Depreciation percentage
0%-10%
6%-33%
10%-33%
0%
Historical cost
483
472
34
10
999
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(193)
(317)
(23)
(532)
Balance at 1 January 2025
290
156
11
10
467
Capital expenditure
4
20
4
9
37
Disposed subsidiaries
(1)
(1)
Disposals
(3)
(3)
Internal transfers and reclassifications
4
1
(5)
0
Depreciation
(17)
(28)
(4)
(49)
Transfers to assets held for sale
(2)
(2)
Total changes
(14)
(8)
1
3
(17)
Historical cost
456
481
33
13
983
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(179)
(333)
(22)
(534)
Balance at 31 December 2025
277
148
11
13
449
Capital expenditures 2025 were above the level of 2024. Investments were made in automated
parcel lockers, the sorting and delivery centres within Parcels, and in various other equipment.
Both developments also impacted the internal transfers and reclassifications from
construction in progress to land and buildings and plant and equipment.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
132
In 2025, the disposals of €3 million (2024: €4 million) mainly related to the sale of buildings in
the Netherlands.
The property, plant and equipment assets include a number of Parcels' sorting centres and
sorting machines financed and legally owned by an entity especially set up for this purpose by
a third party. The term of the related lease contracts and liabilities is 10 years. Since 2018 to
31 December 2025, 7 sorting centres and sorting machines have been finalised and leased
from this special entity, for which the related property, plant and equipment assets for 4
locations with a total book value of €83 million at 31 December 2025 and corresponding (legal)
lease loan have been recorded. For the other 3 locations right-of-use assets and
corresponding lease liabilities have been recorded, reference is made to note 3.4.
The table below shows the movements in property, plant and equipment in 2024:
PostNL Property, plant and equipment in € million
Land and
buildings
Plant and
equipment
Other equipment
Construction
in progress
Total
Depreciation percentage
0%-10%
6%-33%
10%-33%
0%
Historical cost
457
462
36
40
995
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(182)
(297)
(25)
(504)
Balance at 1 January 2024
275
165
11
40
491
Capital expenditure
8
13
4
7
31
Disposals
(4)
(4)
Internal transfers and reclassifications
30
7
(37)
0
Depreciation
(19)
(29)
(4)
(52)
Total changes
15
(9)
0
(31)
(25)
Historical cost
483
472
34
10
999
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(193)
(317)
(23)
(532)
Balance at 31 December 2024
290
156
11
10
467
PostNL Annual Report 2025
133
3.3 Intangible fixed assets
Accounting policies
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of PostNL’s
share of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is
included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisition of joint ventures and associates is
included in investments in joint ventures/associates and is not separately recognised or
tested for impairment. Gains and losses on disposal of an entity include the carrying
amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.
Separately-recognised goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised and subject to an
annual impairment review. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment
losses.
Other intangible fixed assets
Costs related to the development and installation of software for internal use are
capitalised at historical cost and amortised over the estimated useful life. Other
intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the
acquisition date.
An asset under construction is transferred to its respective intangible asset category at
the moment it is ready for use and is amortised using the straight-line method over its
estimated useful life. Other intangible assets are valued at the lower of historical cost
less amortisation and impairment. The asset’s residual value and useful life is reviewed
on an annual basis and, if necessary, changes are accounted for prospectively.
For the accounting policy concerning impairments of goodwill and other intangible fixed
assets, reference is made to note 5.4.
PostNL Intangible fixed assets in € million
Goodwill
Software
Other
Total
Amortisation percentage
20%- 35%
0%- 35%
Historical cost
243
340
49
633
Accumulated amortisation and impairments
(36)
(170)
(20)
(226)
Balance at 1 January 2024
207
171
29
407
Additions
68
69
Amortisation
(59)
(3)
(62)
Total changes
0
10
(3)
7
Historical cost
243
408
50
700
Accumulated amortisation and impairments
(36)
(227)
(23)
(287)
Balance at 31 December 2024
207
180
26
414
PostNL Intangible fixed assets in € million
Goodwill
Software
Other
Total
Amortisation percentage
20%- 35%
0%- 35%
Historical cost
243
408
50
700
Accumulated amortisation and impairments
(36)
(227)
(23)
(287)
Balance at 1 January 2025
207
180
26
414
Additions
71
71
Disposals
(1)
(4)
(4)
Amortisation
(66)
(3)
(68)
Impairments
(40)
(40)
Total changes
(41)
6
(7)
(42)
Historical cost
243
474
36
753
Accumulated amortisation and impairments
(76)
(289)
(16)
(381)
Balance at 31 December 2025
167
186
20
372
PostNL Annual Report 2025
134
Goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) and annually tested for
impairment. The CGUs correspond to an operation in a particular country or region and the
nature of the services provided. The CGU Mail in the Netherlands relates to our mail activities
in the Netherlands. The CGU Parcels relates to our e-commerce and logistic services activities
in the Benelux. The CGU Spring relates to our cross-border mail and parcels activities.
Compared to 2024, the CGU structure had one change. As of 1 January 2025, the financial
results and positions of PostNL’s fulfilment services are included in the CGU Spring. Previously,
the entity was part of the CGU Parcels. A proportionate share of goodwill was transferred
accordingly.
PostNL Goodwill per CGU in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Parcels
64
61
Mail in the Netherlands
143
103
Spring
3
Total
207
167
General
Management performed a detailed review of the recoverable value of each CGU. The
recoverable value is the higher of the value in use and fair value less costs of disposal. Fair
value less costs of disposal represents the best estimate of the amount PostNL would receive
if it sold the CGU. The recoverable value of each CGU is determined based on the value in use.
The value in use has been calculated on the basis of the present value of estimated future net
cash flows.
The estimated future net cash flows are based on a five-year (2024: five-year) management
forecast and business plan, which forecast period has been assessed as adequate to reach a
sustainable basis for the calculation of the continuing value. The cash flows include working
capital. Management has determined the forecasted cashflows based on past performance
and its expectations for market and regulatory development. The cash flow projections have
been approved by management.
Key assumptions used to determine the recoverable values for each individual CGU are the
following:
The discount rate to be applied following the nature of the underlying cash flows and foreign
currency and inflation-related risks.
The (long-term) growth rate to be applied following the maturity of the underlying market,
regulatory developments, market share and volume development.
The implementation of our strategic roadmap for Mail, including anticipated changes to
postal regulations as announced by the Dutch government on 19 December 2025 of among
others, the adjustment of the service level for standard USO mail from next-day delivery to
delivery within 2 days as of 1 July 2026, moving towards within 3 days as of 1 July 2027.
The pre-tax discount rate used was around 11.5% (2024: around 11.0%) for the CGU Parcels
(post-tax: around 9.0% for 2025; around 8.5% for 2024) and around 11.0% (2024: around 10.5%)
for the CGU Mail in the Netherlands (post-tax: around 7.0% for 2025; around 6.5% for 2024).
The (long-term) growth rate used was based on a long-term assumed inflation rate of 2.0%
(2024: 2.0%) for all CGUs, with a downward adjustment of 5.0% (2024: 5.0%) for the CGU Mail in
the Netherlands to reflect the assumed long-term mail volume decline.
CGU Parcels and CGU Spring
Management has carried out an impairment test for each individual CGU and concluded that
the recoverable amount of the individual CGUs of Parcels and Spring are significantly higher
than their carrying amounts. Management has also assessed that a reasonably possible change
in key assumptions, being discount rate and growth rate, would not cause the carrying amount
of any of these CGUs to exceed the recoverable amount.
CGU Mail in the Netherlands
Triggered by insufficient progress towards economically viable adjusted postal regulation,
based on the proposed changes to the Universal Service Obligation as announced by the
Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs on 30 June 2025, management performed a mid-year
goodwill impairment test of the CGU Mail in the Netherlands as part of the interim reporting.
The impairment test performed per mid-year 2025 resulted in a goodwill impairment of €40
million as recorded in June 2025. This impairment was based on our strategic roadmap for
Mail, including anticipated changes to postal regulations as announced by the Dutch
government on 30 June 2025, and excluded any compensation by means of a financial
contribution from the Dutch government.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
135
Per year-end 2025, goodwill of the CGU Mail in the Netherlands was tested again for
impairment. With a positive headroom of €11 million, management concluded no additional
impairment was needed. The recoverable value is €77 million negative as at 31 December
2025. This recoverable value excludes any compensation by means of a financial contribution
from the Dutch government, which has been formally requested for 2025 and 2026.
The following sensitivities apply:
If the post-tax discount rate would increase or decrease by 1.0%, this would have no
material impact on the current recoverable amount of the CGU Mail in the Netherlands,
irrespective of the movement.
If the long-term expected volume decline would increase or decrease by 1.0%, this would
impact the current recoverable amount of the CGU Mail in the Netherlands by around €15
million to €20 million decrease or increase.
If the Dutch government would (have to) grant a compensation by means of a financial
contribution towards the USO costs, this would positively impact the (current) recoverable
amount of the CGU Mail in the Netherlands.
Software and other intangibles
The closing balance of software and other intangibles is built up as follows:
PostNL Software and other intangibles in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Internally-generated software
180
185
Purchased software
1
1
Customer lists
26
19
Total
206
205
The additions to software mainly concerned IT investments related to replacement and
improvement of sorting and delivery processes within Mail in the Netherlands and Parcels,
software licences and costs of internally-generated software for various IT projects including
investments in our online landscape, logistic service platform and back-office functionality. The
decrease in customer lists included €4 million resulting from the sale of PS Nachtdistributie.
The estimated amortisation expenses for software and other intangible assets are:
2026: €63 million,
2027: €50 million,
2028: €35 million, and
thereafter: €57 million.
Software and other intangible assets include an amount of €2 million (2024: €3 million) of
capitalised development costs.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
136
3.4 Leases
Accounting policies
PostNL leases sorting centres, sorting machines, distribution centres, offices, warehouses,
trucks, vans, cars, transport equipment and other equipment. Leases are recognised as a
right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is
available for use by the group. At the commencement date of the lease, the lease liabilities
are measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term.
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and
impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of
right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, initial direct costs
incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease
incentives received.
The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate
cannot be readily determined, the incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that
would have to be paid to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to
the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and
conditions.
The lease payments include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to
be exercised by PostNL and payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease
term reflects PostNL exercising the option to terminate. Lease payments to be made
under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the
liability.
PostNL elected to apply the practical expedient not to separate non-lease components
from lease components, and instead account for each lease component and any
associated non-lease components as a single lease component. PostNL also elected the
practical expedient not to apply the requirements for short-term leases (with a lease term
of 12 months or less and which do not contain a purchase option) and leases for which the
underlying asset is of low value (<€5,000). The lease payments associated with these
leases are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
PostNL Right-of-use assets in € million
Land and
buildings
Transport
Other
Total
Historical cost
311
183
25
519
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(119)
(93)
(14)
(226)
Balance at 1 January 2024
192
89
11
293
New leases
20
25
2
47
Lease modifications/reassessments
12
6
18
Disposals
(2)
(2)
Depreciation
(37)
(35)
(2)
(74)
Total changes
(6)
(6)
0
(12)
Historical cost
329
202
26
556
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(142)
(118)
(15)
(275)
Balance at 31 December 2024
186
84
11
281
PostNL Right-of-use assets in € million
Land and
buildings
Transport
Other
Total
Historical cost
329
202
26
556
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(142)
(118)
(15)
(275)
Balance at 1 January 2025
186
84
11
281
New leases
6
35
1
42
Lease modifications/reassessments
43
4
1
47
Depreciation
(41)
(37)
(3)
(81)
Total changes
7
2
(1)
8
Historical cost
366
187
26
579
Accumulated depreciation and impairments
(173)
(101)
(16)
(290)
Balance at 31 December 2025
193
85
10
289
In 2025, the new leases of €42 million (2024: €47 million) mainly related to the replacement
and expansion of buildings, vans and trucks. In 2025, the lease modifications/reassessments of
47 million (2024: €18 million) mainly reflected changes to the lease payments and lease terms.
In 2024, the disposals of €2 million mainly related to several disposed contracts from trucks.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
137
The right-of-use assets include a number of Parcels' sorting centres and sorting machines
financed and owned by an entity especially set up for this purpose by a third party. The term
of the related lease contracts and liabilities is 10 years. Since 2018 to 31 December 2025, 7
sorting centres and sorting machines have been finalised and leased from this special entity,
for which the related right-of-use assets for 3 locations and corresponding lease liabilities have
been recorded. For the other 4 locations property, plant and equipment assets with a total
book value of €83 million at 31 December 2025 and corresponding (legal) lease loan have been
recorded, reference is made to note 3.2.
Additionally, the right-of-use assets include four mail sorting centres and the international
sorting centre with lease terms varying between 7 and 10 years (started in 2020 and including
an extension for one sorting centre) and the head office in The Hague with a lease term of 15
years (started in 2021).
PostNL Lease liabilities in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
Long-term lease liabilities
221
215
Short-term lease liabilities
78
84
Total
299
300
The total cash outflow from leases amounted to €98 million (2024: €96 million) and related for
89 million to repayments of lease liabilities (2024: €84 million), and for €10 million to rent and
lease expenses (2024: €12 million). Refer to note 4.1 for further information on the lease
liabilities.
In 2025, rent and lease expenses of €10 million (2024: €12 million) relate for €9 million (2024:
11 million) to short-term leases and for €1 million (2024: €1 million) to leases for which the
underlying asset is of low value. The interest expenses on lease liabilities amounted to €11
million (2024: €10 million).
3.5 Other provisions
Accounting policies
Provisions are recognised when there is a present obligation as a result of a past event,
making it probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be
required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the
obligation. Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate
of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation on the balance sheet date. The
discount rate used to determine the present value reflects current market assessments of
the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The gross-up of the provision
following the discounting of the provision is recorded in the income statement as interest
expense.
PostNL recognises termination benefits when the company has committed to terminating
the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without
possibility of withdrawal or provides termination benefits as a result of an offer made to
encourage voluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the
balance sheet date are discounted to their present value.
Provisions for onerous contracts are recorded when the unavoidable costs of meeting the
obligation under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to arise from that
contract, taking into account impairment of fixed assets first. The provision includes both
incremental costs and an allocation of other direct costs.
A liability arising as a result of written claim or litigation against PostNL group companies
is recorded as a provision. An asset arising as a result of a written claim against a third
party (PostNL is claimant) is recorded in Other accounts receivable.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
138
The following table presents the changes in the short-term and long-term provisions.
PostNL Other long-term and short-term provisions in € million
Other
employee
benefit
obligations
Restructuring
Claims and
indemnities
Other
Total
Non-current other provisions
44
0
11
1
56
Current other provisions
15
1
13
0
29
Balance at 1 January 2025
59
1
24
1
85
Additions
16
5
5
26
Withdrawals
(9)
(1)
(1)
(11)
Releases
(7)
(1)
(3)
(11)
Interest
1
1
Total changes
0
4
2
0
6
Non-current other provisions
46
0
12
1
59
Current other provisions
14
4
13
0
31
Balance at 31 December 2025
59
4
26
1
91
The estimated utilisation of the other provisions in 2026 is €31 million, in 2027 €22 million, in
2028 €11 million and in 2029 and thereafter €26 million.
Other employee benefit obligations
As at 31 December 2025, the other employee benefit obligations mainly related to a provision
for expected disability costs for the WGA benefits, as PostNL became self-insured in 2021, of
41 million (2024: €38 million), jubilee benefits of €10 million (2024: €11 million), expected costs
related to continued salary payments during illness of €8 million (2024: €8 million) and
termination benefits for early retirement of €1 million (2024: €1 million).
Restructuring
The additions in restructuring provision of €5 million mainly related to changes in organisation
structures in line with our strategy. The withdrawals in restructuring provisions of €1 million
concerned severance payments under the cost-saving programmes.
Claims and indemnities
The provision for claims and indemnities includes provisions for claims from third parties with
respect to PostNL's ordinary business activities, exposure related to not being able to meet the
prescribed quality of postal delivery, as well as indemnities and disputes related to business
disposals. The assessment of related exposure contains a high degree of uncertainty and
management estimation.
The exposure regarding the postal delivery quality relates to the Dutch Postal Act 2009, which
among others requires a 95% next-day delivery level for regulated consumer mail, funeral
announcements and medical mail. Since 2019, next-day delivery of consumer mail was below
the 95% target, due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the Covid pandemic and the
impact of the tight labour market. In 2024 and 2025, next-day delivery of funeral
announcements and medical mail was also close to 95%. The exposure includes uncertainty on
the proper application of the loss of value to consumers and the assessment of severity and
recidivism. For 2019, the ‘College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven’ ruled that there had been
no actual violation, as the loss of quality related to undelivered test letters can be disregarded.
The fine of €2 million imposed and paid for has been refunded by the ACM in December 2025.
For 2020, the ACM refrained from imposing a fine. For the years 2021-2024, the
(re)assessment of facts and circumstances and the decision to impose a fine lies with the ACM.
For 2025, PostNL is still in process of the relevant regulatory reporting.
The company has made provisions for probable liabilities to the extent a reliable estimate of
the future cash outflows can be made. More detailed information relating to these provisions is
not provided, as such information could prejudice the company's position with respect to these
claims and indemnities.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
139
3.6 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
Accounting policies
Deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the tax base of assets and liabilities are
calculated using the substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply when they are
realised or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognised if it is probable that they will be
realised. At the end of each reporting period the amounts of deferred tax assets and the
amounts of unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities within the same tax group, where a legally enforceable right to offset exists, are
presented net in the balance sheet.
PostNL has applied a temporary mandatory exception from deferred tax accounting for
the impacts of the top-up tax and accounts for it as a current tax when it is incurred.
The following table shows the movements in deferred taxes in 2025:
PostNL Statement of changes deferred taxes in € million
Net balance
1 January 2025
Changes via income
statement
Changes via OCI
Other changes
Net balance
31 December 2025
Assets
Liabilities
Provisions
13
2
15
15
0
Intangible assets
(54)
3
1
(50)
5
55
Property, plant and equipment
(39)
3
(36)
3
38
Leases
6
(1)
5
72
67
Losses carried forward
8
39
46
46
Other
36
(35)
0
2
3
3
0
Deferred tax assets/liabilities
(30)
11
0
2
(16)
144
160
Offsetting
(134)
(134)
Net deferred taxes
(30)
11
0
2
(16)
10
26
Of the deferred tax assets at 31 December 2025, before offsetting, €23 million (2024: €58
million) is to be recovered within 12 months and €121 million (2024: €72 million) after 12
months. Of the deferred tax liabilities at 31 December 2025, before offsetting, an amount of
40 million (2024: €39 million) is to be settled within 12 months and an amount of €120 million
(2024: €121 million) after 12 months.
The other changes of €2 million (2024: €(0) million) represent an adjustment of the Dutch
deferred tax asset position in connection with the finalized liquidation of the former Nexive
entities.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
140
The total accumulated losses available for carry forward at 31 December 2025 amounted to
€246 million (2024: €95 million). The increase is caused by tax losses incurred in the years
2023 and 2025; years in which we recognised liquidation losses in connection with the
unwinding of our Nexive (Italy) and Postcon (Germany) organisations.
With these losses carried forward, future tax benefits of €63 million could be recognised
(2024: €25 million). Tax deductible losses give rise to deferred tax assets at the statutory tax
rate in the relevant country. Deferred tax assets are recognised if it is probable that they will
be realised. The probability of the realisation is impacted by uncertainties regarding the
realisation of such benefits, for example as a result of the expiration of tax losses carried
forward and projected future taxable income.
As a result, PostNL has not recognised €17 million (2024: €17 million) of the potential future tax
benefits and has recorded deferred tax assets of €46 million at 31 December 2025 (2024: €8
million).
The expiration of total accumulated losses is as follows:
2026: €0 million
2027: €0 million
2028: €0 million
2029: €0 million
2030 and thereafter: €4 million, and
Indefinite: €242 million.
The table on the above right shows the accumulated losses and tax credits per jurisdiction as
well as the corresponding gross deferred tax assets.
PostNL Statement of deferred tax assets per jurisdiction in € million
Country
Losses carry
forward
Other
Losses carry
forward
Gross DTA
Other
Gross DTA
Netherlands
169
12
44
3
Belgium
32
0
8
0
France
14
0
4
0
Germany
19
0
6
0
Italy
0
0
0
0
Great Britain
1
0
0
0
Switzerland
0
0
0
0
Spain
1
0
0
0
Hungary
0
0
0
0
Czech Republic
2
0
0
0
Poland
0
0
0
0
United States
0
0
0
0
Canada
4
0
1
0
Hong Kong
4
0
1
0
Singapore
0
0
0
0
Total 2025
246
12
63
3
The table below shows the movements in deferred taxes in 2024:
PostNL Annual Report 2025
141
PostNL Statement of changes deferred taxes in € million
Net balance
1 January 2024
Changes via income
statement
Changes via OCI
Other changes
Net balance
31 December 2024
Assets
Liabilities
Provisions
8
4
13
13
0
Intangible assets
(50)
(3)
(54)
1
55
Property, plant and equipment
(42)
4
(39)
2
41
Leases
7
(1)
6
69
63
Losses carried forward
5
3
8
8
Other
39
(0)
(2)
(0)
36
36
0
Deferred tax assets/liabilities
(34)
7
(2)
(0)
(30)
130
160
Offsetting
(121)
(121)
Net deferred taxes
(34)
7
(2)
(0)
(30)
9
39
3.7 Commitments and contingencies
Accounting policies
Commitments are probable obligations that arise from past events whose existence will
only be confirmed by the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of one or more probable future
events.
Contingencies are possible obligations (contingent liabilities) or possible assets (contingent
assets) that arise from past events whose existence will only be confirmed by the
occurrence (or non-occurrence) of one or more uncertain future events, not wholly within
the control of the entity.
PostNL Off balance sheet commitments in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
4
1
Leases, not commenced
7
0
Capital expenditure
11
19
Purchase commitments
98
124
Other commitments
22
10
As at 31 December 2025, €95 million of the commitments indicated above are of a short-term
nature (2024: €86 million).
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
In 2025, short-term leases mainly consisted of leases of depots in Mail in the Netherlands.
Leases of low-value assets were mainly related to the lease of scooters.
Leases, not commenced
Leases, not commenced as at 31 December 2025, commitments in connection with leases not
commenced amounted to €0 million (2024: €7 million). These commitments related mainly to
new leases of vans and cars.
Capital expenditure
As at 31 December 2025, commitments in connection with capital expenditure amounted to
19 million (2024: €11 million) and were related to property, plant and equipment. These
commitments mainly related to the expansion in automated parcel lockers and the (new)
sorting centres of Parcels.
Purchase commitments
As at 31 December 2025, PostNL had unconditional purchase commitments of €124 million
(2024: €98 million), primarily related to various service and maintenance contracts for
information technology, security, salary registration and cleaning.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
142
Other commitments
As at 31 December 2025, other commitments related to parking lots and social/ community
investments.
Contingent tax assets and liabilities
Multinational groups of the size of PostNL are exposed to varying degrees of uncertainty
related to their tax planning, their (changes in) transfer pricing models, regulatory reviews and
tax audits, fuelled by tax regulations and relevant practices in the countries where PostNL
operates being subject to change. PostNL accounts for its (income) taxes on the basis of its own
internal analyses, if needed, supported by external advice. PostNL continually monitors its
global tax position, and whenever uncertainties arise, assesses the potential consequences
and either records the receivable, discloses a contingent asset, accrues the liability or
discloses a contingent liability in its financial statements, depending on the strength of the
company’s position and the resulting chance of income or risk of loss.
Guarantees
As at 31 December 2025, PostNL, on behalf of its subsidiaries, had various bank and insurance
guarantees outstanding. None resulted in an off-balance sheet commitment for the Group.
Contingent legal liabilities
The company is involved in several legal proceedings relating to the normal conduct of its
business, such as claims for loss of goods, delays in delivery, contracting and employment
issues, and general liability. The majority of these claims are for amounts below €1 million and
are insured and/or provided for. PostNL does not expect any liability arising from any of these
legal proceedings to have a material impact.
The company is also involved in regulatory proceedings. While it is not feasible to predict or
determine the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, the company is of the opinion that they
may have an impact on the company’s financial position, result of operations and cash flows
going forward.
On 2 December 2025, the Administrative High Court for Trade and Industry (CBb) ruled on the
acquisition of Sandd. In relation hereto, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)
announced an investigation into PostNL on 13 February 2026. The possible consequences and
outcome of this investigation are currently unknown.
3.8 Segment information
Accounting policies
PostNL reports two operating segments: Parcels and Mail in the Netherlands and one
other segment: PostNL Other. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent
with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-makers. These chief
operating decision-makers, who are responsible for allocating resources and assessing
the performance of the operating segments, have been identified as the Board of
Management of PostNL that makes strategic decisions. Transfer prices between operating
segments are on an arm's length basis.
Balance sheet information
A reconciliation of the segment information relating to the balance sheet of the reportable
segments is presented below. Segment information relating to the income statement is
reported in note 2.7.
PostNL Segmentation - balance sheet and capital expenditures in € million
At 31 December 2025
Parcels
Mail in NL
Total
segments
PostNL
Other
Total
Intangible assets
70
124
194
178
372
Property, plant and equipment
404
32
436
13
449
Right-of-use assets
211
23
234
55
289
Other non-current assets
22
3
25
28
52
Trade accounts receivable
251
90
341
0
341
Other current assets
59
46
104
594
698
Assets classified as held for sale
2
0
2
1
3
Total assets
1,018
318
1,336
869
2,204
Non-current liabilities
256
51
306
750
1,056
Trade accounts payable
91
51
142
18
160
Other current liabilities
282
409
691
119
810
Total liabilities
629
511
1,140
887
2,026
Cash out for capital expenditures
33
3
36
70
106
PostNL Annual Report 2025
143
As of 1 January 2025, following the decision to combine all activities and organisational
responsibilities related to real estate in one segment, the financial results and positions of
PostNL Real Estate are included in the segment Parcels. Previously, the entity was part of the
segment Mail in NL. The related total assets at 31 December 2024 amounted to €73 million.
The comparative 2024 figures have been restated.
A reconciliation of the segment information relating to the balance sheet of the reportable
segments as at 31 December 2024 is presented in the following table.
PostNL Segmentation - balance sheet and capital expenditures in € million
At 31 December 2024
Parcels
Mail in NL
Total
segments
PostNL
Other
Total
Intangible assets
73
167
240
174
414
Property, plant and equipment
417
38
455
12
467
Right-of-use assets
200
24
224
57
281
Other non-current assets
23
1
23
19
43
Trade accounts receivable
240
84
324
1
325
Other current assets
59
72
131
459
590
Assets classified as held for sale
1
0
1
0
1
Total assets
1,023
375
1,398
722
2,120
Non-current liabilities
281
42
323
658
982
Trade accounts payable
84
67
151
26
177
Other current liabilities
287
432
719
38
756
Total liabilities
652
541
1,193
722
1,915
Cash out for capital expenditures
25
5
30
69
99
PostNL Geographical segmentation - assets in € million
At 31 December
The Netherlands
Other countries
Total
Intangible assets
413
1
414
Property, plant and equipment
453
14
467
Right-of-use assets
237
44
281
Financial fixed assets
35
7
43
Total non-current assets 2024
1,138
66
1,204
Intangible assets
371
1
372
Property, plant and equipment
436
13
449
Right-of-use assets
244
45
289
Financial fixed assets
45
7
52
Total non-current assets 2025
1,096
66
1,162
The segment information from a geographical perspective is derived as follows: the basis of
allocation of assets and investments by geographical area is the location of the assets.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
144
Section 4: Capital structure and financing costs
Accounting policies
PostNL distinguishes the following categories of financial assets and liabilities:
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised costs
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.
Management determines the classification of PostNL’s financial assets and liabilities at
initial recognition.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
PostNL uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts, interest
rate swaps to hedge its foreign currency risks and interest rate risks. Such derivative
financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative
contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value.
Fair value hedges
The change in the fair value of a hedging instrument is recognised in the statement of
profit or loss as financial income or expense.
Cash flow hedges
Cash flow hedges (hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or
liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction).
At the inception of a hedge relationship, PostNL formally designates and documents the
hedge relationship to which it wants to apply hedge accounting and the risk management
objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. For all cash flow hedges, PostNL wants
to apply hedge accounting.
The effective portion of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is
recognised in OCI in the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is
recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss. The cash flow hedge reserve is
adjusted to the lower of the cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument and the
cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item.
Amounts accumulated in OCI are recycled in the income statement in the periods when
the hedged item will affect profit and loss (for example, when the forecast sale that is
hedged takes place). However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the
recognition of a non-financial asset, the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are
transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability.
When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when the hedge no longer meets the
criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gains or losses existing in equity at that time
remain in equity until the underlying transaction is ultimately recognised in the income
statement. When an underlying transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative
gains or losses that were reported in equity are immediately transferred to the income
statement.
Fair value measurement
Fair value measurement is based on the following fair value measurement hierarchy:
1. Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets
2. Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly (prices) or indirectly
(derived from quoted prices)
3. Inputs not based on observable market data. Valuation techniques used include the use
of recent arm’s-length transactions, reference to other instruments that are
substantially the same, statutory/management reports and discounted cash flow
analysis.
Financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised costs using the effective interest
method
A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:
The asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to
collect contractual cash flows; and
The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows
that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
All financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, except for financial liabilities at fair
value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value net of
transaction costs incurred and are subsequently stated at amortised cost. Any difference
between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in
the income statement over the period of the financial liability using the effective interest
method.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
145
Financial assets designated at fair value through other comprehensive income
PostNL's equity investments are classified as equity instruments designated at fair value
through OCI. Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or
loss. Dividends are recognised as financial income in the statement of profit or loss when
the right of payment has been established, except when PostNL benefits from such
proceeds as a recovery of part of the cost of the financial asset, in which case such gains
are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments designated at fair value through OCI are not
subject to impairment assessment.
4.1 Adjusted net debt
PostNL Adjusted net debt in € million
At 31 December
2024
2025
Short- and long-term debt
674
868
Long-term interest bearing assets
(13)
(12)
Short-term investments
(150)
(101)
Cash and cash equivalents
(303)
(515)
Net debt
208
241
Pension liabilities/WGA self-insurance
40
43
Lease liabilities (on balance)
299
300
Lease liabilities (off balance)1
9
1
Deferred tax assets on WGA and operational lease liabilities 2
(81)
(83)
Adjusted net debt
474
501
1
The lease liabilities (off balance) are the net present value of the Off balance sheet commitments relating to
leases from note 3.7 of €1 million (2024: €11 million).
2
The deferred tax assets relate for €11 million (2024: €10 million) to the WGA self-insurance provision, for €72
million (2024: €69 million) to on balance lease liabilities, see note 3.6 Deferred income taxes and for €0
million (2024: €2 million) to off balance lease liabilities.
As at 31 December 2025, adjusted net debt amounted to €501 million ( 2024: €474 million). The
increase of € 27 million was mainly explained by new leases and lease modifications/
reassessments of €82 million in total and dividend payments of €15 million, partly offset by
positive net cash from operating and investing activities (excluding the change in short-term
investments) of €74 million.
Reference is made to note 3.4 Leases, note 3.5 Other provisions and note 3.7 Commitments
and contingencies for more detailed information on leases (on and off balance) and provisions.
Long-term interest bearing assets
As at 31 December 2025, long-term interest-bearing assets of €12 million (2024: €13 million)
mainly included a lessor loan of €9 million (2024: €11 million) relating to the finance lease of a
sorting machine by Bol.com. The expected credit loss amounts to €0 million.
Short-term investments
Short-term investments of €101 million at 31 December 2025 (2024: €150 million) relate to
time deposits and repos with a lifetime at investment date longer than three months. The
decrease mainly relates to the expected repayment amount of the €300 million eurobond 2026
being decreased to €105 million due to an early repayment in 2025.
PostNL Short-term investments in € million
At 31 December
Nominal
amount
Average
amount
Effective
interest rate
Total short-term investments 2024
150
79
3.4%
Total short-term investments 2025
101
141
2.6%
Cash and cash equivalents
PostNL Cash and cash equivalents in € million
At 31 December
Nominal
amount
Average
amount
Effective
interest rate
Cash at bank and in hand
98
Bank deposits
30
154
3.7%
Money Market Funds
175
268
3.8%
Total cash and cash equivalents 2024
303
Cash at bank and in hand
58
Bank deposits
210
70
2.1%
Money Market Funds
247
191
2.2%
Total cash and cash equivalents 2025
515
PostNL Annual Report 2025
146
As at 31 December 2025, included in cash and cash equivalents was €0 million (2024: €0
million) of restricted cash. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximated the
carrying value.
Debt
As at 31 December 2025, the total of debt-related liabilities consisted of long-term debt of
969 million (2024: €884 million) and short-term debt of €199 million (2024: €88 million).
PostNL Total borrowings - maturity schedule in € million
At 31 December 2025
Debt
Lease
liabilities
Other loans
Total
2026
105
84
10
199
2027
61
10
71
2028
75
51
10
136
Thereafter
621
104
37
761
Total borrowings
801
300
68
1,168
Of which included in long-term debt
696
215
57
969
Of which included in short-term debt
105
84
10
199
In 2025, the other loans of €68 million included the liability of future (legal) lease payments for
land, buildings and machinery of four Parcels' sorting centres and sorting machines with an
effective interest rate of 1.3% up until 3.9%.
The following table presents the cash and the non-cash changes in debt during 2025.
PostNL Reconciliation debt in € million
Debt
Lease
liabilities
Other loans
Total
Balance at 1 January 2025
596
299
77
972
Proceeds
398
1
399
Repayments/lease-incentives
(195)
(89)
(10)
(293)
Total cash movements
203
(89)
(9)
105
New leases
43
43
Lease modifications/reassessments
47
47
Amortisation and other
1
(1)
1
Total non-cash movements
1
90
0
91
Balance at 31 December 2025
801
300
68
1,168
The increase in debt in 2025 is due to the placement of €100 million of Schuldschein loans
2028/2030 and the issuance of a €300 million eurobond 2030 with an annual coupon of
4.000%, partly offset by a €195 million buyback of the €300 million eurobond 2026. Refer to
note 4.5 for more details on the current outstanding eurobonds.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
147
The following table presents the cash and the non-cash changes in debt during 2024.
PostNL Reconciliation debt in € million
Debt
Lease
liabilities
Other loans
Total
Balance at 1 January 2024
651
320
88
1,059
Proceeds
297
0
297
Repayments
(353)
(84)
(11)
(448)
Total cash movements
(56)
(84)
(11)
(151)
New leases
47
47
Lease modifications/reassessments
18
18
Disposal of leases
(1)
(1)
Commencement of lease financing
4
4
Settlement of pre-financing
(4)
(4)
Amortisation
1
1
Total non-cash movements
1
63
0
64
Balance at 31 December 2024
596
299
77
972
The decrease in debt in 2024 is due to the repayment of a eurobond of €353 million and the
issuance of a €300 million sustainability-linked eurobond with an annual coupon of 4.750% in
June 2024.
In 2024, a pre-financing balance during the building phase of a sorter of €4 million was
replaced by a finance lease from a bank.
4.2 Financial assets at fair value through OCI
The following table presents the changes in the carrying value of the financial assets at fair
value through OCI.
PostNL Financial assets at fair value through OCI in € million
2024
2025
Balance at 1 January
16
20
Additions
1
3
Remeasurement recognised in OCI
3
6
Balance at 31 December
20
29
As at 31 December 2025, the investments in financial assets at fair value through OCI related
to investments in equity shares of non-listed companies. PostNL holds non-controlling interests
in Whistl Group Holdings Limited, Endeit Fund II Coöperatief U.A., Endeit Fund III Coöperatief
U.A., Clean Clothes B.V. and Machool Technologies Inc. The assessment of fair value is based
on key performance indicators included in related management and statutory reports and
derived from the expected development of business and financial performance and external
valuation insights, if available, like EBITDA multiples. In 2025, the fair value remeasurement of
6 million mainly related to our stake in Whistl.
4.3 Capital management
The capital structure consists of the following components:
Structural availability of €100 million to €200 million of undrawn committed facilities out of
our revolving credit facility (reference is made to note 4.4)
Structural funding via a combination of public and bank debt, with a risk-weighted mix of
fixed and floating interest
Cash pooling systems that ensure optimal cash requirements for the PostNL Group by
facilitating centralised funding and surplus cash concentration at group level
Tax-optimal internal and external funding focused on optimising the cost of capital for
PostNL, within boundaries that are sustainable on a long-term basis.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
148
4.4 Financial risk management
PostNL’s activities expose the company to a variety of financial risks, such as interest rate risk,
foreign currency exchange risk, commodity risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. All these risks
arise in the normal course of business and PostNL therefore uses various techniques and
financial derivatives to mitigate them.
The following analyses provides quantitative information regarding PostNL’s exposure to the
financial risks described above. There are certain limitations and simplifications inherent in the
analyses presented, primarily due to the assumption that rates change in a parallel fashion and
instantaneously. At the same time, for example, the impact of changes in interest on foreign
exchange exposures and vice versa is ignored. In addition, the analyses are unable to reflect
the complex market reactions that would normally arise from the market shifts assumed.
PostNL uses derivative financial instruments solely for the purpose of hedging currency,
commodity and interest exposures. The company enters into contracts related to derivative
financial instruments for periods commensurate with its underlying exposures and does not
take positions independent of these exposures. None of these financial instruments are
leveraged or used for trading purposes or to take speculative positions.
Financial risk management is carried out by Group Treasury under policies approved by the
Board of Management. Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks and
exposures in close cooperation with operating units. The Board of Management provides
written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering the financial
risks. Periodic reporting on financial risks is embedded in the overall risk framework and is
provided to the Board of Management in a structural way.
Group Treasury matches and manages the intragroup and external financial exposures.
Although the company generally enters into hedging arrangements and other contracts to
reduce its exposures, these measures may be inadequate or may subject the company to
increased operating or financing costs.
Interest rate risk
PostNL actively manages its balance sheet and identifies interest rate risk associated with its
financial assets and borrowings. Virtually all borrowings except for the Schuldschein loans are
at fixed rates. In total PostNL has €94 million (2024: €0 million) of Schuldschein loans at floating
rates and €1,074 million (2024: €972 million) of fixed rate borrowings. For all fixed rate
borrowings, a movement in the rate will therefore only affect the cost base per the moment of
fixing the rate of the debt instrument. The term of the lease debt is in line with market practice
for the underlying assets. The Schuldschein loans were agreed with a three and five year
maturity. The eurobonds were agreed with a five and seven year maturity. PostNL enters into
hedging arrangements to mitigate the interest exposure, at the moment the execution of
material lease and other fixed rate debt instruments becomes more certain. As at 31
December 2025, PostNL’s gross interest-bearing borrowings, including lease obligations,
totalled €1,168 million (2024: €972 million). Financial assets are, on average, of a short-term
nature and are therefore more exposed to interest rate fluctuations.
At 31 December 2025, if interest rates on borrowings and financial assets had been 1% higher
with other variables held constant, the profit before income tax would have been €5 million
higher (2024: €5 million). The potential profit increase is mainly attributable to interest income
on the cash and cash equivalents. Equity would be positively affected by €4 million (2024: €3
million), mainly due to the interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
Foreign currency exchange risk
PostNL has international operations that generate foreign currency exchange risks arising from
future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities, investments and divestments
in foreign currencies other than functional currencies of the respective business segments of
PostNL, irrespective of whether it is the euro (PostNL’s functional and reporting currency) or
another functional currency. For accounting purposes, the European Central Bank is used as
the source.
The main currencies of PostNL’s external hedges are the British pound, Chinese Renminbi,
Hong Kong dollar and US dollar.
The Board of Management has set a policy requiring group companies to manage their foreign
exchange risk against the functional currency. Group companies are required to hedge
material exposures via the use of foreign exchange derivatives with Group Treasury, whereby
a financing company operated by Group Treasury trades these foreign exchange derivatives
with external banks. The foreign exchange derivatives used are plain vanilla forward and spot
contracts. As at 31 December 2025, PostNL had no net investment hedges outstanding.
Significant acquisitions and local debt are usually funded in the currency of the underlying
assets.
As at 31 December 2025, if the euro had weakened 10% against the British pound, the Chinese
Renminbi, the Hong Kong dollar and the US dollar with all other variables held constant, the
profit before income taxes on the foreign exchange exposure on financial instruments would
have been €0 million lower/higher (2024: €0 million). In 2025, the net income sensitivity to
movements in euro/pound sterling, euro/HK dollar and euro/US dollar exchange rates is
negligible and did not change compared to 2024. Equity would have been positively impacted
by €2 million (2024: €1 million), all related to the move in the hedge reserve.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
149
Commodity risk
During 2023 it was agreed that a group company was exposed to potential price fluctuations
on LNG. The group company is required to hedge its commodity risk with Group Treasury.
Group Treasury trades these commodity derivatives with external banks. As at 31 December
2025, PostNL had no LNG hedges outstanding (2024: 6,100 MwH). The exposure on LNG related
to a limited number of trucks running on LNG.
Credit risk
Credit risk represents the potential losses that the company would incur if counterparties are
unable to fulfil the terms of underlying agreements. Credit risk arises from cash and cash
equivalents, derivatives and deposits with banks and financial institutions as well as credit
exposures relating to customers. The credit risk exposure is minimised by only transacting with
financial institutions, ensuring established credit guidelines are met and by managing its
customer portfolio. The top 10 trade accounts receivable accounted for 20% of outstanding
trade receivables as at 31 December 2025.
Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash, the availability of funding
through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market
positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, PostNL attempts to maintain
flexibility in funding by keeping a committed multi-currency revolving credit facility of €200
million available, which expires in 2028.
As at 31 December 2025, the company’s current assets and current liabilities amounted
1,039 and €970 million respectively resulting in a net current asset position. Despite the
negative free cash flow performance in 2025 of €(25) million, current assets contained €515
million of cash and cash equivalents. This position does not contain any restricted cash. A €105
million eurobond repayment is due in September 2026. The company’s outstanding cash and
cash equivalents position, its ability to realise its assets and its future cash flow will be
sufficient to discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Should the need arise, the
company has (re)financing options available, backed by its committed credit facility of €200
million and an investment grade credit rating.
A downgrade in PostNL’s credit rating may negatively affect its ability to obtain funds from
financial institutions and banks and increase the interest rates at which the company is able to
refinance existing debt or incur new debt. The terms and conditions of PostNL’s material long-
term and short-term debts, as well as its material drawn, or undrawn credit facilities do not
include any financial covenants. There are no obligations to accelerate repayments of these
material debts and committed facilities in the event of a credit rating downgrade.
At 31 December 2025, the €200 million committed credit facility (maturity date: December
2028) was undrawn (2024: undrawn).
The following table analyses PostNL’s financial liabilities, categorising them into relevant
maturity groupings based on the remaining period on the balance sheet to the contractual
maturity date. The outgoing flows disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash
flows that contain the redemptions and interest payments.
PostNL Maturity liquidity risks in € million
At 31 December
Less than
1 year
Between 1
and 3 years
Thereafter
Book value
Debt
16
330
357
596
Leases
86
125
115
299
Other loans
13
26
54
77
Foreign exchange contracts - outgoing
120
0
Trade accounts payable
177
177
Other current liabilities
47
47
Total outgoing flows
459
481
526
1,196
Foreign exchange contracts - incoming
120
Total mitigation via incoming flows
120
Total liquidity risk 2024
339
481
526
1,196
Debt
135
133
693
801
Leases
92
121
110
300
Other loans
13
25
42
68
Foreign exchange contracts - outgoing
135
0
Trade accounts payable
160
160
Other current liabilities
49
49
Total outgoing flows
584
279
845
1,377
Foreign exchange contracts - incoming
135
Total mitigation via incoming flows
135
Total liquidity risk 2025
449
279
845
1,377
PostNL Annual Report 2025
150
4.5 Financial instruments
In line with IFRS 9 and IFRS 13, the following categories of financial assets and financial
liabilities can be distinguished.
PostNL Financial instruments - assets in € million
At 31 December
Notes
Input information level
(IFRS13)
Loans and receivables
Derivatives used for
hedging
Financial assets at fair
value through OCI
Total
Other loans receivable
level 2
13
13
Other financial fixed assets
level 3
20
20
Accounts receivable
3.1.1
level 2
341
341
Derivatives1
level 2
2
2
Short-term investments
4.1
150
150
Cash and cash equivalents
4.1
303
303
Total assets balance sheet 2024
806
2
20
829
Other loans receivable
level 2
12
12
Other financial fixed assets
level 3
29
29
Accounts receivable
3.1.1
level 2
354
354
Derivatives1
level 2
0
0
Short-term investments
4.1
101
101
Cash and cash equivalents
4.1
515
515
Total assets balance sheet 2025
981
0
29
1,011
1
Derivatives are included in prepayments and accrued income in the statement of financial position.
Fair value represents the price that would be received when selling an asset in an orderly
transaction between willing market participants. For the level 3 financial assets at fair value
through OCI, our valuations have been measured by using the market approach as per 31
December 2024 and 31 December 2025.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
151
PostNL Financial instruments - liabilities in € million
At 31 December
Notes
Input information level
(IFRS13)
Financial liabilities measured
at amortised costs
Derivatives used for hedging
Total
Long-term debt
4.1
level 1&21
664
664
Trade accounts payable
level 22
177
177
Short-term debt
4.1
level 22
10
10
Other current liabilities3
3.1.2
level 22
47
0
47
Total liabilities balance sheet 2024
897
0
897
Long-term debt
4.1
level 1&21
753
753
Trade accounts payable
level 22
160
160
Short-term debt
4.1
level 1&21
115
115
Other current liabilities3
3.1.2
level 22
49
0
49
Total liabilities balance sheet 2025
1,077
0
1,077
1
Eurobonds level 1 and other loans level 2.
2
We consider the fair value equal to the book value as these items will be settled within short-term and therefore level 2.
3
Other current liabilities include 'Payments from customers received in advance' for €45 million (2024: €43 million) and 'Other' for €4 million (2024: €4 million), refer to note 3.1.2.
All financial instruments are reported on a gross basis per instrument. Netting of financial
instruments per contractual counterparty will not have a material impact on the outstanding
balances.
Eurobonds
For the details on the outstanding eurobonds, see the table below.
PostNL Outstanding eurobonds in € million
At 31 December
Nominal
value
Costs/discount
to be amortised
Carrying
value
Fair
value
0.625% eurobond 2026
300
1
299
289
4.750% eurobond 2031
300
3
297
311
Total outstanding eurobonds 2024
600
4
596
600
0.625% eurobond 2026
105
0
105
104
4.000% eurobond 2030
300
2
298
305
4.750% eurobond 2031
300
2
298
315
Total outstanding eurobonds 2025
705
4
701
724
The 4.750% eurobond of €300 million is a Sustainability-Linked Financing. Within the terms and
conditions of the €300 million sustainability-linked notes, a Step-Up Event is included, which
depends on achieving the underlying three Sustainability Performance Targets (SPT) conditions.
The initial rate of interest payable on the notes will increase 1.000 per cent per annum, a "Rate
Adjustment", in case of a Step-Up Event. The Rate Adjustment (if any) shall be effective and
PostNL Annual Report 2025
152
accrue from and including 12 June 2030 and the amount of interest payable on the final
interest payment date shall be adjusted accordingly.
The SPT Conditions are:
SPT Condition 1: means the scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions reduction percentage,
measured as a percentage change at the end of the financial year from the financial year
ended 31 December 2021, as reported by PostNL pursuant to the reporting requirements as
of the SPT observation date being greater than 90%;
SPT Condition 2: means the scope 3 GHG emissions reduction percentage, measured as a
percentage change at the end of the financial year from the financial year ended 31
December 2021, as reported by PostNL pursuant to the reporting requirements as of the
SPT observation date being equal to or greater than 45%;
SPT Condition 3: means the senior management positions percentage as reported by PostNL
pursuant to the reporting requirements as of the SPT observation date being equal to or
greater than 36%.
For progress on achieving these conditions, reference is made to the Sustainability statements.
Leases
For the details on the outstanding leases, see the table below.
PostNL Outstanding leases in € million
At 31 December
Nominal
value
Fixed/
floating
interest
Carrying
value
Fair value
Total outstanding leases 2024
299
fixed
299
299
Total outstanding leases 2025
300
fixed
300
300
Derivatives - Foreign currency exchange contracts
For the details on the outstanding foreign exchange contracts, see the table below.
PostNL Outstanding foreign exchange contracts in € million
At 31 December
Carrying
value
Fair value
Nominal
value
Hedge
Amount in
equity
Asset
2
2
86
balance sheet/
cashflow
1
Liability
0
0
34
balance sheet/
cashflow
0
Foreign exchange contracts 2024
Asset
0
0
39
balance sheet/
cashflow
0
Liability
0
0
96
balance sheet/
cashflow
0
Foreign exchange contracts 2025
The fair value of these outstanding foreign exchange hedges is recorded as a current asset in
‘prepayments and accrued income’ or as a current liability in ‘other current liabilities’ and
includes credit valuation adjustments.
In 2025, the total ineffective portion on all derivatives recognised in the income statement that
arises from the use of fair value and cash flow hedges amounted to €0 million (2024: €0
million).
Derivatives - Interest rate swaps
In 2025, there are no interest rate swaps outstanding (2024: €0 million). An amount of €1
million relating to terminated interest rate swaps is outstanding in OCI. This amount will be
amortised to financial income and expense for the term of the 4.000% eurobond 2030, the
4.750% eurobond 2031 and lease contracts relating to 5 underlying Parcels sorting centres.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
153
4.6 Equity
Accounting policies
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the
issuance of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the
proceeds.
Where any group company purchases PostNL’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the
consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income
taxes), is deducted from equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of.
Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of
any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects,
are included in equity.
Authorised share capital
Since 4 August 2011, the company’s authorised share capital amounts to €120 million, divided
into 750,000,000 ordinary shares and 750,000,000 preference shares B, both of €0.08 nominal
value each.
Form of shares
The ordinary shares are in deposit or registered form. Deposit shares are represented by a
global note held by the Dutch clearing system Euroclear Netherlands and are transferable
through Euroclear Netherlands’ book entry system. Ordinary shares in registered form are
transferred by means of a deed of transfer and PostNL’s written acknowledgement of the
transfer. PostNL does not have share certificates for ordinary shares represented by the
global note. The preference shares B are in registered form.
Issued share capital
At 31 December 2025, the company's issued share capital amounted to €41 million (2024: €40
million). The number of authorised, issued and outstanding shares by class of share is as
presented in the following table.
Issuance/repurchase of shares to cover share plans
For all equity-settled share plans, PostNL intends to perform the settlement by issuing new
shares or assigning repurchased shares to 'Stichting Managementparticipatie
PostNL' (Foundation Management Participation PostNL). In 2025, the company issued 982,798
ordinary shares (2024: 1,217,113 shares) under its incentive schemes to 'Stichting
Managementparticipatie PostNL' (Foundation Management Participation PostNL).
In 2025, no shares were repurchased (2024: 0 shares). As at 31 December 2025, the company
held no shares to cover its obligations under the existing share plans or for cancellation (2024:
0 shares).
PostNL Shares number of shares
Before proposed appropriation of profit
2024
2025
Authorised by class
Ordinary shares
750,000,000
750,000,000
Preference shares B
750,000,000
750,000,000
Total authorised
1,500,000,000
1,500,000,000
Issued and outstanding
Per 1 January of the reported year
494,207,248
502,111,291
Issued for stock dividend
6,686,930
5,586,536
Issued under its incentive schemes
1,217,113
982,798
Per 31 December of the reported year
502,111,291
508,680,625
Issued and outstanding per 31 December by class
Ordinary shares
502,111,291
508,680,625
of which held by the company to cover share plans
0
0
of which a foundation incorporated by the company only
holds the legal title
2,923,670
3,129,147
Preference shares B
0
0
Incentive scheme and Foundation Management Participation
PostNL
For administration and compliance purposes, since May 2013 all shares belonging to PostNL
employees under PostNL incentive schemes are held by Stichting Managementparticipatie
PostNL (Foundation Management Participation PostNL). These shares are held on an omnibus
securities account with ABN AMRO Bank, the Netherlands. Foundation Management
Participation PostNL legally owns the shares, while the beneficial ownership of the shares is
vested in the employees, who are also entitled to dividend received by Foundation
Management Participation PostNL on their behalf. At 31 December 2025, the number of PostNL
shares involved amounted to 3,129,147 shares (2024: 2,923,670 shares) with a nominal value
of €0.08 per share.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
154
Foundation Continuity PostNL and preference shares B
Stichting Continuiteit PostNL (Foundation Continuity PostNL) was formed to safeguard the
interests of PostNL, the undertaking connected with PostNL and all parties involved. It does
this by, among other things, preventing any influences that could threaten PostNL’s continuity,
independence and identity, as far as possible. Foundation Continuity PostNL is an independent
legal entity and is not owned or controlled by PostNL or any other legal person.
PostNL’s articles of association provide for protective preference shares B that can be issued
to Foundation Continuity PostNL to serve these interests. The preference shares B have a
nominal value of €0.08 and have the same voting rights as PostNL’s ordinary shares.
PostNL and Foundation Continuity PostNL have entered into a call option agreement, which
enables Foundation Continuity PostNL to acquire a number of preference shares B not
exceeding the total issued amount of shares minus one and minus any shares already issued to
Foundation Continuity PostNL. The call option agreement is meant as a preventive
countermeasure against influences that might threaten the continuity, independence and
identity of the company. Preference shares B will be outstanding no longer than is strictly
necessary. At 31 December 2025, no preference shares B had been issued.
Additional paid-in capital
At 31 December 2025, additional paid-in capital of €166 million (2024: €166 million) is in
principle exempt for Dutch tax purposes to the extent that this has been paid in by
shareholders of the company.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
155
Section 5: Other notes
5.1 Remuneration of Supervisory Board, Board of
Management and other share based payments
Accounting policies
Equity-settled share-based compensation plans
PostNL operates a number of equity-settled share-based compensation plans, under
which the employees receive (conditional) shares of the group for services rendered. The
fair value of the employee services received, as measured at the grant date in exchange
for the grant of the shares, is recognised as an expense, with a corresponding increase in
equity.
Non-market performance and service conditions are included in assumptions about the
number of (conditional) shares that are expected to vest. The total expense is recognised
over the vesting period, which is the period over which all the specified vesting conditions
are to be satisfied. In addition, for some share-based compensation plans, employees
provide services in advance of the grant date and therefore the grant date fair value is
estimated for the purposes of recognising the expense between service commencement
date and grant date. At the end of each reporting period, the group revises its estimates
of the number of shares that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting
conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the
income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
Remuneration of members of the Supervisory Board
Total remuneration of the Supervisory Board in 2025 amounted to €515,500 (2024: €512,500).
For details see the 'Remuneration report'.
The members of the Supervisory Board receive no compensation related to performance and/
or equity and accrue no pension rights with the company. The members of the Supervisory
Board receive no severance payments in the event of termination. PostNL does not grant
loans, including mortgage loans, advance payments, guarantees and options or shares to any
member of the Supervisory Board.
Remuneration of members of the Board of Management
In 2025, the total remuneration of the Board of Management amounted to €2,394,392 (2024:
€2,177,238). The following table presents total remuneration of the Board of Management:
PostNL Annual Report 2025
156
PostNL Remuneration of the Board of Management in €
Base salary 1
Other benefits 2
Pension costs 3
One year variable
Multi-year variable
Total remuneration
Pim Berendsen - CEO 4
2025
531,145
119,227
28,456
197,427
63,489
939,744
2024
Pim Berendsen - CFO 4
2025
166,218
49,094
11,717
61,783
26,142
314,954
2024
550,617
135,335
41,014
122,237
80,477
929,680
Linde Jansen - CFO 4
2025
403,219
29,286
24,803
149,876
106,056
713,241
2024
Herna Verhagen - Former CEO 4
2025
218,707
51,028
13,418
81,293
62,008
426,454
2024
724,495
193,630
47,036
160,838
121,559
1,247,558
1
Base salaries 2025 were indexed with 3.5%.
2
Other benefits include company costs related to tax and social security, pension allowances, company car and other compensation.
3
Pension costs represent the premium for the collective defined contribution plan (net of employee contributions) and risk premium for the net pension plan.
4
Herna Verhagen decided to step down as CEO as per 15 April 2025. On the same date, Pim Berendsen was appointed CEO and stepped down from his role as CFO. Linde Jansen joined as incoming CFO on 17
March 2025 and was formally appointed as CFO in the Board of Management on 15 April 2025. This table excludes for Herna Verhagen the remuneration that relates to the period after 15 April 2025. From 15 April
up to 31 December 2025 Herna Verhagen was still engaged on the basis of an employment agreement. In the interest of PostNL, parties agreed upon a period of transition, availability as an advisor and leave. The
remuneration for Herna Verhagen in this period amounted to €687,657 (base salary €531,145, other benefits €123,926, pension costs €32,586). The total remuneration for Herna Verhagen in 2025 amounted to
€1,114,111. The total remuneration for all (former) members of the Board of Management, taking into account the total remuneration for Herna Verhagen in 2025, amounted to €3,082,050 in 2025.
Base salary
The base salaries for both members of the Board of Management were increased by 3.5% in
2025 compared to 2024 in line with the Remuneration Policy.
Accrued for short-term incentive
PostNL accounts for the short-term incentive on the basis of the performance of the year
reported. In 2025, an amount of €490,379 was accrued for. In accordance with the
Remuneration Policy, this amount will be paid in cash in 2026. In 2025, an amount of €283,075
was paid to the members of the Board of Management in relation to the short-term incentive of
2024.
Accrued for long-term incentive
In 2025, the total share-based payment costs relating to the long-term incentive performance
share plan for the members of the Board of Management amounted to €257,695 (2024:
€202,036).
Performance share plan (PSP)
The members of the Board of Management are awarded a long-term incentive, which
represents a maximum potential reward of 37.5% of the annual base salary in the form of a
performance share plan. The characteristics of this performance share plan are:
It is a conditional equity-settled share plan based on a three-year performance period
Each year shares are conditionally allocated to members of the Board of Management
A conditional dividend equivalent is added to the conditional shares equal to the dividend
rights of ordinary shares
The conditional shares and their conditional dividend equivalents will vest after a
performance period of three years
Vesting is subject to the achievement of targets set on each of the long-term performance
measures supportive to the attainment of PostNL’s strategy
If a member of the Board of Management leaves the company during the performance
period due to circumstances involving fraud or gross misbehaviour, any accrued rights on
the long-term incentive plan will terminate and become void
If a member of the Board of Management leaves the company due to other reasons, a pro
rata performance and time-based vesting applies, unless decided otherwise by the
Supervisory board.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
157
In compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, following a three-year
performance period, the holding period for vested shares expires two years thereafter. For
compliance reasons, a sale of shares may not occur within six months following the date of
termination of the employment/service. Any sale of shares for the purpose of using the
proceeds to pay for the tax due at vesting of these shares is exempted.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
158
PostNL Performance share plan Board of Management number of shares
Name of Director - position
Specification of plan
Number of shares
held at 1 Jan 2025
Number of shares
granted  during
2025 1
Number of dividend
shares 2
Number of shares
settled during 2025
Number of shares
forfeited during
2025
Net number of
shares under a 
holding period at 31
Dec 2025
Number of shares
subject to a
performance
condition at         
31 Dec 2025
Pim Berendsen - CEO 3
PSP 2025
298,834
298,834
PSP 2024
162,941
7,499
170,440
PSP 2023
134,395
6,185
140,580
PSP 2022
69,738
3,210
(24,316)
(48,632)
12,583
PSP 2021
13,656
13,656
PSP 2020
83,211
Total shares
463,941
298,834
16,894
(24,316)
(48,632)
26,239
609,854
Linde Jansen - CFO 3
PSP 2025
213,392
213,392
PSP 2024
135,795
135,795
PSP 2023
58,198
58,198
Total shares
407,385
407,385
Herna Verhagen - Former CEO 3
PSP 2025
24,690
24,690
PSP 2024
214,395
9,867
224,262
PSP 2023
176,834
8,138
184,972
PSP 2022
91,760
4,223
(31,995)
(63,988)
16,557
PSP 2021
17,968
17,968
PSP 2020
109,488
Total shares
610,445
24,690
22,228
(31,995)
(63,988)
34,525
433,924
Total shares
1,074,386
730,909
39,122
(56,311)
(112,620)
60,764
1,451,163
1
The number of conditional shares granted is based on 37.5% of the annual base salary divided by the five-day average Euronext Amsterdam share price of PostNL prior to the date of publication of the Q1 2025 results (€0.917).
Vesting takes place at the end of the 3 year performance period, is subject to the long-term incentive plan's performance measures and is determined by the Supervisory Board. Performance will be disclosed in the 2027
remuneration report. More information about the characteristics of the share plans can be found in the summary of the Remuneration Policy of the Board of Management in chapter 11 of this annual report.
2
Conditional dividend shares were granted following the final dividend 2024.
3
Herna Verhagen decided to step down as CEO as per 15 April 2025. On the same date, Pim Berendsen was appointed CEO and stepped down from his role as CFO. Linde Jansen joined as incoming CFO on 17 March 2025 and
was formally appointed as CFO in the Board of Management on 15 April 2025.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
159
PostNL The main conditions of share award plans
Specification of plan
Performance period
Grant date
PSP 2025
01/01/2025-31/12/2027
09/05/2025
PSP 2024
01/01/2024-31/12/2026
10/05/2024
PSP 2023
01/01/2023-31/12/2025
11/05/2023
PSP 2022
01/01/2022-31/12/2024
12/05/2022
PSP 2021
01/01/2021-31/12/2023
14/05/2021
The vesting date is generally equal to grand date plus three years. Subsequently, a holding
period of two years applies.
Note that the number of outstanding conditional shares does not represent the total number of
shares held by each member of the Board of Management, which includes vested shares under
PostNL's performance share plan and variable remuneration. Reference is made to chapter 11
Remuneration, section actual remuneration, table 'Shares held by Board of Management'.
In 2025 an amount of 257,695 (2024: €202,036) was expensed for the cost of the
performance shares of the Board of Management. The costs are determined by multiplying the
number of granted performance shares by the fair value of such shares on the date of the
grant (PSP 2025: €0.852 per share; PSP 2024: €1.256 per share; PSP 2023: €1.606 per share;
PSP 2022: €2.817 per share) and by taking into account expected vesting percentages.
Other periodic compensation
Other periodic compensation included company costs related to tax and social security,
pension allowances, company car and other compensation.
Pension costs
The pension costs consist of the pension contribution for the reported year (net of employee
contributions) and risk premium for the net pension plan. The members of the Board of
Management are participants in a collective defined contribution plan.
Loans, advance payments of guarantees
No loans, advance payments or guarantees were granted to members of the Board of
Management in 2025 (2024: nil).
Other share based payments
Short-term incentive
The short-term incentive for senior management represents a potential reward of a
percentage of the annual base salary (the percentage depending on the job level), which is
based on annual performance measures. Of the realised achievements, 50% is paid in cash and
50% is paid in PostNL shares in the following year. Shares will be granted unconditionally and
will be delivered without restrictions or a restricted period, other than those defined in the
PostNL Insider Trading Policy.
The 50% of the short-term incentive settled in shares is accounted for as an equity-settled
share-based payment. The accrued share-based payment costs relating to this short-term
incentive amounted to €1.8 million in 2025 (2024: €0.6 million). The realised amounts will be
granted and paid in PostNL shares in 2026.
Performance share plan
A select group of senior management is awarded a long-term incentive, which represents a
potential reward of 37.5% of the annual base salary in the form of a performance share plan
that contains three-year performance measures. The long-term incentive is part of the
remuneration package for this select group of senior management. It is aimed particularly at
aligning their interests with the long-term interests of the company and its shareholders.
The performance share plan contains the same characteristics as the performance share plan
of the Board of Management with the exception that there is no holding period applicable for
senior management.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
160
PostNL Performance share plan senior management number of shares
Specification of plan
Number of shares held at 1
Jan 2025
Number of shares
granted during 2025 1
Number of dividend
shares 2
Number of shares settled
during 2025
Number of shares forfeited
during 2025
Number of shares
outstanding at
31 Dec 2025
PSP 2025
703,886
703,886
PSP 2024
623,786
74,748
28,709
727,243
PSP 2023
580,145
42,713
26,700
649,558
PSP 2022
487,687
10,679
22,448
(136,553)
(384,261)
Total shares
1,691,618
832,026
77,857
(136,553)
(384,261)
2,080,687
1
The number of conditional shares granted is based on 37.5% of the annual base salary divided by the five-day average Euronext Amsterdam share price of PostNL prior to the date of publication of the Q1 2025 results (€0.917).
2
Conditional dividend shares were granted following the final dividend 2024.
In 2025, an amount of €251,426 (2024: €208,088) was expensed for the cost of the
performance shares of senior management. The costs are determined by multiplying the
number of granted performance shares by the fair value of such shares on the date of the
grant (PSP 2025: €0.852 per share; PSP 2024: €1.256 per share; PSP 2023: €1.606 per share;
PSP 2022: €2.817 per share) and by taking into account expected vesting percentages.
Bonus matching share plan
Since 2011, senior management have had the opportunity to participate, on a voluntary basis,
in a bonus/matching plan. The company sees the bonus matching plan as part of the
remuneration package for the members of senior management, particularly aimed at aligning
their interests with the long-term interests of the company and shareholders. At the discretion
of the Supervisory Board, grants are made on an annual basis in accordance with the bonus
matching plan which has been approved by the Supervisory Board. The significant aspects of
the plan are:
Bonus shares are purchased by the participant using 25% of the gross (cash) variable
remuneration and delivered upon the grant of the right on matching shares
The number of bonus shares is calculated by dividing 25% of an individual’s gross annual
cash bonus relating to the preceding financial year by the share price on Euronext
Amsterdam on the date the grant is made
The rights to matching shares are granted free of charge. The number of matching shares is
equal to the number of bonus shares (equity settled scheme)
The matching rights vest three years after the delivery of the bonus shares
For each bonus share that is sold within three years, the associated right to one matching
share lapses. If more than 50% of the bonus shares are sold within three years, the entire
right to matching shares lapses with immediate effect
If a participant leaves the company for certain reasons (retirement, certain reorganisations,
disability or death), the right to matching shares will vest immediately and he/she can
exercise his/her right pro rata
A participant loses the right to exercise his/her right on matching shares when he/she leaves
the company for reasons other than those mentioned
The exercise of the rights to matching shares is subject to the PostNL Insider Trading Policy.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
161
PostNL Bonus matching plan senior management number of shares
Specification of plan
Vesting period
Number of shares
outstanding at 1 Jan 2025
Number of shares granted
during 2025
Number of shares settled
during 2025
Number of shares forfeited
during 2025
Number of shares
outstanding at 31 Dec 2025
Bonus matching 2025
09/05/2025-09/05/2028
45,208
(1,785)
43,423
Bonus matching 2024
10/05/2024-10/05/2027
56,865
(782)
(3,028)
53,055
Bonus matching 2023
11/05/2023-11/05/2026
14,805
(2,148)
(1,636)
11,021
Bonus matching 2022
12/05/2022-12/05/2025
33,598
(33,598)
Total
105,268
45,208
(36,528)
(6,449)
107,499
In 2025, an amount of €44,656 (2024: €70,890) was expensed for the cost of the equity-settled
bonus matching shares. The costs are determined by multiplying the number of granted
matching shares by the fair value of such shares on the date of the grant (2025: €0.852 per
share; 2024: €1.256 per share; 2023: €1.606 per share; 2022: €2.817 per share) and by taking
into account expected vesting percentages.
Financing of equity-settled plans
For all equity-settled plans, PostNL intends to perform the settlement by issuing new shares or
assigning repurchased shares. Accordingly, the company does not need to actively hedge the
risk in connection with its obligations. As a result, the company did not purchase any additional
shares in 2025 (2024: 0) to cover its obligations under the existing share plans. As at 31
December 2025, the total number of shares held for this purpose was nil (2024: 0).
5.2 Related party transactions and balances
The identified related parties of the group are its group companies, its joint ventures and
associates, shareholders with significant influence, its pension fund and the members of the
Board of Management and Supervisory Board. The PostNL group companies have trading
relationships with a number of controlled legal entities of shareholders with significant
influence, joint ventures as well as with companies in which PostNL holds minority stakes. In
some cases, there are contractual arrangements in place under which PostNL companies
source supplies from such undertakings, or such undertakings source supplies from PostNL.
Transactions are carried out at arm's length.
During 2025, PostNL’s sales to controlled legal entities of shareholders with significant
influence amounted to €4 million. Purchases from these entities amounted to €26 million. At 31
December 2025, the related trade accounts receivable position amounted to €1 million and
the related trade accounts payable position amounted to €4 million.
During 2025, there were no material transactions with joint ventures and associates (2024: not
material) and as at 31 December 2025, there were no material outstanding balances (2024: not
material). Related party transactions with PostNL’s pension fund are presented in note 2.3.2
Salaries, pensions and social security contributions to the Consolidated financial statements.
PostNL considers the members of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board as key
management personnel as defined by IAS 24. For disclosure on related party transactions with
the Board of Management and Supervisory Board, see note 5.1 to the Consolidated financial
statements.
5.3 Business combinations
In 2025, PostNL did not acquire new business by the acquisition of the shares of other entities.
5.4 Summary of all other accounting policies
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial figures of PostNL N.V. and its
subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and have been prepared using uniform accounting
policies for like transactions and other events in similar circumstances. All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. A complete
list of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures included in PostNL’s consolidated financial
statements is filed for public review at the Chamber of Commerce in The Hague. This list has
been prepared in accordance with the provisions of article 379 (1) and article 414 of book 2 of
the Dutch Civil Code.
Subsidiaries
A subsidiary is an entity controlled directly or indirectly by PostNL N.V. Control is defined as
the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits
from its activities. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently
exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether PostNL controls another
PostNL Annual Report 2025
162
entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to
PostNL and are de-consolidated from the date on which control ceases. PostNL uses the
acquisition method of accounting to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The
consideration of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets transferred, equity
instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. The
consideration transferred also includes the fair value arising from contingent consideration
arrangements. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a
business combination are measured initially at their fair values on the acquisition date
irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. Acquisition-related costs are
expensed as incurred.
The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of PostNL’s share of the
identifiable net assets of the subsidiary is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less
than the fair value of PostNL’s share of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference
is recognised directly in the income statement. The group treats transactions with non-
controlling interests as transactions with equity owners of the group. For purchases from non-
controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share
acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or
losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.
When the group ceases to have control or significant influence, any retained interest in the
entity is re-measured to its fair value, with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit
or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequent accounting
for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any
amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are
accounted for as if the group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may
mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are recycled to
profit or loss. The non-controlling interest is initially measured at the proportion of the non-
controlling interest in the recognised net fair value of the assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities. Losses applicable to the non-controlling interest in excess of the non-controlling
interest in the subsidiary’s equity are allocated against PostNL’s interests.
Functional currency and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the group’s entities are measured using
the currency of the primary environment in which the entity operates ('the functional
currency'). These consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is PostNL’s
functional and presentation currency.
Foreign currency transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange
rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign
currencies are translated to the functional currency using year-end exchange rates. Foreign
currency exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency
transactions and balances and from the translation at year-end exchange rates are recognised
in the income statement except for qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment
hedges that are directly recognised in other comprehensive income.
Foreign operations
The results and financial position of all group entities (none of which has the currency of a
hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation
currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing exchange rates
Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates
The resulting exchange rate differences based on the different ways of translating between
the balance sheet and the income statement are recognised as a separate component of
equity (translation reserve).
Foreign currency exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in
foreign entities, and of borrowings and other currency instruments designated as hedges of
such investments, are taken to the translation reserve. When a foreign operation is sold, such
exchange differences are recycled in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on the
sale.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested for impairment annually or whenever there
is an indication that the asset might be impaired. For the purposes of assessing impairment,
assets are grouped at the lowest levels at which there are separately identifiable cash flows,
being the cash-generating units (CGUs). If the recoverable value of the CGU is less than its
carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of the
goodwill allocated to the CGU and then pro rata to other assets of the CGU. The recoverable
amount is the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing the
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-
tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the
asset-specific risks. For the purpose of assessing impairment, corporate assets are allocated
to specific CGUs before impairment testing. The allocation of the corporate assets is based on
the contribution of those assets to the future cash flows of the CGU under review. Impairment
losses recognised for goodwill are not reversed in a subsequent period.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
163
Investments in joint ventures and associates
An associate is an entity over which PostNL has significant influence. Significant influence is
the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is
not control or joint control over those policies. A joint arrangement is an arrangement of
which two or more parties have joint control. There are two types of joint arrangements:
joint operations and joint ventures. PostNL only participates in entities that can be
considered as a joint venture.
PostNL’s share in the results of joint ventures and associates is included in the consolidated
income statement using the equity method. The carrying value of PostNL’s share in joint
ventures and associates includes goodwill on acquisition and includes changes to reflect
PostNL’s share in net earnings of the respective companies, reduced by dividends received.
When PostNL’s share of accumulated losses in a joint venture or associate exceeds its
interest in the company, the book value of the investment is reduced to zero and PostNL
does not recognise further losses unless PostNL is bound by guarantees or other
undertakings in relation to the joint venture or associate.
Impairment of investments in joint ventures and associates
PostNL assesses on each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that an
investment in a joint venture or associate may need to be impaired. If the recoverable value of
the investment is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to its
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs of
disposal and value in use. In assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows are
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the asset-specific risks. The fair value less costs
of disposal of a joint venture or associate is reviewed based on observable publicly available
market data. Possible impairment charges may be reversed if there is an indication that the
impairment no longer exists or has been reduced.
Impairment of finite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment
At each balance sheet date, PostNL reviews its finite-lived intangible assets and property, plant
and equipment for an indication of impairment. If any indication exists, the recoverable amount
of the assets is estimated. The recoverable amount is defined as the higher of an asset’s fair
value less costs of disposal and its value in use. If the recoverable amount of an asset is
estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to
its recoverable amount. Any impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income
statement. Impairment losses recognised in prior periods shall be reversed only if there has
been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the
last impairment loss was recognised. The recoverable amount shall not exceed the carrying
amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised in previous
periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income statement.
Profit sharing
The company recognises a liability and an expense for profit-sharing by employees, based on a
calculation that takes into consideration quantitative and qualitative performance measures in
accordance with contractual arrangements.
Dividend distribution
Dividend distribution to PostNL’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the financial
statements in the year in which the dividends are approved by the shareholders. If PostNL
offers its shareholders (the choice of) dividends in additional shares, the additionally issued
shares are recognised at their nominal amount.
5.5 Subsequent events
There are no subsequent events to report.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
164
Section 6: Corporate financial statements
PostNL N.V. Corporate statement of profit or loss in € million
Year ended at 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Revenue
0
0
Salaries, pensions and social security contributions
6.2.1
(2)
(4)
Other operating expenses
0
0
Total operating expenses
(2)
(4)
Operating income
(2)
(4)
Net financial expense
6.2.2
(5)
(23)
Share in result from subsidiaries
23
4
Profit/(loss) before income taxes
15
(23)
Income taxes
2
7
Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to shareholders
17
(16)
PostNL N.V. Corporate statement of financial position in € million
At 31 December, before appropriation of profit
Notes
2024
2025
Assets
Investments in subsidiaries
6.3.1
669
674
Deferred tax assets
6.3.2
40
Total non-current assets
669
714
Accounts receivable from Group companies
6.3.3
97
296
Other accounts receivable
0
2
Income tax receivable
36
Other current assets
7
0
Total current assets
141
298
Total assets
809
1,012
Equity and liabilities
Issued share capital
40
41
Additional paid-in capital
166
166
Legal reserves
13
16
Other reserves
(23)
(30)
Retained earnings
6
(16)
Total shareholders' equity
6.3.4
202
176
Long-term debt
6.3.5
596
696
Other provisions
1
2
Total non-current liabilities
598
697
Short-term debt
6.3.5
105
Income tax payable
23
Other current liabilities
10
12
Total current liabilities
10
139
Total equity and liabilities
809
1,012
PostNL Annual Report 2025
165
6.1 Basis of preparation
General information
PostNL N.V. (hereafter referred to as ‘the company’) is a public limited liability company with its
registered seat and head office at Waldorpstraat 3, 2521 CA, The Hague, the Netherlands. The
Chamber of Commerce number is 27124700.
Accounting principles applied
The corporate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of
the Dutch Civil Code, where PostNL makes use of the option in Article 362 (8) to use the same
accounting principles on recognition and measurement as applied in the consolidated financial
statements.
PostNL’s investment in subsidiaries in the corporate financial statements are accounted for
according to the equity method with the principles for the recognition and measurement of
assets and liabilities and determination of results as set out in the notes to the consolidated
financial statements. The share in the result of investments in subsidiaries consists of the share
of the Company in the result of these investments in subsidiaries. Results on transactions
involving the transfer of assets and liabilities between the Company and its investments in
subsidiaries and mutually between investments in subsidiaries themselves, are eliminated to
the extent that they can be considered as not realised.
The Company makes use of the option to eliminate intragroup expected credit losses against
the book value of loans and receivables from the Company to investments in subsidiaries,
instead of elimination against the equity value of the investments in subsidiaries.
As under Dutch GAAP a legal reserve for investments in subsidiaries is applicable, PostNL
performed an assessment concluding no earnings restrictions are present that would
otherwise require a legal reserve for investments in subsidiaries.
6.2 Result for the year
6.2.1 Salaries, pensions and social security contributions
In 2025, salaries, pensions and social security contributions amounted to €4 million (2024: €2
million). PostNL N.V. does not have any employees other than the Board of Management (2
FTE). For more information on the salary costs of the Board of Management, reference is made
to note 5.1.
In June 2024, PostNL signed an agreement with Stichting Pensioenfonds PostNL for a payment
of €20 million to resolve a dispute between the pension fund and De Nederlandsche Bank. As
part of the agreement, the payment is expected to take place in HY 2026 and will then be
exactly offset by a lower regular pension contribution payable.
6.2.2 Net financial expense/(income)
PostNL has financing relationships with both external banks and with PostNL companies,
mainly with PostNL Finance B.V. As a result, PostNL records both external interest income and
expenses from financial institutions and from PostNL Finance B.V.
PostNL N.V. Net financial expense/(income) in € million
Year ended at 31 December
2024
2025
Interest expenses on long-term borrowings
14
22
Interest on taxes
1
6
Interest and similar expense
15
29
Other interest and similar income
(10)
(6)
Net financial expense/(income)
5
23
Interest expenses on long-term borrowings mainly relate to the outstanding eurobonds and
Schuldschein loans. Reference is made to note 4.1 to the Consolidated financial statements.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
166
6.3 Corporate statement of financial position
6.3.1 Investments in subsidiaries
The movement in the investments in subsidiaries is as follows:
PostNL N.V. Investments in subsidiaries in € million
2024
2025
Balance at 1 January
662
669
Share in result from subsidiaries
23
4
Dividend received
(20)
Exchange rate differences
1
(1)
Other
3
3
Balance at 31 December
669
674
6.3.2 Deferred tax assets
The deferred tax assets of €40 million mainly relate to losses available for carry forward at 31
December 2025 for the fiscal unity in the Netherlands. Reference is made to note 3.6 to the
Consolidated financial statements.
6.3.3 Accounts receivable from group companies
As at 31 December 2025, accounts receivable from group companies amounted to €296
million (2024: €97 million) which mainly related to a receivable from PostNL Finance B.V. The
fair value of the accounts receivable from and payable to group companies approximated the
carrying value, due to the short-term nature. The allowance for expected credit losses has
been assessed to be non-material.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
167
6.3.4 Equity
The currency translation reserve, hedge reserve and the reserve related to the financial
assets at fair value through OCI are legal reserves. The total amount of these legal reserves is
16 million (2024: €13 million).
PostNL N.V. Corporate statement of changes in equity in € million
Issued share
capital
Additional paid-in
capital
Currency
translation reserve
Hedge
reserve
Financial assets at
fair value OCI
Other
reserves
Retained earnings
Total shareholders'
equity
Balance at 1 January 2024
40
165
2
(3)
6
(45)
34
198
Total comprehensive income
1
5
3
(0)
17
25
Appropriation of net income
23
(23)
0
Final dividend previous year
0
(0)
(11)
(11)
Interim dividend current year
0
(0)
(11)
(11)
Share-based compensation
0
1
(0)
1
Other
(1)
(1)
Balance at 31 December 2024
40
166
2
2
8
(23)
6
202
Total comprehensive income
(1)
(2)
6
0
(16)
(13)
Appropriation of net income
(9)
9
0
Final dividend previous year
0
(0)
(15)
(15)
Share-based compensation
0
1
2
3
Balance at 31 December 2025
41
166
1
1
15
(30)
(16)
176
6.3.5 Long-term and short-term debt
As at 31 December 2025, the long-term debt related to outstanding eurobonds of €596 million
(2024: €596 million) and Schuldschein loans of €100 million. The short-term debt related to
outstanding eurobonds of €105 million, due for repayment in 2026. For the disclosure on the
debt, reference is made to notes 4.1 and 4.5 to the Consolidated financial statements.
In 2025, the non-cash changes in the total debt amounted to €1 million (2024: €1 million) and
related to the amortisation of costs included in the eurobonds.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
168
6.4 Other notes
Commitments and contingencies
Declaration of joint and several liability / Letter of Support
The company issued a declaration of joint and several liability for some of its group companies
in compliance with article 403, book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code, or a specific time-bound letter
of support. The following overview includes a list of all related group companies on the
publication date.
PostNL N.V. Declaration of joint and several liability / Letter of Support
DM Productions B.V.
PostNL E-commerce Services B.V.
G3 Worldwide (Belgium) N.V.
PostNL Extra@Home B.V.
G3 Worldwide Hong Kong Limited
PostNL Finance B.V.
G3 Worldwide Mail (UK) Limited
PostNL Health & Secure B.V.
G3 Worldwide Mail N.V.
PostNL Holding B.V.
Koninklijke PostNL B.V.
PostNL Pharma & Care Belgium B.V.
Logistics Solutions B.V.
PostNL Pakketten België N.V.
MyParcel Belgium B.V.
PostNL Pakketten Benelux B.V.
PostNL Cargo België B.V.
PostNL Real Estate B.V.
PostNL Cross Border Solutions B.V.
PostNL TGN B.V.
PostNL Customer Excellence B.V.
PostNL Transport B.V.
PostNL Data Solutions B.V.
PostNL Transport Services B.V.
Fiscal unity in the Netherlands
The company forms a fiscal unity with a majority of its Dutch subsidiaries for corporate income
tax and VAT purposes. A company and its subsidiaries that are part of these fiscal unities are
jointly and severally liable for the tax payable by these fiscal unities.
Parental support
In addition to the declaration of joint and several liability in compliance with article 403, book 2
of the Dutch Civil Code, the company provided parental support relating to the following
items:
Committed revolving credit facilities of €200 million
Bank guarantee facilities of €77 million
Ordinary business activities of the Group of €45 million
ISDA agreements
Payment guarantee for self-insurance of WGA (“Werkhervatting Gedeeltelijk
Arbeidsongeschikten”) benefit payments as of 1 January 2021.
Subsidiaries and associated companies at 31 December 2025
The list containing the information referred to in article 379 and article 414 of book 2 of the
Dutch Civil Code is included in appendix 4.
Appropriation of profit
Dividend proposal 2025
In accordance with our Dividend Policy, the condition for paying out dividend is a leverage
ratio (adjusted net debt/EBITDA) not exceeding 2.0. This condition was met per year-end 2025
(leverage ratio: 1.99). The Board of Management has decided, with the approval of the
Supervisory Board, subject to shareholders approval at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders, to declare a dividend of €0.04 per ordinary share over 2025. The dividend will
be paid, at shareholder's election, either in ordinary PostNL shares or in cash.
Appropriation of profit
The Board of Management, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, proposes to withdraw
the loss of €16 million from the reserves and to make an amount of €20 million out of the
distributable part of the shareholders' equity available for distribution of the proposed
dividend. Subject to the adoption of PostNL’s financial statements by the General Meeting of
Shareholders, and given no interim dividend has been paid, the proposed 2025 final dividend
has been set at €0.04 per ordinary share of €0.08 nominal value, based on the outstanding
number of 508,680,625 ordinary shares as per 31 December 2025. The final dividend of €0.04
will be paid, at shareholder’s election, either in ordinary PostNL shares or in cash. The dividend
in shares will be paid out of additional paid in capital as part of the distributable reserves, free
of withholding tax in the Netherlands.
Upon approval of this proposal, corporate profit will be appropriated as follows, whereby the
final dividend represents a cash dividend under the assumption of 100% cash election.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
169
PostNL N.V. Appropriation of profit in € million
2025
Result attributable to the shareholders
(16)
Appropriation in accordance with the articles of association:
Reserves withdrawn by the Board of Management and approved by the
Supervisory Board (article 31, paragraph 2)
36
Dividend on ordinary shares
20
(Interim) dividend paid in cash
0
Final dividend
20
The Hague, the Netherlands, 23 February 2026
Board of Management
Pim Berendsen (CEO)
Linde Jansen (CFO)
Supervisory Board
Jan Nooitgedagt (Chairman)
Jeroen Hoencamp
Marike van Lier Lels
Nienke Meijer
Ad Melkert
Martin Plavec
Koos Timmermans
Hannie Vlug
PostNL N.V.
Waldorpstraat 3
2521 CA The Hague
The Netherlands
Sustainability
statements
@
PostNL Annual Report 2025
171
Consolidated sustainability statements
PostNL Environmental performance as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Climate change
2.2.2
CO 2 efficiency (scope 1 and 2 emissions in grammes CO2e per
kilometre) 1
128
108
Share of emission-free delivery of mail and parcels in the last-
mile 1
28%
33%
Scope 1 GHG emissions (tonnes CO 2 e) 2
23,925
19,986
Scope 2 GHG emissions location-based (tonnes CO 2 e)
18,857
17,126
Scope 2 GHG emissions market-based (tonnes CO 2 e)
80
94
Scope 3 GHG emissions (tonnes CO 2 e)
266,336
247,254
Total gross location-based per net revenue (tonnes CO 2e per
million Euro) 2
95.05
85.55
Total gross market-based per net revenue (tonnes CO 2 e per
million Euro)2
89.28
80.43
Total energy consumption (MWh)
236,262
218,791
Total energy per net revenue (MWh per million Euro)
73
66
Pollution
2.3.2
Total NO x emissions (kilogrammes)
21,530
18,638
Total PM 10 emissions (kilogrammes)
6,613
6,025
Total PM 2.5 emissions (kilogrammes)
3,802
3,450
Resource use and circular economy
2.4.2
Total weight of technical and biological products (tonnes)
3,715
6,668
Total amount of waste generated (tonnes)
6,402
8,113
1 Key Performance indicator (entity-specific)
2 Scope 1 figures restated, for further details refer to E1 Climate change mitigation and Energy consumption
PostNL Social and Governance performance as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Own workforce
3.2.2
Total number of employees (headcount)
32,405
31,531
ISO 45001 certification (share of total headcount working in
certified sites)
97%
96%
Number of fatalities as a result of work-related injuries and work-
related ill health
0
0
Rate of recordable work-related accidents per million hours
worked
16
28
Rate of road traffic accidents with third party death per million
kilometres travelled
0.9
0.0
Absenteeism (share of total working days) 1
8.5%
8.5%
Share of female employees in senior management
35%
35%
Turnover share
17%
11%
New hires (share of total headcount)
25%
24%
Total number of incidents of discrimination and complaints
364
339
Total amount paid of fines, penalties and compensation (Euros)
0
0
Share of engaged employees 1
67%
69%
Consumers & end-users
3.4.2
Net Promotor Score 1
Average No.
1 position in
relevant
markets
Average No.
1 position in
relevant
markets
Parcel volume growth 1
7.2%
1.2%
Delivery quality Parcels in NL 1
97%
97%
Delivery quality Mail in NL (preliminary) 1
86%
86%
For the year ended 31 December
Notes
2024
2025
Business conduct
4.2.2
Average time (days) to pay an invoice
29
29
Number of legal proceedings currently outstanding for late
payments
0
0
Number of convictions for violation of anti-corruption and anti-
bribery laws
0
0
Amount of fines for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery
laws (Euros)
0
0
General
disclosures
In this chapter we introduce our integrated business
model, strategy and value chain. At the heart of our
value chain are our customers, consumers and end-
users. We describe our value chain, the interests and
views of our stakeholders, and the double
materiality assessment (DMA), all of which are
intrinsically connected. Furthermore, we outline our
sustainability governance framework and the basis
for preparing our sustainability statement.
1
PostNL Annual Report 2025
173
1.1 Our integrated business model, strategy and value chain
Our business model is designed around helping customers
grow, creating more value by supporting them at every step
of the logistics chain. By optimising every stage of this chain,
we ensure that each interaction contributes directly to a
better customer experience and greater overall value. This
model also shapes how we identify, prioritise and manage the
impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) arising from our
activities, relationships and dependencies across the value
chain. For a detailed explanation of these steps, see pages
12-13 in the Our operating context chapter.
In September 2025, we introduced Breakthrough 2028, our
strategic plan that sets PostNL’s course towards 2028 and
beyond, building on our strong heritage while accelerating our
transformation as a leading e-commerce and logistics
company. Anchored in our purpose, Connected to deliver
what drives us all forward, our integrated strategy clarifies
how we create long-term value in a dynamic and increasingly
digital environment: in E-commerce, by shifting from volume
to value through a differentiated approach and smart use of
our network; in Platforms, by capturing selective international
growth through asset-light models; and in Mail, by
transforming towards a future-proof postal service.
Guided by our North Star and our values, and focused on the
four pillars of Growth, Value, Innovation and Impact, we
strengthen our competitive position, drive operational
excellence and innovation, and deliver positive social and
environmental outcomes for our people, customers,
shareholders and society. This integrated approach underpins
our business model and value chain and ensures that PostNL
remains relevant, responsible and the favourite deliverer for
everyone we serve. Detailed information on how we aim to
realise our purpose and ambition through our strategy, as
well as an explanation of our business model, can be found in
the Our strategy chapter.
The context in which we operate, including our position and
role within the value chain, market developments, and
engagement with stakeholders such as shareholders,
customers, employees, delivery partners and suppliers, is
illustrated in Our value chain infographic on the next page.
The infographic provides an overview of the logistics process,
shows how we connect with business customers, consumers,
and end-users, and highlights the Corporate Sustainability
Reporting Directive (CSRD) topical standards most relevant to
our operations and stakeholders.
It also maps our material environmental, social and
governance topics and shows where IROs arise across the
value chain. This underscores the central role of our double
materiality assessment (DMA) in linking our strategy and
business model to our impacts on society and the
environment, as well as the financial risks and opportunities
that affect PostNL. More information on the logistic process in
the value chain is provided in the Our operating context
chapter on page 12. Details on policies, actions, targets and
metrics related to the material topics are included in the
Environmental, Social or Governance (ESG) disclosures.
Our value chain assessment covers both direct and indirect
relationships. Direct relationships include suppliers,
employees and partners, while indirect relationships reflect
broader influences on our operations. Upstream activities
relate to fuels, packaging, energy and services, while
downstream activities relate to the delivery of products and
services and their impact on customers, consumers, end-
users and the environment. Across upstream, own operations
and downstream activities, we assess IROs over the short,
medium and long term, supporting strategic decision-making
and risk management.
Interaction of material topics with our
business model and strategy
At European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) level,
our material topics capture the key environmental, social and
governance IROs linked to our business model and strategy.
Environmental topics primarily relate to climate change
mitigation, energy use, pollution, and resource use and
circular economy. Social topics focus on working conditions,
health and safety, equal treatment and inclusion, and impacts
on our own workers, consumers and end-users. Governance
topics address corporate culture, ethical conduct,
whistleblower protection, supplier relationships and the
prevention of corruption and bribery, supporting trust,
compliance and long-term value creation. For each material
topic, we identify relevant IROs, indicate where they occur in
the value chain and assess their time horizons. These are
managed through our policies, actions, targets, metrics,
strategy and governance structures, ensuring consistency and
connectivity between the sustainability statements and the
broader management report. The entity-specific Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs) reflect how we delivered on our
strategy across our social and environmental priorities during
the year.
The ESG disclosures include overview tables summarising
relevant IROs, their link to our business model, location in our
value chain and their time horizons. These tables support the
cohesion of our sustainability information and act as an entry
point for understanding how sustainability considerations are
embedded in our strategy and operations. The subsequent
sections of the ESG disclosures provide a more detailed
explanation of how these IROs are embedded within and
connected to our strategy, for example, through our policies,
actions, targets and metrics.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
174
PostNL_AR2025-CSRD+Infographic_Tangelo_08.svg
Topical Standards
Environmental
Climate change
Climate change mitigation
Energy
Pollution
Pollution of air
Resource use and circular economy
Resources inflows, including
resource use
Resource outflows
Social
Own workforce
Working conditions
Equal treatment and
opportunities for all
Workers in the value chain
Working conditions
Equal treatment and
opportunities for all
Consumers and end-users
Information-related impacts for
consumers and/or end-users
Social inclusion of consumers
and/or end-users
Governance
Business conduct
Corporate culture
Protection of whistleblowers
Management of relationships
with suppliers including payment
practice
Corruption and bribery
Type
Impact, Risk, Opportunity
(International) mail
(International) parcels
SDG-impact
PostNL Annual Report 2025
175
1.2 Interests and views of stakeholders
As a listed company with a long and proud history in the
Netherlands, we have an intricate stakeholder landscape. We
engage with our internal and external stakeholders in
different ways, on different levels and on different topics to
better understand their interests and the way our activities
affect their decision-making process. This helps us
understand which topics are most material and are of
greatest significance to our stakeholders as well as allocate
resources effectively on relevant topics while focusing on
adding short-, medium-, and long-term value. In addition to
our day-to-day contact with stakeholders, PostNL also
engages through regular and topic-specific stakeholder
dialogue to understand our stakeholders' insights, priorities
and expectations. These discussions provide valuable input
and help us decide what topics we need to focus on and how
to make a positive difference. At PostNL, our key affected
our people, and our business partners and workers in the
value chain. We prioritise their needs and interests, and
hence provide additional information on these stakeholder
clusters and our stakeholder engagement. For more
information on our diverse stakeholder groups and
engagement, we refer to the stakeholder engagement table.
Customers, consumers and end-users
We interact with millions of consumers and end-users through
our physical and digital services. Their feedback — collected
via Net Promoter Score (NPS), app usage, and service
channels — directly informs our customer strategy. We use
operational data to link consumer experience with delivery
performance, driving improvements in accessibility, privacy,
and service quality. Clear communication channels and
complaints mechanisms are in place to ensure accessibility
and responsiveness. More detail on engagement and
remediation of customers, consumers and end-users is
included in the Our governance section of the social
disclosures.
Our people
Our own workforce includes employees directly employed by
PostNL and non-employees such as self-employed workers
and temporary staff engaged through external contracts. We
engage this group through employee surveys, works councils,
and ESG dialogues. Works councils play a formal role in
decision-making, and feedback from our Employee
Engagement Monitor informs HR strategy. Material risks such
as health and safety and working time are inherent to the
operational model, while opportunities in inclusion and skills
development support long-term competitiveness. PostNL
actively addresses systemic risks such as long working hours,
safety incidents, and workplace misconduct through targeted
policies, training, and monitoring. Remediation processes are
in place for affected individuals. More detail on engagement
and remediation of our own workforce is included in the Our
governance section of the social disclosures.
Business partners and workers in the value chain
This group includes delivery partners, suppliers, and
contractors who provide services under agreements with
PostNL. We engage them through supplier sounding boards,
contract dialogues, and third-party risk management
processes. These interactions help us identify human rights
risks, improve collaboration, and strengthen ethical practices
across our supply chain. Marginalised groups are considered
in our impact assessments, and grievance mechanisms are
available to raise concerns. Engagement programmes cover
the full supply chain and include local stakeholder
assessments, capacity-building efforts, and tracking of
grievances. More detail on engagement and remediation of
workers in the value chain is included in the Our governance
section of the social disclosures.
Stakeholder involvement in the DMA
process
PostNL’s stakeholder engagement strategy is comprehensive
and multifaceted, addressing the unique needs and concerns
of each stakeholder group. Through regular and transparent
communication, proactive engagement, and a strong focus on
sustainability, PostNL builds strong, trust-based relationships
with stakeholders. This strategic approach not only ensures
organisational success but also contributes to our broader
societal and environmental goals, reinforcing our position as a
leader in the logistics and postal industry.
Our approach to stakeholder engagement is further
supported by our adherence to the CSRD. As part of the
double materiality assessment in 2024, we conducted
consultation sessions with a diverse group of internal and
external stakeholders to validate our identified impacts, risks,
and opportunities. Using stakeholder clusters and groups, we
ensured the inclusion of our most relevant and important
stakeholders, gathering valuable input on PostNL’s broader
sustainability performance. In 2025, we assessed with internal
stakeholders the sustainability trends and developments
relevant for the reassessment of material topics. The results
were used to assess potential updates to our ESG focus
areas.
Governance plays a critical role in this process. The Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board is regularly updated
on key sustainability and stakeholder engagement initiatives,
keeping them informed on the latest developments and
reinforce the alignment of our strategy with stakeholder
expectations. More information on the CSRD governance
structure can be found in the CSRD governance structure
section, and the Board of Management and Supervisory
Board’s involvement in the DMA process can be found in the
following Double materiality assessment section below.
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PostNL Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder
clusters
Stakeholder groups
Most relevant topics
Our engagement
Type of
stakeholder
Customers,
consumers and
end-users
a. Customers
b. Business customers
c. Consumers
d. Internal customers
(intercompany)
Quality of services
Use of retail locations
Network capacity (a, b, c)
Accessible, reliable and affordable postal
services
Convenient sending and receiving options
Sustainable delivery options
Daily contact about services through Customer Care Channels
Bi-annual Customer Satisfaction Survey
Regular Net Promotor Scores (NPS) surveys after interactions with PostNL
Annual stakeholder dialogue
Feedback tools on digital platforms
Accessibility research such as user testing
Affected
stakeholder &
user of
sustainability
information
Our people
a. Employees
b. Trade unions
c. Works councils
d. Non-employees
e. Staffing agencies
Safe and healthy work environment
Favourable working conditions
Development opportunities
Sustainable employability
Performance management
Daily interaction between employees and managers
Bi-annual employee surveys  and a Quarterly Work Experience Scan
Annual talent management and performance cycle
Connected Leadership programme and leadership training
Town hall meetings (local and central), PostNL ‘praat je bij, PostNL Plein
Internal communications (newsletters, intranet updates and the “Dichtbij” magazine)
Surveys via staffing agencies, including migrant worker feedback
Affected
stakeholder &
user of
sustainability
information
Business
partners and
workers in the
value chain
a. Operational contract parties
(e.g. delivery partners & service
providers)
b. Suppliers
c. Retailers
d. International postal
companies
e. Pension fund PostNL
f. Branch organisations
Collaboration and tariffs (a, b, c, d, e)
Labour market and working conditions (a)
Procurement practices (b)
Business ethics
Sector initiatives (f)
Annual Stakeholder Dialogue
Collaboration barometer four times a year
Structured conversations sourcing specialists, depot or process managers and delivery
partners annually (NL & BE)
Conversations with sourcing partners (invitations through SMS/ e-mail)
Sounding board Group (three times a year) & post meeting evaluations
Delivery Partner Journey
Stakeholder events (e.g. Green Postal Day, IPC Drivers Challenge)
Affected
stakeholder &
user of
sustainability
information
Investors and
financial
markets
a. Investors
b. Other providers of capital
c. Rating and benchmark
agencies
d. Governance institutions
Financial performance and position (a, b, c, d)
Return on capital investments
Short- and long-term value creation
Board remuneration
ESG (a, b, d, e)
Meetings and conference calls with analysts and shareholders (following the Investor
Relations Policy, which is publicly available on our website)
Quarterly results and presentations
Alignment with governance institutions representing shareholder groups before the Annual
General Meeting
Affected
stakeholder &
user of
sustainability
information
Government
bodies
a. Policy makers (international,
    national and local)
b. Regulators
c. Politics
Regulatory environment
Compliance with laws and regulations (b)
Market developments (a,c)
Round Tables and meetings with local governments
Meetings and formal communication with regulators
Annual Stakeholder Dialogue
Cooperation with Consumentenbond around General Terms and Conditions for the Universal
Postal Service (Algemene Voorwaarden voor de Universele Postdienst)
User of
sustainability
information
Media
a. Traditional media
b. Social media
Business events
Opinions about PostNL
Periodic and ad hoc press releases
Interviews
Ad hoc engagement on social media
User of
sustainability
information
Opinion leaders
and society
a. NGOs
b. Local communities and their
representatives
c. Academic and research
institutions
Environmental issues
Social and societal issues
Specific topics (e.g. Business conduct)
Market trends (c)
Ad hoc communication about events
Collaboration on research projects
Annual discussion at shareholders meeting with NGO representatives
Annual stakeholder dialogue
Collaboration with elderly associations (ANBO, Unie KBO, PCOB)
Affected
stakeholder &
user of
sustainability
information
Other
market players
a. Traditional market players
b. New market players
Access to networks
Policy influence
Market developments and events
Periodic branch and sector events
Planned and ad hoc engagement on access to networks
User of
sustainability
information
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177
1.3 Double materiality assessment
At PostNL, we engage with internal and external stakeholders
on a wide range of sustainability matters across the
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) domains. To
identify the most relevant topics, we apply a dual approach:
assessing the impact of PostNL on society and its
stakeholders (inside-out), and the risks and opportunities that
sustainability developments present for PostNL (outside-in).
This approach is known as the double materiality assessment
(DMA).
Double materiality assessment
In 2025, we reassessed the relevance of the material topics
identified in previous years, evaluated whether any new
topics should be added and considered whether the
previously identified material topics remain material. While
our ambition is to update the DMA ahead of each financial
year, the introduction and phased implementation of the
CSRD in 2024 required an initial reassessment to take place in
2025. As a result, the update was scheduled for and
completed in the second quarter of the year.
DMA 2024: starting point
For the 2025 DMA update, we used our finalised 2024 DMA,
including value chain identification and mapping, as the
starting point. In 2024, PostNL conducted its DMA in line with
the ESRS requirements. The process began with identifying
relevant ESG topics, drawing on a broad range of inputs,
including previous assessments, stakeholder dialogues,
desktop research, and internal documentation. A
comprehensive mapping of PostNL’s business activities and
value chain helped determine where sustainability matters
are caused, contributed to, or linked to the company’s
operations. The DMA covered both impact materiality (inside-
out) and financial materiality (outside-in), applying ESRS-
defined parameters and thresholds aligned with PostNL’s
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
Following the identification and assessment of sustainability
matters, the outcomes were validated through internal
consultations and external stakeholder sessions, including
business partners, investors, NGOs, and employee
representatives. Final approval was provided by the Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board, ensuring strategic
alignment and governance oversight. The outcome was a list
of 21 material topics for 2024, each mapped to the value
chain and ESRS topical standards. Non-material topics
continue to be monitored and addressed through broader
environmental strategies. The DMA is considered an ongoing
process, with continuous improvement and integration into
strategic planning and governance. For more information, we
refer to the Double materiality assessment disclosure in the
2024 Annual Report.
DMA 2025: update
Our 2025 DMA update focused on confirming the continued
relevance of the 2024 material topics and to assessing
whether any new topics should be added or existing ones
removed. The process follows a structured approach:
Benchmarking and trend analysis – we compared our
material topics with those of peers and reviewed in
collaboration with internal stakeholders key external
developments to assess whether changes in stakeholder
expectations or sustainability risks required adjustments
Assessment of changes during year - we evaluated
whether any triggers, such as significant changes in our
industry context, business activities, value chain, operating
environment, or significant internal or external events,
required reassessment. No such triggers were identified,
and our value chain and business model remained stable.
This assessment took into account PostNL’s new 2025
strategy, as described in the Our Strategy chapter in the
Business Report
Validation and governance – the outcomes were reviewed
by the CSRD Steering Committee, formally approved by the
Board of Management, and discussed with the Audit
Committee.
As of 2025, cybersecurity is no longer included as a material
IRO within S4 Consumers & End-users, sub-sub topic Access
to Products and Services. Following our assessment,
cybersecurity was found to relate primarily to the availability
of products and services rather than the accessibility. It is
therefore classified as an operational risk, managed within
PostNL’s Enterprise Risk Management framework and
addressed in the Risk Management Statement (VOR) and the
Corporate Governance section of this report. While not
material under the CSRD criteria, cybersecurity remains a key
operational priority for PostNL.
The assessment concluded that no new material topics were
required. As such, the 2024 material topics remain relevant
and are addressed in full in the sustainability statements.
DMA 2026: outlook
In the 2026 we continue to build on the previous DMA cycles
while implementing a more standardised assessment process,
developed in close alignment with PostNL’s ERM framework.
Further integration of the DMA and ERM processes will
streamline future assessments and ensure a consistent
approach to identifying and evaluating (potentially) material
ESG topics. The 2026 DMA will be supported by dedicated
assessments, including a Climate Risk & Resilience
Assessment and a Human Rights Salience Assessment. These
provide deeper insights into specific ESG topics and
complement the overall DMA process. Existing material
topics and IROs will be reassessed, while potential new topics
will be evaluated for inclusion. We are embedding this
standardised DMA cycle into our broader governance and
reporting structure, ensuring that materiality assessments
become an integral and recurring part of our strategy and risk
management processes.
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178
Our material topics
ESRS
Sub topic
Sub-sub topic
Environmental
E1: Climate change
Climate change mitigation
Energy
E2: Pollution
Pollution of air
E5: Resource use and circular economy
Resource inflows, including resource use
Resource outflows
Social
S1: Own workforce
Working conditions
Working time
Health and safety (including road traffic safety)
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
Diversity and inclusion
Measures against violence and harassment in the workplace
Training and skills development
Employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities
S2: Workers in the value chain
Working conditions
Working time
Health and safety
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
Measures against violence and harassment in the workplace
S4: Consumers and end-users
Information related impacts for consumers and/or end-
users
Privacy
Social inclusion of consumers and/or end-users
Access to products and services
Governance
G1: Business conduct
Corporate culture
Protection of whistleblowers
Management of relationships with suppliers including
payment practices
Corruption and bribery
Incidents
Prevention and detection including training
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179
1.4 CSRD governance
CSRD programme structure
In 2025, we started the transition from a programme
structure to implement the CSRD to integration of the CSRD
into the business. Members from Group Reporting, Group
ESG Strategy, and the Business work collaboratively on this
with support from Risk Management and Internal Control
(RMIC). We continued the temporary governance structure for
as long as required to ensure the successful and timely
implementation of CSRD, including the establishment of a
temporary CSRD Steering Committee, chaired by the CFO,
who is the ESG business owner within the Board of
Management (BoM). The CSRD Steering Committee oversees
the CSRD programme, supports decision-making, facilitates
discussions on, among other matters, materiality, impacts,
risks and opportunities, policies, actions, metrics and target
setting, and drives the accelerated integration of CSRD
requirements into the business, for example by clarifying
roles and responsibilities.
The Executive Committee (EC) receives quarterly updates on
progress, while the BoM acts as the decision-making body for
topics such as ESG KPIs and strategy, which are reported
directly to the Supervisory Board (SB) committees. The SB has
established an ESG Committee with a focus on oversight of
ESG matters in a broad sense, while the Audit Committee
oversees risk management, internal control, reporting and
auditing of financial and non-financial information.
The general governance processes, controls, and procedures
we have in place to monitor, manage and oversee
sustainability topics are described in the Governance section.
More information on the BoM and the SB of PostNL, including
their composition and diversity, roles and responsibilities,
expertise and skills, and the information provided on, and
sustainability matters addressed, are described on pages
61-66 in the Report of the Supervisory Board chapter and on
pages 69-72 in the Corporate governance chapter.
Integration of sustainability-related
performance in incentive schemes
More information on the integration of sustainability-related
performance, specifically our GHG emissions, incentive
schemes and the application of our Remuneration Policy
during this reporting year can be found on page 89 in the
Statement on due diligence
PostNL is committed to responsible business conduct and due
diligence, in line with our commitment to the UN Global
Compact, which is embedded into the governance, strategy,
and business model by ensuring that administrative,
management, and supervisory bodies receive relevant
information on sustainability matters. Sustainability
performance is linked to incentive schemes, and material
impacts, risks, and opportunities are thoroughly assessed in
connection to the strategy and business model. More
information can be found on pages 89 and 93 in the
assessment section earlier in the sustainability statements.
Due diligence is an ongoing process that responds to and may
trigger changes in our strategy, business model, activities,
business relationships, operating, sourcing and selling
contexts. Our process of due diligence involves an ongoing
analysis of the actual and potential impacts of our business
activities on people or the environment through consultations
with impacted stakeholders, feedback mechanisms and desk
research on publicly available information. The outcome of
our due diligence process is incorporated in our double
materiality assessment. The sustainability statements may not
include every impact, risk and opportunity or additional
entity-specific disclosure that each individual stakeholder
may consider important.
However, by involving affected stakeholders at every key
step of the due diligence process, we ensure that these
perspectives inform our decisions and actions. Information on
how we capture stakeholders' interests and views can be
found in the Interests and views of stakeholders section. As
part of responsible business conduct and due diligence, we
identify and assess adverse impacts on people and the
environment. How we pinpoint these adverse impacts can be
found in the Double materiality assessment section.
Addressing negative impacts on people and the environment
remains a priority, reflecting our commitment to responsible
business conduct. The actions taken to mitigate these
impacts, as well as the effectiveness of our responsible
business and due diligence efforts, are closely monitored,
tracked and communicated in the Our actions and
performance subsections in the Environmental, Social and
Governance disclosures throughout the sustainability
statements.
Risk management and internal controls over
sustainability reporting
Our integrated DMA, ERM, internal control (IC) and strategic
planning processes run on an annual basis, ensuring that ESG
considerations are embedded in decision-making and inform
our strategy, KPIs and risk appetite. These processes support
the assessment of enterprise-wide impacts and potential
financial implications, while also enabling the development of
action plans and controls for adverse impacts and risks that
exceed the organisation’s appetite thresholds, thereby
supporting business continuity and resilience. The resulting
action plans and controls are embedded in the annual
strategic planning process, ensuring appropriate management
attention, timely budget allocation and effective board
oversight. Further information related on our risk
management and internal control systems is provided on
page 45-46 in the Risk management chapter.
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180
Sustainability-Linked Financing Update
As part of our corporate governance framework, we integrate
sustainability considerations into our financing strategy and
decision-making processes. Sustainability-linked financing
supports the alignment of financial incentives with the
company’s strategic objectives, sustainability ambitions and
governance oversight.
In June 2024, PostNL issued €300 million of sustainability-
linked notes, set to mature on 12 June 2031, under PostNL’s
Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework (SLFF). The funds
raised will be utilised for general corporate purposes. The
notes have an annual coupon of 4.75%. Further details about
the notes and the SLFF are available here.
Within the terms and conditions of the €300 million
sustainability-linked notes, a Step-Up Event is included, which
depends on achieving the three Sustainability Performance
Targets (SPT) Conditions. The initial rate of interest payable
on the notes will increase 1.000 per cent per annum in case of
a Step-Up Event, resulting in a "Rate Adjustment". The Rate
Adjustment (if any) shall be effective and accrue from and
including 12 June 2030 and the amount of interest payable on
the final interest payment date shall be adjusted accordingly.
PostNL will report on the status of the three SPT Conditions
on a yearly basis, with observation date 31 December 2030.
The SPT Conditions are:
SPT Condition 1 – means the scope 1 and scope 2 GHG
emissions reduction percentage, measured as a
percentage change at the end of the financial year from the
financial year ended 31 December 2021, as reported by
PostNL pursuant to the reporting requirements as of the
SPT observation date being greater than 90%
SPT Condition 2 – means the scope 3 GHG emissions
reduction percentage, measured as a percentage change at
the end of the financial year from the financial year ended
31 December 2021, as reported by PostNL pursuant to the
reporting requirements as of the SPT observation date
being equal to or greater than 45%
SPT Condition 3 means the senior management positions
percentage as reported by PostNL pursuant to the
reporting requirements as of the SPT observation date
being equal to or greater than 36%.
In 2025, scope 1 and market-based scope 2 emissions were
20 kilotonnes CO₂e. This represents a change of (51)%,
compared to base year (2021: 41). In 2025, scope 3 emissions
were 247 kilotonnes CO₂e. This represents a change of (27)%,
compared to the base year (2021: 339). More information on
our performance on scope 1, 2 and 3 can be found in the
Environmental disclosures, section Climate change, Our
In 2025, 35% of senior management was women (2024: 35%).
More information on our performance relating to the
representation of women in senior management positions can
be found in the Social disclosures, section Own workforce,
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181
1.5 Basis for preparation
General basis for preparation of the
sustainability statements
The consolidated sustainability statements include the
sustainability statements of PostNL N.V. and its consolidated
subsidiaries (hereafter referred to as ‘PostNL’, ‘Group’ or ‘the
company’) for the reporting year ended 31 December 2025.
The scope of the consolidated sustainability statements is the
same as for the consolidated financial statements, see the list
of group entities in the appendix for further information. No
subsidiary undertakings are exempt from consolidated
sustainability reporting pursuant to Article 19a or 29a of
Directive 2013/34/EU.
On certain areas, the sustainability statements scope differs
from the financial statements reporting scope:
Acquisitions, divestments and mergers
New entities acquired during the reporting year will be
included in the first reporting year in which the entity was
part of PostNL for the entire year. When we divest entities
during the year, or when we classify entities as
discontinued in our financial reporting, we exclude the
sustainability information from the performance data in the
report and will disclose the material, available and relevant
sustainability performance information in this chapter of
the report. In the case of mergers, we evaluate appropriate
scoping on a case-by-case basis. In 2025, this did not lead
to any differences between the financial statements and
sustainability statements reporting scope
Performance by parties in our value chain
Our sustainability statements include the sustainability
information of our value-chain and the subsequent
performance of relevant parties, if applicable and
available. However, for certain information, we limit our
reporting to our own operations. We will explicitly disclose
if value chain information is included in the scope of our
information. In this case, the sustainability information
covers our value chain information in alignment with the
material impacts, risks, and opportunities identified by our
double materiality assessment (DMA), for which we refer to
Reporting criteria
The consolidated sustainability statements of PostNL:
Have been prepared in accordance with the European
Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as set out in
Annex 1 to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)
2023/2772 of 31 July 2023 supplementing Directive
2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council
Have been prepared guided by international guidelines,
such as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the principles
of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG)
Have been prepared based on supplemental reporting
criteria specific to PostNL, including specific reporting
methodologies, assumptions, and definitions, for entity-
specific reporting elements which are not covered by the
above.
Our sustainability statements follow the ESRS framework,
providing a comprehensive overview of our approach— from
the DMA to the disclosure of key reporting requirements. This
includes reporting over our policies, actions, targets and
metrics to manage our material sustainability impacts, risks,
and opportunities.
Developments during 2025
Changes in legislation
Following the first year of the Corporate Sustainability
Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation in 2024, the
regulatory landscape continued to evolve throughout 2025.
PostNL monitors the Omnibus Package presented by the
European Commission, which aims to streamline and simply,
by means of the ‘stop-the-clock’ proposal and ‘draft
simplified ESRS’. PostNL applies the Quick Fix Delegated Act
by not introducing new disclosure requirements, extending
the initial phase-in requirements, and strategic alignment of
reporting towards the draft simplified ESRS.
At the time of publishing our 2025 Annual Report, the CSRD
had not yet been formally transposed into Dutch law.
Nonetheless, we have chosen to voluntarily report in
alignment with the ESRS for the reporting year ended 31
December 2025.
PostNL has chosen to apply, from this reporting year
onwards, the requirements set out in the Delegated Act
amending the Taxonomy Disclosures, as well as the Climate
and Environmental Delegated Acts (Commission Delegated
Regulation (EU) 2026/73 of 4 July 2025).
Ambition
We strive to be a leader in the transparent reporting of
sustainability information. As an organisation that learns
continuously, we aim for ongoing improvement and
development to drive long-term sustainable value creation.
The sustainability statements have been prepared in the
context of evolving sustainability reporting standards, which
require entity-specific and, in some cases, temporary
interpretations. During the initial years of CSRD
implementation, we will incorporate internal and external
lessons learned as we move progress. We will also take into
account the latest insights and reporting requirements,
evolving guidelines and practical implications, ensuring that
our approach remains robust, reliable, compliant and
forward-looking.
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182
ESRS content index
The ESRS content index provides an overview of the
disclosure requirements applied in preparation of the
sustainability statements, based on the outcome of the
materiality assessment. It indicates where the relevant
disclosures are located within the sustainability statements
or, where applicable, provides an explanation when a
disclosure requirement does not apply to us. Further details
can be found in the ESRS content index.
International guidelines
Aligning with Taskforce on Climate related Financial
Disclosures
PostNL recognises that climate change events can have an
impact on our company and business. For many years, PostNL
has included the reduction of GHG emissions in its strategy,
and since 2018 we have externally disclosed the alignment of
our climate action approach to the Taskforce on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). PostNL’s climate-related
disclosures are fully integrated into this Annual Report in
accordance with the CSRD and the ESRS, in particular ESRS
E1 Climate Change. The ESRS framework is structurally
aligned with the core recommendations of the TCFD, covering
governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and
targets. Accordingly, PostNL considers its climate-related
reporting to be consistent and compliant with the TCFD
recommendations. As part of our transition to CSRD
reporting, climate disclosures are no longer published in a
separate TCFD report, but are fully embedded within this
Annual Report.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
PostNL uses the reporting criteria as defined by the
Greenhouse Gas Protocol to report its greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. The production of direct and indirect CO2
emissions represents the main GHG of PostNL. We also take
other GHG emissions into account and report our climate
change impact in CO2 equivalents (CO2e).
Commitment to UN Global Compact
As a participant in the UN Global Compact since 2012, PostNL
remains committed to embedding the ten UN Global Compact
principles into our strategy, culture and day-to-day
operations. These are related to human rights, labour,
environment and anti-corruption, and form the foundation of
responsible business conduct worldwide. Aligned with the UN
Guiding Principles on business and human rights, we integrate
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-aligned practices across
our operations and value chain, ensuring that respect for
human rights and ethical business standards are embedded
into our policies and practices. Each year, we communicate
our progress through the UN Global Compact Communication
on Progress, which demonstrates how we are advancing the
ten principles while contributing to the SDGs. The UN Global
Compact reference table in the appendix provides an
overview of the ten principles, and references where
progress on these principles is described in this report.
OECD guidelines
In relation to our activities, we endorse the guidelines for
multinational enterprises on responsible business conduct
published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD). These non-binding guidelines provide
recommendations in a global context consistent with
internationally recognised standards and laws, and are the
basis on which our human rights due diligence is based.
Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations SDGs are a global call to action to
promote peace, prosperity and a sustainable future for
people and the planet by 2030. Although the goals are agreed
at government level, they also call on businesses to play an
active role. The SDGs are closely interlinked and highly
relevant to PostNL, as we impact all 17 goals directly through
our operations and indirectly across our value chain. At
PostNL, we actively contribute to the SDGs by embedding
sustainability and social responsibility into our core business
activities, supporting both national and global progress
towards these shared objectives. Through our participation in
the UN Global Compact, we ensure that our actions are
aligned with the global sustainability agenda, reinforcing our
role as a responsible and trusted logistics partner
contributing to a more sustainable society.
In 2025, we reassessed the SDGs where PostNL can create
the greatest positive impact and reduce potential harm. By
linking our SDG priorities to our DMA, we align our policies
and reporting with both regulatory requirements and
stakeholder expectations. The three SDGs where we can
make the most tangible difference are:
SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth: safe working
conditions, equal opportunities, personal development and
respect for human rights
SDG 12 – responsible consumption and production:
sustainable working and reporting transparency
SDG 13 – climate action: CO2 reduction and embedding,
climate measures in policy and strategy.
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
As part of PostNL’s sustainability strategy, we aim to foster
decent work and economic growth. With more than 50,000
people working with and for PostNL, we are present in every
street and community we serve. The scale of our organisation
gives us significant impact, and with it responsibility. We take
that responsibility seriously by ensuring that everyone who
works for and with us feels safe, respected and valued.
Health and safety are always a priority, whether in sorting
centres, on the road or in offices. We also focus on
sustainable employability: reducing workload, supporting
mental wellbeing and enabling people to grow in their jobs.
An inclusive culture is at the heart of how we work. We
provide opportunities for people with a distance to the
labour market, promote diversity and equal pay, and create
entry-level jobs and development programmes for young
people. Together with social enterprises and partners, we
make sure everyone has a fair chance to participate. Across
our value chain we set clear expectations and carry out risk
PostNL Annual Report 2025
183
assessments to ensure labour and human rights are
respected, preventing exploitation and building trust.
These efforts contribute to UN SDG 8 sub-targets, which aim
to achieve full and productive employment and decent work
for all women and men, including young people and persons
with disabilities, ensuring equal pay for work of equal value
(8.5). The UN SDG also seek to significantly reduce the
proportion of youth not engaged in employment, education,
or training (8.6), eradicate forced labour, modern slavery,
human trafficking, and all forms of child labour, including the
worst forms such as child soldier recruitment (8.7), and
protect labour rights by promoting safe and secure working
environments for all workers, including migrant workers and
those in precarious employment (8.8).
SDG 12: Responsible production and consumption
As a responsible company, we strive to earn and maintain
the trust of customers, colleagues, and society. Sustainability
is embedded in our governance and procurement processes,
where we set high standards for ourselves and our suppliers
and support them in improving ESG performance. Our Code
of Conduct, together with supplier screening and
engagement, ensures that sustainability and integrity are
integrated across our value chain, working with partners who
share our approach to responsible business.
Active engagement with stakeholders, including employees,
suppliers and customers, helps us to understand their
expectations and incorporate their feedback into our
strategy. We regularly review our policies and practices to
ensure alignment with these needs and the latest standards.
We provide a safe space to raise concerns through our
whistleblowing procedure, and act on incidents to safeguard
integrity and fair competition. Transparency is a cornerstone
of our approach: we openly report on our performance and
progress so that stakeholders can hold us accountable, and
we participate in sector benchmarks and ratings to ensure
accountability and continuous improvement. In this way, we
do not just follow regulations, we aim to set the standard for
responsible and transparent business conduct.
These efforts reflect UN SDG 12 sub-target 12.6, which
encourages companies, especially large and transnational
organisations, to adopt sustainable practices and integrate
sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
SDG 13: Climate action
PostNL aims to be among the leading sustainable logistics
providers, with a net-zero target by 2040 validated by the
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We work to reduce
CO₂ emissions across our operations by electrifying our
delivery network, optimising routes, using alternative fuels
and investing in energy-efficient, and BREEAM-certified
buildings. Through the electrification of our network, we also
contribute to reducing nitrogen and fine particle emissions,
supporting cleaner air and healthier living environments in the
communities we serve. We further reduce emissions and
congestion by improving network efficiency. This includes
smarter route planning and the continued expansion of our
out-of-home delivery network, such as parcel lockers and
pickup points, which help to limit traffic movements and make
deliveries more efficient. We also generate renewable energy,
for example through solar panels on our sorting centres.
Circularity is an important lever in our climate approach,
focusing on efficient material use, waste reduction, and
increased reuse and recycling to minimise resource needs
and emissions. PostNL is implementing circular business
models to extend the lifecycle of assets like packaging,
vehicles and infrastructure, integrating these principles into
operations and customer services. In this way, circularity
supports our climate ambitions while contributing to long-
term value creation.
Climate action is embedded in our policies, risk management
and strategic decision-making. We assess climate-related
risks to our logistics infrastructure and take measures to
strengthen resilience and business continuity. Together with
suppliers, partners and sector peers, we collaborate to
accelerate the transition, share best practices and contribute
to collective progress towards a low-carbon, more circular
logistics sector.
These efforts reflect UN SDG 13 sub-target 13.2, which calls
for integrating climate change measures into policies,
strategies, and planning.
Material methodologies, assumptions and
definitions
The basis for preparation, including the material
methodologies and assumptions applied in the preparation of
this consolidated sustainability statements, are included at
the relevant disclosures to the consolidated sustainability
statements. This includes specific reporting definitions as
presented in the Glossary and definitions appendix.
The following principles guide the presentation and validation
of reported data throughout the sustainability statements:
Consistent approach – methodologies, assumptions, and
definitions have been applied consistently across the years
presented and throughout the financial year under review,
unless stated otherwise
External validation – if a metric has been validated by an
additional external body other than the assurance provider,
the name of that body is disclosed; otherwise, no such
validation exists
Significant expenditures – the implementation of an action
plan required no significant operational expenditures (opex)
and/or capital expenditures (capex), unless stated
otherwise.
Note that the numbers presented in the sustainability
statements and disclosures thereto may not sum precisely to
the totals provided, and percentages may not precisely
reflect the absolute figures due to rounding.
Comparative information for the previous reporting year is
disclosed where it can be obtained, calculated and presented
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184
with reasonable effort. Changes compared to the prior year
are disclosed for all KPIs and relevant metrics. Absolute
deltas are used for percentage-based metrics and relative
deltas for absolute figures.
Our activities can be mapped under the Nomenclature of
Economic Activities (NACE) codes, the European statistical
classification of economic activities, category H, specifically
H53 - Postal and courier activities. As a result, PostNL is
marked as operating in a high climate impact sector.
Reporting process to safeguard reporting
quality
Long-term value creation requires companies to steer both on
the financial and sustainability aspects of business. Certain
sustainability aspects contribute directly or indirectly to
financial performance, and often have a greater impact over
the medium to long term. At PostNL, we believe that an
integrated approach towards performance management is
key to ensuring the company creates stakeholder value in the
long run.
Integrated reporting as guidance
The Integrated Reporting framework of the International
Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) provides guidance on how
companies should communicate about value creation. PostNL
used the guiding principles and main content elements of the
framework as input for this Annual Report. PostNL aims to
further develop its corporate reporting communication on
long-term value creation. For more information on our value
creation model, refer to appendix Our value creation model.
Quality principles
In line with the qualitative characteristics of information,
PostNL applied high-quality standards when preparing the
sustainability statements in this Annual Report. This means
that the company aims to provide information that is:
Accurate: precise and with sufficient level of detail
Balanced: reflects relevant, and both positive and negative,
aspects of performance
Clear: understandable and accessible for stakeholders
Comparable: consistent and allows for comparability over
time
Complete: sufficient to assess impacts during the reporting
period
Sustainable context: linked to positive impacts on society
and sustainable development goals
Timely: allow stakeholders to make informed decisions
Verifiable: auditable.
Processes, systems and controls
PostNL employs structured and formalised processes to
record, validate, and consolidate sustainability data for both
key performance indicators (KPIs) and ESRS data points.
ESG-related entity-specific KPIs are integrated into the
regular planning and control cycle, including budgeting, target
setting, and periodic performance monitoring. We collect and
report sustainability performance data on selected entity-
specific KPIs monthly, while other indicators are reported
biannually or annually, depending on their nature.
Each reporting entity is responsible for managing its
sustainability data and actively monitoring its performance.
While most data is recorded in central PostNL systems,
additional systems are used for certain entities and
indicators. Certain indicators, such as employee engagement,
are collected and processed centrally. To ensure a seamless
consolidation process, we use an integrated IT system that
captures both financial and sustainability data and an ESG
management & reporting tool that captures the qualitative
sustainability data.
To ensure consistent and reliable reporting, PostNL has
established company-wide definitions for each KPI and ESRS
data point. Additionally, we have implemented formal quality
controls within our reporting system. Both data owners (first
line) and the control department (second line) conduct
decentralised and centralised analyses to assess accuracy,
completeness, and explain unexpected trends. These controls
form part of an integrated internal control framework,
covering both financial and sustainability reporting.
However, the internal control framework for sustainability
data is still maturing and not yet as advanced as that for
financial reporting. This is due to inherent limitations, such as
the evolving regulatory landscape, diverse data sources,
manual processes and limited automated controls. Over the
coming years, we will take further steps to strengthen this
framework.
Disclosures in relation to specific
circumstances
To provide an understanding of the effect of specific
circumstances on the preparation of the sustainability
statements, we disclose upon these if applicable.
Time horizons
We define the time horizons for reporting purposes in line
with ESRS 1, respectively:
Short term one year or less, 2026
Medium term two to five years, 2027 - 2031
Long term over five years, 2032 and later.
Value chain estimation
Our environmental, social and governance metrics
predominantly cover our own operations. For certain
information, we extend our reporting to the performance of
relevant parties in our value chain.
Environmental metrics related to scope 3 GHG emissions
include value chain data which includes estimates. Our value
chain consists of suppliers delivering goods and services as
well as delivery partners for our outsourced transport
activities. This includes the CO2e emissions and kilometres of
our transport logistics partners, both in the Benelux and
beyond, including truck, air and boat transport. We include all
emissions for transport directly arranged by PostNL. This
excludes first- and last-mile transport where PostNL is not
involved in organising the logistics. As it is difficult to obtain
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185
primary data from value chain partners to estimate the scope
3 GHG emissions, we primarily use secondary data based on
spend for goods and services and planned kilometres of
delivery partners multiplied by an average fuel use to
estimate CO2e emissions. For more information, refer to our
Our performance metrics reported in Climate change
mitigation in the Environmental disclosures.
Social metrics related to fatalities, road traffic accidents with
third-party death and incidents of discrimination and
complaints include actual value chain data. In addition to
PostNL its own workforce, we report over fatalities of our
work contracted-out and workers in the value chain working
on PostNL sites, and the road traffic accidents with death of
third-party road users. Furthermore, we report on the full
scope of incidents and complaints reported in our global
platform. This means that we report the total number of
incidents from both our own workforce and workers in the
value chain. For more information, refer to our workforce
and performance metrics reported in Own workforce in the
Social disclosures.
Sources of estimation, outcome certainty
and judgements
The preparation of PostNL's consolidated sustainability
statements in accordance with ESRS requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
metrics. It also requires management to exercise its
judgement in the process of applying PostNL’s methodology
and assumptions. PostNL strives to report the sustainability
information as accurately and completely as possible. Due to
inherent limitations in relation to the uncertainty of
measurement equipment and/or availability of actual data,
we use estimates, assumptions and judgements in our
reporting. Estimates, assumptions and judgements are based
on historical experience and other factors, including
expectations of future events that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting
management assessment will, by definition, rarely equal the
related actual results. On a continuous basis, we evaluate our
expectations with the actual results, and include the learnings
going forward. Where applicable, planned actions to improve
the accuracy and outcome uncertainty of sustainability
information in future annual reports are disclosed in the
relevant material topic.
The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or
complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are
significant to the consolidated sustainability statements, are
disclosed below. For more information on significant
estimates per individual data point, we refer to the respective
sections in the sustainability statements.
PostNL used the following significant estimates:
CO2 efficiency & share of emission-free delivery of mail
and parcels in the last-mile (section 2.2.2.1) – kilometres
transported by foot and bike are calculated based on route
planning. Fuel usage is used to estimate kilometres
travelled by trucks, when no odometer is available
Carbon footprint gross scope 3 (section 2.2.2.1) carbon
emissions from fuel consumption and kilometres of delivery
partners, international transport, and supplier goods and
services and capital goods are estimated using external
emissions databases
Pollution of air (section 2.3.2.1) NOx and PM10/PM2.5
emissions of our own fleet are based on kilometres
travelled and an external emissions database. For NOx and
PM10/PM2.5 emissions, we apply the maximum allowed
values under Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards and include
additional particulate matter from brake, tyre, and road
wear using PDEF factors, ensuring a conservative estimate
Resource inflows (section 2.4.2.1) – scope of resource
inflows is limited to selected products and supplier
responses applicable to our locations included in the pilot
over the period July 2024 until June 2025
Recordable accidents (section 3.2.2.2) – alignment of the
PostNL definition of a recordable work-related accident
with the CSRD definition. As a result, we are able to report
the actual recordable accidents in 2025, instead of on a
statistical sample base in prior year
Payment practices (section 4.2.2.1) – full scope of our
suppliers, includes both large and small medium
enterprises (SMEs), which provide a reliable proxy for the
payment practices of the SMEs.
Emissions conversion factors
Emissions reporting is subject to inherent limitations that
affect the accuracy of information. The main reason is the
unavailability of data from contracted parties by PostNL
about their factual transport kilometres, energy consumption
and CO2e emissions. Actual emissions monitoring is not
common and therefore conversion factors published by
external institutes are used.
PostNL uses several sources for the emissions conversion
factors, which have a scientific basis involving judgment but
are considered reliable and among the most common
sources:
CO2emissiefactoren.nl – the tank-to-wheel carbon
conversion factors from activity data to CO2e emissions
published by the independent Dutch initiative tied to the
government ‘CO2emissiefactoren.nl’. This initiative
manages a uniform list of factors commonly used and
scientifically based for the Dutch context. For 2025
reporting, we applied the 2024 carbon conversion factors,
which are updated annually
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
– this UK institute provides CO2e conversion factors used to
calculate CO2e emissions based on tonne-kilometres
needed for our international truck routes
International Energy Agency (IEA) – the carbon conversion
factors of electricity use outside the Netherlands are not
provided by CO2emissiefactoren.nl, so PostNL uses the
factors published by the International Energy Agency (IEA),
an autonomous body in the framework of the OECD
Parcel Delivery Environmental Footprint (PDEF - prEN
17873) emission factors for particle matter (PM10, PM2.5)
for brake, tyre and road surface wear.
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The most recent Global Warming Potential (GWP) values
published by the IPCC based on a 100-year time horizon are
used to calculate the above conversion factors.
Extrapolation of lacking or missing data
We strive to report sustainability performance data based on
actuals as much as possible. We may use extrapolation of
results of large entities to determine the performance of
smaller entities. This reduces the administrative tasks for
smaller entities. We only use this method in cases where the
extrapolations are reasonably predictable. We rely on key
operational indicators that serve as proxies for sustainability
metrics. Fuel consumption is used as an indicator for CO₂e
emissions and energy use in transport. Occupied square
metres provide an estimate of energy consumption and
heating or cooling requirements in facilities. Total
spend correlates with procurement-related emissions and
material usage. FTE act as a measure of workforce-related
impact, such as generated waste, hours worked, recordable
accidents and absenteeism, while headcount serves as an
additional indicator for social aspects and employee
commuting. These metrics help ensure consistency and
comparability across entities within PostNL, when actual data
is not available. More information can be found in the
Significant judgements
PostNL applies significant judgements for metrics by applying
statistical sampling. Delivery quality is a KPI measured on a
sample basis. PostNL aims to report performance data that
provides a representative view of the population from which
the sample is taken. To achieve this representativeness,
PostNL ensures the sample sizes are statistically sufficient
and include all different sub-populations to justify our
assumption that the result of the measurement represents
the view of the entire population for the indicators mentioned.
Forward-looking information
Some statements in this Annual Report are 'forward-looking
statements', including prospective information such as
ambitions, plans, objectives, targets and expectations. By
their nature, 'forward-looking statements' involve risk and
uncertainty because they relate to and depend on
circumstances that occur in the future. These statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that are beyond PostNL’s control and impossible to
predict and may cause actual results to differ materially from
any future results expressed or implied. They are based on
current expectations, estimates, forecasts, analyses and
projections about the industries in which PostNL operates and
management’s beliefs and assumptions about future events.
Undue reliance cannot be placed on these 'forward-looking
statements' by readers of this Annual Report, and these
statements only speak as of the date of this Annual Report
and are neither predictions nor guarantees of future events
or circumstances. PostNL does not undertake any obligation
to release publicly any revisions to these statements to
reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual
Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events,
except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Changes in preparation or presentation of
the sustainability information
The sustainability statements are prepared in accordance
with the ESRS. Ongoing developments in business activities,
reporting requirements and methodological insights may
affect the measurement, calculation and presentation of
sustainability information. PostNL aims to continuously
improve data quality, reliability and underlying
methodologies.
In 2025, for the second consecutive year, PostNL further
aligned its sustainability metrics with the ESRS requirements.
As part of this alignment, methodological refinements and
classification changes were implemented, including
adjustments to greenhouse gas accounting, the treatment of
biogenic emissions and the classification of energy
consumption. Where these changes affect comparability,
prior-year information has been restated where necessary
and practicable. Material methodological changes and their
quantitative impacts are explained in the relevant
environmental disclosures, in particular E1 Climate change
mitigation and Energy consumption. All sustainability
disclosures are prepared exclusively in accordance with the
ESRS and are not derived from other legislation or from
generally accepted sustainability reporting frameworks
outside the ESRS.
The sustainability statements are prepared against a
backdrop of evolving sustainability reporting standards,
which, particularly in the early years of CSRD implementation,
require entity-specific interpretations. PostNL will continue to
integrate internal and external lessons learned as
sustainability reporting practices further mature.
Incorporation by reference
To ensure compliance with ESRS disclosure requirements
while maintaining a structured and coherent report, we apply
incorporation by reference where appropriate. This approach
allows us to avoid duplication and present relevant
information in the most meaningful context within our Annual
Report. Whenever a disclosure requirement, including a
specific data point, is incorporated by reference, we explicitly
indicate this within the sustainability statements through a
section reference. In addition, we refer in the sustainability
statements to other relevant sections of the Annual Report by
referencing chapter and page and refer back from those
sections to the sustainability statements through disclosure
and paragraph references if deemed relevant. This provide a
comprehensive and interconnected view of our integrated
reporting, ensuring that related information can be read in its
proper context.
External assurance
In addition to the internal controls and internal audit, we
engaged KPMG as our independent external auditor to
provide limited assurance on the information in the
sustainability statements.
Environmental
disclosures
In this chapter, we provide disclosures on our
material impacts, risks and opportunities related to
our Environmental material topics. Addressing
climate change, minimising air pollution, and
responsible resource management are key
components of our long-term success. We explain
how our climate-related scenario analysis and
transition plan informs our strategy. Then, we
elaborate on our governance and relevant policies.
Lastly, we disclose the actions taken, targets set and
progress made.
2
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2.1 General disclosures
2.1.1 Our impacts, risks and opportunities
In the table below, we disclose our material impacts, risks, and opportunities per topic, including their time horizon and where in the value chain they occur.
Description
IRO
Value chain
Time horizon
Climate change
Climate change mitigation
Potential contribution to global warming due to direct and indirect GHG emissions from (packaging) waste arising from both parcels and mail (potential).
Contribution to global warming due to direct and indirect GHG emissions (actual).
Increased costs due to carbon taxes (2+ years) and revenue loss resulting from outperformance by competitors or customer exclusion.
Risk of volume loss due to import restrictions for non-EU customers in relation to CO2 and circularity targets.
PostNL can demonstrate its commitment to addressing biodiversity loss by leveraging its resources including buildings and parcel lockers, to support local
ecosystems, inspiring both businesses and consumers to take similar action; moreover, access to land and opportunities is increasingly reserved for
companies actively engaged in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Energy
Reduce energy demand from the grid through on-site renewable energy production and improved network efficiency. PostNL contributes to a more
sustainable energy mix in the Netherlands (actual).
Costs associated with the transition to renewable energy and the broader impact of rising energy prices.
Pollution
Pollution of air
Particulate matter and nitrogen oxides negatively impact air quality within the wider community and environment (actual).
Potential financial risks arise if compliance and air quality targets are not met. Stricter upcoming air quality standards may require substantial investments
to maintain fleet operations, with the added risk of limited vehicle availability.
Resource use and circular economy
Resource inflows, including resource use
Resource use in daily operations (actual).
Resource outflows
PostNL offers a packaging range that includes cardboard boxes, envelopes, and shipping bags in various sizes and materials (actual).
Destruction of returned/refused goods from international customers, offered as a service by Cross Border Solutions (CBS).
To address resource scarcity, the EU aims for 50% circularity by 2030. Both consumers (demand) and producers (supply) must adopt circular principles.
PostNL has an opportunity to lead and gain market share by meeting the demands of a circular economy.
2-3.svg
Positive impact
Negative impact
Risk
Opportunity
Upstream
Own operations
Downstream
Short term
Medium term
Long term
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2.1.2 Our strategy
Sustainability remains core to our updated strategy,
supporting our ambition to create impact that matters for
people, the environment and society. We continue to
integrate climate change, liveability and circularity into our
transition plan, with each initiative designed to deliver
environmental and societal value. Aligned with our strategic
pillars of Growth, Value, Innovation and Impact, we embed
sustainability into key business decisions, ensuring that
environmental responsibility and operational performance go
hand in hand. Anchored in science-based targets and our
pathway towards net-zero, we track progress through
transparent, data-driven KPIs and invest in scalable, low-
carbon technologies that support our ambition to be the
favourite deliverer, connecting people, businesses and
society in a sustainable way.
Climate risk analysis
Scenario analysis framework
Our resilience analysis incorporates climate-related scenario
analysis to evaluate both risks and opportunities across our
business. By combining localised geospatial data with macro-
level climate and policy trends, we are able to assess physical
risks such as extreme weather, flooding and heat stress, while
also factoring in national adaptation measures, regulatory
developments and shifts in the energy market. This approach
not only highlights potential vulnerabilities in critical
infrastructure, but also opportunities such as fleet
electrification and renewable fuels, ensuring our strategy
remains aligned with both global and national climate
pathways.
Use of climate scenarios
Our climate scenario analysis is based on the 2023 climate
scenarios developed by the Royal Netherlands
Meteorological Institute (KNMI), which are aligned with
international scientific standards and the goals of the Paris
agreement. In 2025, we updated our climate risk assessment
and applied these latest KNMI scenarios and geospatial data
to ensure that our analysis reflects the most recent scientific
insights. These scenarios provide a range of potential futures:
A low-emission pathway (L), aligned with the objectives of
the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below
2°C and aiming for approximately 1.7°C by 2100
A high-emission pathway (H), which assumes continued
global emissions growth until 2080, resulting in
approximately 4.9°C of warming by 2100.
By applying both trajectories, we assess how different climate
futures could affect our operations and long-term strategy.
Transition risks are assessed under the low-emission
pathway, reflecting rapid decarbonisation, stricter regulation
and changing customer expectations. Physical risks are
assessed under the high-emission pathway, reflecting more
acute physical impacts such as stronger storms, flooding and
heat stress. The inclusion of the KNMI high-emission pathway
ensures that at least one high-emission scenario is explicitly
considered.
Scope of the assessment
For this assessment, we focus primarily on PostNL’s
operations in the Netherlands and Belgium, where our high-
value assets, activities, and workforce and potential financial
exposure to physical climate risks are most concentrated —
and where our environmental footprint is most significant.
Activities in other countries currently do not involve assets
with material exposure and are therefore not assessed
separately. While the current analysis emphasises the
domestic context, it already incorporates an international
perspective, acknowledging that climate risks and market
dynamics increasingly transcend national borders. Future
iterations will broaden the scope to include key European
markets and cross-border operational dependencies.
Critical assumptions
Our analysis is built on a number of assumptions about the
transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
These include rising carbon prices, shifting trade patterns and
stronger incentives for renewable energy; a gradual shift from
fossil fuels to solar and wind; and advances in sustainable
transport, battery efficiency and biofuels that will reshape
logistics.
Four-step climate risk assessment
Climate risk assessment is embedded within our Enterprise
Risk Management (ERM) framework and follows a four-step
process:
1. Risk long-list identification: Defining potential risks,
including acute hazards (storms, flooding, heat stress) and
chronic impacts (temperature rise, sea level change)
2. Structured assessment: Internal experts and external data
(e.g. national geospatial tools) are used to evaluate
likelihood and severity
3. Executive review: The Executive Committee (EC) prioritises
climate risks within the broader business risk portfolio
4. Action plan development: Targeted initiatives address
gaps, focusing on fleet electrification, renewable energy
sourcing, and site-level resilience measures.
This iterative process ensures our strategy adapts to new
data, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.
Results of the analysis
Our analysis shows that chronic risks, such as long-term
temperature rise and sea-level change, are unlikely to
materially affect operations before 2050. However, acute
physical climate risks are already relevant. These include
heavy rainfall and extreme precipitation, which may lead to
local flooding, water infiltration and temporary disruption of
operations, as well as heatwaves, which can cause heat stress
in buildings, reduced productivity, and health impacts for
employees.
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Such events may result in temporary delivery disruptions,
increased absenteeism, and additional costs related to
repairs, insurance and preventive measures. These risks are
currently manageable and are mitigated through a
combination of national adaptation measures, PostNL’s
business continuity planning and site-level protections
implemented at vulnerable locations.
Transition risks are more immediate. Higher costs from
carbon taxes, compliance with stricter CO₂ emission and air
quality, and the risk of reputational damage if performance
lags behind customer expectations represent the most
significant transition challenges. The KNMI 2023 low-emission
pathway highlights these transition risks and opportunities
under a Paris-aligned scenario, while the high-emission
pathway provides insight into physical risks such as more
frequent storms, flooding and heat stress.
Importantly, PostNL has not identified any assets or activities
that are incompatible with a transition to a climate-neutral
economy, nor any requiring disproportionate effort to achieve
compatibility. In addition, PostNL has not identified any
climate-related constraints on access to finance, nor any
need for large-scale asset redeployment or workforce re-
skilling as part of the transition, as climate risks are managed
within existing governance and investment frameworks.
Evaluating greenhouse gas emission sources
We screen our operations and value chain for greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3, including direct
emissions from fuel combustion, indirect emissions from
purchased electricity and district heating, and value-chain
emissions from third-party logistics, commuting and
purchased goods and services. Future emissions are
assessed in light of business growth, supply chain changes
and climate-related factors. This long-term approach
anticipates emissions changes over time and ensures
alignment with strategic goals. Certain upstream scope 3
emissions are not yet fully assessed due to data limitations
and will be revisited in future analyses.
Areas of uncertainty
Some uncertainties remain, particularly around physical risk
hotspots for flooding and extreme weather, as well as the
pace of regulatory change, societal preferences and
technology adoption. These are addressed through flexible
action plans and continuous monitoring aligned with the
strategy to minimise exposure to these risks.
Financial effects and mitigation actions
Anticipated financial effects:
Physical risks are expected to have limited financial impact
due to national adaptation measures and PostNL’s site
protections
Transition risks require investment in electrification,
renewable energy and compliance with regulations.
Mitigation actions:
Fleet decarbonisation – accelerated adoption of electric
vehicles and renewable fuels
Renewable energy – transitioning facilities to solar power
Monitoring and continuity – ongoing location-level
monitoring, policy adjustments, and continuity management
Stakeholder engagement – close collaboration with
regulators, suppliers, and customers.
Conclusion
The Climate Risk and Resilience Assessment confirms that
PostNL is resilient under both low- and high-emission
scenarios. Physical climate risks are manageable in the short
to medium term, but require continued monitoring and
adaptive measures to prevent future operational and financial
impacts. Transition risks, while more immediate, are actively
managed through our sustainability strategy, fleet
electrification, renewable energy use, and emission reduction
programmes.
PostNL will continue to refine its climate risk assessments as
new scientific insights become available, particularly following
future KNMI updates, and will identify additional mitigation
measures where needed. This ensures that climate-related
risks and opportunities remain an integrated part of our
strategic planning, investment decisions and CSRD reporting.
Transition plan
In our approach to sustainability, climate action, liveability
and circularity remain deeply interconnected. Every initiative
in our transition plan addresses these three material themes
in an integrated way. For example, by electrifying our fleet
and increasing the use of renewable fuels, we reduce CO₂
emissions and improve air quality. At the same time,
investments in reusable packaging and circular materials
reduce waste and lower carbon emissions across the supply
chain.
By linking these themes, we ensure that our sustainability
efforts are both comprehensive and measurable, addressing
the broader environmental challenges we face as a society.
This holistic approach, guided by science-based targets and
supported by continued investment in cleaner technologies,
underpins our progress towards net-zero and a more
sustainable logistics network.
Climate change: Net-zero by 2040
We are committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, in
line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the
Paris Agreement. From a 2021 baseline, we aim to reduce
scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and scope 3 emissions by
45% by 2030, and to achieve a 90% reduction across all
scopes by 2040, with no more than 10% of residual carbon
emissions remaining. Looking further ahead, we are exploring
options to neutralise residual emissions through permanent
carbon removal solutions.
Our footprint analysis confirms that most emissions stem
from transport, supported by additional impacts from
procurement, business travel, and waste.
Liveability: reducing air pollution and easing congestion
Beyond reducing carbon emissions, we are committed to
lessening our impact on air quality and urban liveability by
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191
cutting traffic-related pollution and congestion. By 2030, our
goal is to achieve emission-free delivery in the last mile, from
the last sorting activity before distribution to the final destination.
This will eliminate CO₂, nitrous oxides and particulate matter
emissions from combustion engines. We are making progress
in a number of areas, including introducing zero-emission
vehicles and expanding the number of alternative delivery
points, thereby shortening delivery routes and reducing
emissions in densely populated areas.
Circularity: working towards zero waste by 2040
We are committed to achieving net zero residual waste by
2040, focusing on the circular use of materials across our
operations and value chain. Our goal is a 90% reduction in
residual waste, ensuring no more than 10% is non-recyclable
or cannot be repurposed. By extending the lifespan of
products, reducing single-use materials and sourcing more
sustainably, we are making tangible progress towards a
Decarbonisation levers
To achieve our decarbonisation goals, we focus on the
following levers:
Electrification – rolling out electric vans, trucks, and bikes
with charging infrastructure to deliver all letters and
parcels emission-free in the Benelux by 2030
Renewable fuels – using HVO100 and other alternatives to
reduce emissions from heavy transport
Network efficiency – reducing kilometres driven by
bundling deliveries, optimising routes, and expanding parcel
lockers
Sustainable infrastructure and energy – building BREEAM-
certified depots with solar panels, battery storage, and
energy-efficient systems, and sourcing 100% renewable
energy
Circular economy – achieving zero residual waste by 2040
through circular procurement, waste reduction, and
reverse logistics models developed with customers.
Funding our transition
Our sustainability actions depend on financial resources,
ensuring we meet climate targets while balancing financial
feasibility. The current financial pressures mean that we need
to carefully balance our sustainability ambitions with financial
feasibility, ensuring that we make the most effective use of
available resources while staying focused on our long-term
climate goals. We align our environmental and financial
strategic plans to fund emission-reduction initiatives.
Achieving emission-free last-mile delivery by 2030 requires
significant investment in infrastructure, vehicles, power
supply, and delivery partner engagement.
Our Green Bond programme finances climate-related
investments, such as electric vehicles, sustainable buildings,
and renewable energy. An overview of payments related to
climate investments can be found in our Green Bond Report,
which provides transparency on how we allocate funds to
support sustainable initiatives.
The net proceeds of our Green Bond are being used to
finance and/or refinance new and/or existing eligible green
projects. The eligible green projects focus on green
kilometres, sustainable buildings, and innovation and
efficiency. During the tenor of the Green Bond, the company
will annually publish a separate Green Bond Report in line
with the framework until an amount equal to the net proceeds
of the Green Bond has been allocated to the eligible green
projects. On 4 April 2025, we published our sixth Green Bond
Report on our website.
Alongside our Green Bond, climate-related initiatives,
including zero-emission logistics and innovative technologies,
are also funded via our outstanding Schuldschein loans, our
Sustainability Linked Bond and our ordinary Bond. The use of
proceeds of these instruments is for general corporate
purposes.
A second key enabler, which underscores our focus on
sustainability and accelerates our transition towards
becoming a truly sustainable e-commerce logistics service
provider, is our Sustainability-Linked Financing programme,
based on our Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework,
published in 2024. This framework is designed to provide the
financial resources required to achieve PostNL’s strategic
objectives, including its SBTi objectives for 2030. In 2025, we
issued a €300 million Sustainability Linked Bond.
While we are well-positioned to pursue our sustainability
targets, access to affordable capital and maintaining
sufficient financial resources remain critical. Any increase in
financing costs or reduced access to capital could impact the
pace of implementing the technologies and infrastructure
essential for achieving our sustainability goals. We actively
monitor our financial position and market conditions to
ensure we can fully execute our commitments and maintain
our progress towards becoming a sustainable logistics
provider. To secure sufficient financial resources we issued
Schuldschein loans and an ordinary Bond in 2025.
More information on the issued Sustainability Linked Bond
can be found on page 104 in the chapter PostNL on the
capital markets, on page 150 in note ‘Financial Instruments’,
Eurobonds’ in the financial statements and the Sustainability-
Linked Financing Update in section CSRD governance in the
General disclosures earlier in these sustainability statements.
While these investments are key to our climate transition
plan, its financing is not directly linked to activities under the
EU Taxonomy or investments in the financial statements. For
example, investments in fleet electrification—such as leasing
electric vehicles— classify as capital expenditures (capex)
under the EU Taxonomy and new leases in the financial
statements, while the climate investments are based on lease
payments. No fixed or fully quantified forward-looking
investment envelope is defined at this stage.
Locked-in greenhouse gas emissions
Based on insights from our logistics sustainability experts, we
have assessed the risk of locked-in GHG emissions from our
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192
key assets and products, considering technological
developments and emission reductions across the supply
chain. We conclude that there are no significant locked-in
emissions in our sector. However, air transport remains a
major challenge due to the limited availability and high cost of
alternatives such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which
can reduce emissions by up to 80%, but is not yet fully
scalable and does not deliver zero emissions.
EU Taxonomy
PostNL reports on the EU Taxonomy but has no specific plan
or objective to increase alignment. Our decarbonisation
efforts focus on fleet electrification. Although we do invest in
electric vehicles alignment will not be achieved due to the
tyre-requirements of the EU-taxonomy criteria. PostNL
expects its alignment with the provisions of Commission
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 to evolve over time,
including the consideration of key performance indicators,
such as taxonomy-aligned revenue, capex, and capex plans,
as required by Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852.
However, the activities that are currently aligned with the EU
Taxonomy are not part of our ongoing transition plan, as they
already meet the sustainability criteria set out in the
regulation. PostNL is not excluded from the EU Paris-aligned,
and reports in alignment of the EU Paris aligned Benchmarks.
Integration and progress
Our climate transition plan is fully embedded in our strategic
planning and control cycle. This ensures that sustainability
considerations are integral to investment decisions, capital
allocation and risk management. Reducing GHG emissions,
including achieving emission-free last-mile delivery by 2030,
remains central to our Breakthrough 2028 strategy.
We track progress through defined performance indicators
and continuous evaluation of risks and opportunities in a
dynamic environment. The plan is validated by the Executive
Committee and overseen by the Board of Management,
ensuring accountability and alignment with our science-based
targets and long-term strategic goals. More information can
be found in the Performance sections later in this chapter.
Climate transition plan
The climate transition plan describes PostNL’s
decarbonisation strategy and key actions to achieve its GHG
reduction targets. The figure on the next page illustrates how
different decarbonisation levers contribute to achieving
PostNL’s 2030 and 2040 climate targets, based on the
absolute emission levels of the 2021 base year and the
corresponding target years.
The contributions shown reflect the relative impact of
decarbonisation levers across scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3
on emission reductions between the base year (2021) and the
target years (2030 and 2040). They provide insight into
PostNL’s strategic prioritisation of mitigation actions, rather
than a forecast of future emissions or a detailed operational
delivery pathway.
Across all scopes, the indicative contribution of each
decarbonisation lever is derived from the distribution of
emissions in the 2021 base year. This approach provides a
consistent, high-level approximation of the relative
importance of different mitigation actions. As implementation
progresses, the relative contribution of individual levers may
change due to technological developments, regulatory
changes, operational decisions and evolving market
conditions.
Scope 1
Baseline scope 1 emissions in 2021 amounted to 41,081
tCO₂e, with a linear reduction pathway towards a 90%
decrease by 2030, resulting in target residual emissions of
4,108 tCO₂e. The allocation of decarbonisation levers within
scope 1, including fleet electrification, the use of renewable
fuels, network efficiency improvements and fuel-switching
from gas and oil is based on each category’s relative
contribution to scope 1 emissions in the 2021 base year.
This allocation illustrates the order of magnitude and relative
role of different mitigation actions within scope 1 and
supports transparency on how PostNL intends to achieve its
scope 1 reduction targets.
Scope 2
For scope 2, emissions reductions are primarily driven by the
increased use of renewable electricity, energy efficiency
improvements and optimisation of electricity consumption
across buildings, sorting centres and other operational
facilities. The relative contribution of these actions reflects
the composition of scope 2 emissions in the 2021 base year
and represents the main levers available to reduce emissions
from purchased energy, in line with PostNL’s mitigation
strategy.
Scope 3
Scope 3 emissions are addressed through grouped
decarbonisation levers reflecting their relative contribution to
scope 3 emissions in the 2021 base year. Approximately 63%
of the indicative scope 3 emissions reduction is attributed to
electrification, renewable fuels and network efficiency across
the value chain, including collaboration with delivery partners
and logistics optimisation. A further 30% is attributed to
sustainable and circular procurement and waste
management, reflecting supplier engagement and material
efficiency measures. The remaining 7% represents an
innovation gap, capturing anticipated future solutions that are
not yet fully available or scalable. These groupings provide a
high-level overview of PostNL’s strategic focus areas for
scope 3 mitigation and are intended to support understanding
of the transition plan, rather than to define a fixed or
exhaustive implementation pathway.
“Decarbonisation levers guide
PostNL’s climate transition
towards its 2030 and 2040 GHG
reduction targets”
PostNL Annual Report 2025
193
Climate transition plan
Reductions in own and outsourced operations
26938034880605
kt CO2e
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
  Base year 2021
  Target year 2030
Target year 2040
Verloop-groen.png
-55%
Renewable fuels & reduce natural gas consumption
2030
-90%
-40%
Electrification
-5%
Network efficiency
0
0
0
26938034880706
Verloop-blauw.png
-63%
Electrification, renewable fuels, network efficiency
2030
-45%
2040
-90%
-30%
Sustainable/Circular procurement & waste management
-7%
Innovation gap
Net-zero
target aligned
with 1.5°
scenario,
including a
10% GHG
removal and
permanent
storage
PostNL Annual Report 2025
194
2.1.3 Our governance
More information on the integration of sustainability-related
performance, specifically our GHG emissions, incentive
schemes can be found on page 89 in the Remuneration report
chapter. 
2.1.4 Our policies
PostNL has established an environmental and procurement
policy to prevent, mitigate and remedy environmental
impacts, manage risks and pursue opportunities. Together,
these strategies and key actions strengthen the execution of
our transition plan and embed sustainability across our
operations and value chain. They guide our transition to a
low-carbon and circular business model and cover the topics
climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, pollution
prevention and resource use, supporting our ambition to
achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
Environmental Policy
Our Environmental Policy outlines the strategies and key
actions we have in place to prevent, mitigate and remediate
actual and potential environmental impacts, address risks
and to pursue opportunities related to climate change
mitigation, reducing pollution and circular economy. We take
a comprehensive approach in line with the transition plan and
decarbonisation levers disclosed earlier in Our strategy in this
section.
The Environmental Policy integrates objectives for reducing
GHG emissions, improving energy efficiency and expanding
renewable energy. Furthermore, it covers pollution
prevention which focuses on air quality, reducing nitrous
oxides and particulate matter previously caused by
combustion from fossil fuels through electrification of
vehicles, at the same time circularity is promoted by reducing
residual waste, increasing the use of recycled materials, and
collaborating with customers on re-commerce and packaging
return.
The Environmental Policy applies to all PostNL Group entities
and its upstream and downstream value chain activities. It
affects workers, customers, consumers and society. The
Environmental Policy is internally and publicly available on
our website. In 2025, no updates took place to the policy,
which is monitored and discussed on a quarterly and annual
basis by the relevant teams and their management and with
the BoM with oversight by the ESG Director.
The management of GHG emissions, physical and transition
climate risks and long-term decarbonisation pathways—
including short-, medium- and long-term horizons—is further
detailed in PostNL’s Climate Transition Plan, assessed in the
Climate Risk & Resilience Assessment, scenario analysis and
decarbonisation actions across the value chain, and managed
via the Enterprise Risk Management and Business Continuity
Plans. Options for neutralising residual emissions, including
potential GHG removals, are explored as part of our long-
term net-zero pathway towards 2040.
“PostNL has established an
environmental and procurement
policy to prevent, mitigate and
remedy environmental impacts,
manage risks and pursue
opportunities”
Procurement Policy
Our Procurement Policy outlines the standards we expect
from our suppliers. They must operate ethically, comply with
applicable laws and regulations, and meet our sustainability
expectations. Built on our Code of Conduct, the Policy
provides a clear framework for responsible sourcing,
ensuring suppliers contribute to PostNL’s sustainability goals
and outlines the strategies and key actions we have in place
to prevent, mitigate and remediate actual and potential
environmental impacts, address risks and to pursue
opportunities related to climate change mitigation and
circular economy. For more information on procurement, see
the Governance disclosures, including the Procurement
PostNL Annual Report 2025
195
2.2 Climate change
Addressing climate change is central to our long-term
sustainability agenda and underpins our ambition to reduce
the environmental footprint of our operations. We are
progressing towards our 2040 net-zero target by accelerating
the transition to cleaner energy, electrifying our fleet and
improving efficiency across our network. These efforts help
mitigate our impact on the climate while strengthening the
resilience of our value chain.
2.2.1 Our actions
2.2.1.1 Climate change mitigation
Fleet electrification
In 2025, we made the following progress:
We increased our fleet of electric vehicles by
approximately 50% compared to year-end 2024. This
growth included 42 electric trucks deployed in our time-
definite network, supporting both first- and last-mile inner-
city delivery
Delivery partners continued the phase-out of Euro 5
vehicles. In addition, light electric freight vehicles were
used in inner cities where operationally appropriate,
supporting zero-emission delivery in dense urban areas.
Together, these measures reduced CO₂ emissions, increased
the share of PostNL’s emission-free kilometres to 33%, and
contributed to improved urban liveability.
Significant capex investments of €1.1 million were made to
support the switch to electric vehicles and expanding
charging infrastructure, and around €13 million in lease
additions for our own fleet. While the growth in zero-emission
kilometres was slightly behind initial expectations, the overall
transition progressed in-line with our long-term ambitions.
In 2026, we aim to increase our overall share of emission-free
deliveries across the Benelux to 37%, driven by the
deployment of hundreds of additional electric vans in first-
and last-mile operations and the further deployment of
electric trucks for long-haul transport. These steps will
further accelerate our transition toward fully emission-free
logistics.
Renewable fuels
We are replacing petrol and diesel with lower-emission
alternatives, such as biogas and HVO100, reducing carbon
emissions by up to 90% and lowering our dependence on
fossil fuels. This action focuses on the downstream value
chain, directly affecting customers and society and delivers
measurable reductions in carbon intensity. The transition to
renewable fuels within our operations is ongoing, and in 2025
we achieved the following progress:
We increased the use of HVO100 renewable diesel in large
trucks, resulting in usage of 66%, supported by an
investment of around €354,000. Using over around 5.9
million litres of HVO100 in our operations, we reduced
CO₂e emissions by 19 kilotonnes
Out-of-tank solutions accounted for more than 5.1 million
litres, reducing CO₂e emissions by over 15 kilotonnes
compared with diesel.
In 2026, we plan to further continue our out-of-tank solutions,
strengthening our pathway toward lower fleet emissions and
supporting our broader decarbonisation goals.
Sustainable infrastructure
PostNL aims to build and renovate sites with minimal
environmental impact, in line with our sustainability policy. All
locations are developed according to BREEAM standards,
ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and
minimising impacts on Natura 2000 areas.
In 2025, we continued to invest in more sustainable buildings,
adding battery storage systems and energy monitoring
systems to improve the efficiency of solar panels and
charging infrastructure. These measures support lowering
scope 2 emissions. Our sustainability initiatives extend across
PostNL-owned and leased assets, influencing employees,
communities and society. Sustainability remains a core focus
of our long-term infrastructure strategy, with no fixed end
date.
In 2025, we completed our certification roadmap for all
eligible sites with the receipt of the final three BREEAM
certifications. For 2026, no new certification projects are
planned. The focus will shift towards maintaining
performance levels and embedding continuous improvements
through regular maintenance and replacement cycles, while
monitoring relevant market developments and best practices.
In recent years, PostNL has achieved a significant reduction in
natural gas consumption by designing new sites and
renovating existing locations to be gas-free. However, a
limited number of locations continue to rely on natural gas for
heating and building installations. As PostNL no longer uses
Guarantees of Origin to offset scope 1 emissions, we will
further develop a structured approach to reducing natural
gas consumption towards zero in the coming years. This
transition is expected to be realised primarily through regular
replacement cycles of energy installations, ensuring a cost-
effective and operationally feasible pathway towards fully
gas-free buildings over time.
Network efficiency
PostNL continuously seeks opportunities to optimise
operations, improving efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. By making delivery windows more flexible
and offering consumers more Out-of-home (OOH) delivery
options, we combine efficiency with fewer emissions while
enhancing customer convenience. The scope of this action
covers our operations and downstream value chain,
PostNL Annual Report 2025
196
impacting our workforce, customers and consumers. With no
set end date, network efficiency remains key to our
sustainability approach.
In 2025, we expanded our OOH delivery network to 1,400
automated parcel lockers (APLs) and further optimised routes
through continued refinement of our wave network design.
These measures reduced the number of kilometres driven
and contributed to lower emissions and more predictable
delivery flows. Progress is monitored quarterly using CO₂
efficiency metrics, the share of OOH deliveries and absolute
emissions.
Throughout 2025, we focused on better route utilisation,
network planning and consumer choice options to reduce
unnecessary transport movements. In 2026, we aim to
continue reducing kilometres driven by expanding OOH
capacity, improving route optimisation technologies and
offering more flexible delivery choices. These efforts support
both cost efficiency and emissions reduction, directly
contributing to our long-term climate goals.
2.2.1.2 Energy
Energy efficiency
We aim to minimise the environmental impact of our sorting
centres and operational sites by improving energy efficiency
and reducing reliance on fossil-based energy. This action
focuses on upstream operations (scope 1 and 2), with no
predefined end date, as energy efficiency remains a
structural priority in our decarbonisation strategy.
In 2025, we continued to optimise energy consumption across
our network through a combination of on-site renewable
energy generation, efficiency measures and enhanced
monitoring:
Solar panels on our rooftops generated 9,477 megawatt
hours (MWh), avoiding approximately 2,540 tonnes of CO₂e
emissions
All electricity purchased for our operations was backed by
Dutch Guarantees of Origin, ensuring 100% renewable
electricity under ‘market-based’ scope 2 CO2 emissions,
while renewable gas was backed by European Guarantees
of Origin
We expanded the use of battery storage systems to
capture locally generated energy during the day and use it
in the evening and night to power sorting machines and
charge electric vans. This also helps alleviate grid
congestion during peak periods
Our energy monitoring systems provided improved insight
into consumption trends and performance across both
owned and leased assets.
In 2026, we will continue to improve the energy performance
of our buildings by expanding real-time monitoring, increasing
on-site renewable generation where feasible and scaling
energy-efficiency measures across our network.
Network efficiency
For more information on our actions to improve network
efficiency, refer to section Climate change mitigation.
During the reporting period, no material adverse impacts
related to climate change requiring remediation were
identified.
2.2.2 Our performance
Science Based Targets initiative
PostNL has committed to ambitious GHG reduction targets
aligned with the 1.5°C pathway of the Paris Agreement and
validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in
2024. These targets form a cornerstone of our environmental
strategy, tracking effectiveness of policies and actions in
place for climate change and air pollution, as well as
circularity. These SBTi targets are measurable, time-bound,
and based on a 2021 baseline. This baseline was chosen as it
was at the time of submission the most recent year with
complete data and could be regarded as accurate and not an
anomaly compared to other reporting years.
Near-term 2030 targets – reduce absolute scope 1 and 2
emissions by 90% and scope 3 emissions by 45%. Maintain
100% renewable electricity sourcing. Deliver all letters and
parcels emission-free from the final sorting centre to the
consumer or pick-up location by 2030, which means
addressing both GHG emissions as well as pollution or air
pollution, and includes eliminating particulate matter (PM),
and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from combustion in last-mile
delivery
Long-term 2040 target achieve a 90% absolute reduction
across all scopes, with any residual emissions neutralised
through permanent removals.
These are gross, market-based targets, meaning that they do
not include GHG removals, carbon credits or avoided
emissions but do include the use of Guarantees of Origin. The
progress of these targets can be found in the carbon footprint
table on page 199. From 2030, the baseline year will be
updated every five years.
Our climate targets were set using the SBTi methodology,
considering IEA scenarios, IPCC climate models, and
stakeholder input. The targets span both short- and long-term
horizons and are embedded across PostNL’s core processes,
reflecting assumptions regarding the scalability of low-carbon
technologies and increasingly stringent national and EU
regulation. Through this approach, the targets directly
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197
address the material IROs identified in the double materiality
assessment. By setting science-based targets that apply
across our operations and value chain, we mitigate key risks,
including exposure to transition regulation, carbon pricing and
reputational risk, while reducing our climate impact and
capturing opportunities associated with low-carbon logistics.
Our decarbonisation levers are explained as part of the
Climate Transition Plan in the Decarbonisation levers section
above. Each lever contributes to mitigating multiple IROs
simultaneously. For example, investing in the use of HVO100
in large trucks (scope 1) results in reduced direct emissions,
lower transition risks related to fuel regulation and enhanced
operational resilience. Taken together, our near-term and
long-term targets provide a coherent roadmap that enables
PostNL to adequately mitigate the majority of its identified
climate-related IROs, while ensuring alignment with science-
based pathways and long-term value creation.
Alignment with the Green Deal for City Logistics and
additional regulations
Our zero-emission delivery target is fully aligned with the
Dutch Green Deal for City Logistics, which promotes
sustainable transport and cleaner urban environments. This
target addresses the fleet electrification action and covers
both our own operations and delivery partners, ensuring
consistent standards across the Benelux. Anticipating tighter
regulation on NOx and PM, we go beyond compliance by
extending our commitment to all last-mile deliveries in the
Netherlands and Belgium, rather than limiting action to
mandated zero-emission zones. By setting a higher standard
for sustainable logistics, we ensure resilience against future
regulatory changes while contributing to cleaner air and
healthier cities. As an interim milestone, zero-emission
delivery is in place in 27 city centres with established zero-
emission zones.
Alternative targets
PostNL has no specific targets in place to track the
effectiveness of its sustainable infrastructure actions like
BREEAM-certified buildings. Energy efficiency of our buildings
is monitored by our facility management system.
2.2.2.1 Climate change mitigation
CO2 efficiency & emission-free last-mile delivery
We measure our entity-specific KPI CO2 efficiency as the total
of scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions in grammes, from our own
operations, both fleet and buildings, expressed per kilometre
travelled. Note that biogas Guarantees of Origin are used to
report on our entity-specific KPI CO2e efficiency.
We report on the entity-specific KPI share of emission-free
kilometres in the last mile compared to the total kilometres
travelled. This includes kilometres from our own mail and
parcel operations, as well as of our delivery partners, from
collection to delivery.
The kilometres covered by foot, bike or e-(cargo) bike consist
of all kilometres made during deliveries. We use several
sources to calculate the total kilometres based on chance of
occurrence, volumes and number of times travelled to the
retailer. The kilometres driven by our small and large trucks
are based on actual data where available and processed
through different systems. In situations where the actual data
is not available or (automatic) processing of data leads to
mismatches, we use (automatic) extrapolation of missing or
implausible kilometre data based on average fuel
consumption per kilometre.
PostNL CO2 efficiency and emission-free last-mile
delivery as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
CO 2 efficiency (scope 1 and 2 emissions
in grammes CO 2e per kilometre)
128
108
(15)%
Share of emission-free delivery of mail
and parcels in the last-mile
28%
33%
+5
Our CO2 efficiency was 108 grammes per kilometre in 2025
(2024: 128), which is ahead of our target for the year (117
grammes per kilometre). The share of emission-free last-mile
delivery of mail and parcels was 33% in 2025 (2024: 28%),
which is on target.
Carbon footprint
Scope 1
Scope 1 CO2e emissions encompass:
Consumption of gas (combination of actual meter readings
and estimates) and heating fuel (invoice based) in buildings;
for more information refer to Energy consumption and
Pollution disclosures. As of 2025, PostNL no longer reports
the use of biogas Guarantees of Origin as a means to
reduce gross scope 1 CO₂e emissions from gas
consumption. For comparability purposes, the figures for
2024 and the 2021 base year have been adjusted
accordingly. Our SBTi commitment to achieve a 90%
reduction in combined scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030,
relative to the 2021 base year, remains unchanged
Fuel use, based on actual provider data, for small trucks,
large trucks and motorcycles, for which consumption is
multiplied by the relevant tank-to-wheel CO₂e conversion
factor sourced from CO2emissiefactoren.nl
Fugitive emissions, based on actual refrigerant data,
relating to (un)intentional releases of gases from
pressurised equipment due to leaks or irregular discharges
from our buildings and vehicles. These emissions are
calculated by multiplying the amount of refrigerant (in
kilogrammes) and the number of vehicles by the applicable
CO₂e conversion factor for the specific refrigerant.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
198
Scope 2
Scope 2 CO2e emissions consist of electricity used in
buildings as well as vehicles and district heating, for which we
report location-based and market-based emissions.
Location-based emissions are calculated based on the
amount of electricity used multiplied by the appropriate
grid factor of the country where the building is situated and
the amount of district heating in megajoules multiplied by
the appropriate CO2e-conversion factor from
CO2emissiefactoren.nl
Market-based emissions are near zero, since we make use
of Guarantees of Origin which is electricity produced from
Dutch windmill parks in the North Sea, while district heating
CO2e emissions are small because there are only used in a
limited number of buildings, for which the market-based
factor is equal to the location-based factor.
Scope 3
For each material scope 3 category included, we describe the
CO2e emission calculation method and whether primary or
secondary data has been used:
Purchased goods and services and capital goods – our
spend database provide a breakdown into various types of
goods and services, buildings and machinery. Emissions are
estimated by multiplying spend per category from our
spend databases by CO₂e factors per Euro, as provided by
Exiobase. This is classified as 100% secondary data
Fuel and energy related services – this category includes
upstream emissions of purchased fuels (scope 1),
purchased energy (scope 2), and from transport and
distribution losses (scope 2). For the first two categories,
we have used the primary data from our own fuel and
energy usage (scope 1 and 2) and multiplied this with the
corresponding well-to-tank factors from
CO2emissiefactoren.nl. For the emissions associated with
the energy lost while transporting electricity across the
grid, the national percentage of distribution losses for the
Dutch power grid, derived from the Dutch Central Bureau
for Statistics (CBS) is extrapolated to our total electricity
use. For all three categories in the Netherlands, 97% of the
data used is classified as primary data
Upstream transportation and distribution – these emissions
relate to the activities of our delivery partners, both
domestic and international. Domestic emissions within the
Netherlands and Belgium are calculated based on the
number of kilometres recorded by our route planning
systems, multiplied by the average fuel consumption of
vehicles comparable to those used by our delivery partners
and converted using well-to-wheel CO₂e conversion factors
sourced from CO2emissiefactoren.nl. Emissions from
international transport by road, air and sea are estimated
based on tonne-kilometres, calculated by combining
reported parcel and letter weights with transport distances,
using the relevant CO₂e conversion factors provided by
DEFRA. This data is classified as 100% secondary data
Waste generated in operations – these emissions include
those associated with the waste disposal and recycling
processes. Waste data of our domestic entities in the
Netherlands, and as of 2025 also for Belgium, is provided
by our waste disposal partner, and can be classified for
96% as primary data. For our international entities,
emissions are based on average CO2e emissions per FTE
Business travel – for PostNL, this category consists solely
of business travel by air from employees. Passenger
kilometres for short-, medium- and long-haul flight are
obtained from our travel agent, and the consolidated total
is multiplied by the appropriate well-to-wheel CO2e
conversion factor provided by DEFRA. 100% of the data
used can be classified as primary data. For our
international entities, emissions are based on average CO2e
emissions per FTE
Employee commuting – these are the CO2e emissions
resulting from travel between employees’ home and work
addresses. The assumption is that employees residing
within five kilometres of their workplace travel by foot or
bike, resulting in no emissions. For those employees
reimbursed for travel via Dutch public transport, the total
kilometres travelled are multiplied by a standard CO2e
conversion factor. Employees who live more than five
kilometres away and do not make use of public transport
or hold a company car (listed under upstream assets) are
assumed to commute by private car. Adjustments are made
across all travel categories to account for absences due to
sickness or holidays. For entities located outside the
Netherlands, figures are extrapolated based on the average
actual kilometres travelled per headcount for private cars
and public transport. This can be classified as 100%
secondary data
Upstream leased assets – this category comprises
emissions based on fuel consumption data provided by the
vehicle leasing company for employees using company
cars. These vehicles are company-owned or leased and
made available to employees for commuting and business
travel. The data used for this category is classified as 100%
primary data. For our international entities, emissions are
based on average CO2e emissions per FTE.
In line with the outlined classifications, 7% of our scope 3
GHG emissions for the reporting period have been calculated
using primary data.
The categories downstream transportation and distribution,
processing of sold products, use of sold products, end of life
treatment of sold products, and downstream leased assets
are not applicable to PostNL and are therefore excluded. In
addition, the optional sub-category of cloud computing and
data centre services is not material for separate disclosure
and is therefore included within the purchased goods and
services category. The franchised investments category has
been assessed as not significant, based on its share of total
emissions, and is therefore not considered material and has
been excluded.
Greenhouse gas emission intensity
The GHG emissions intensity is the total GHG (scope 1, 2 and
3) gross emissions per net revenue. The net revenue in the
calculation is aligned with the revenue from contracts with
customers presented in the Consolidated statement of profit
or loss on page 109, within our financial statements.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
199
PostNL Carbon footprint in tonnes CO2e
Retrospective
Milestones and target years
For the year ended 31 December
Base year 2021
2024
2025
∆ (%)
2026
2030
2040
Annual % Target 2026 /
Base year 2021
Scope 1 GHG Emissions 1
41,081
23,925
19,986
(16)%
15,629
4,108
4,108
12%
Scope 2 GHG Emissions
Gross location-based scope 2
30,328
18,857
17,126
(9)%
15,118
no target
no target
10%
Gross market-based scope 2
171
80
94
18%
159
17
17
1%
Scope 3 GHG emissions
338,651
266,336
247,254
(7)%
240,373
186,258
33,865
6%
1. Purchased goods & services
58,684
47,948
46,060
(4)%
2. Capital goods
21,892
13,541
10,825
(20)%
3. Fuel & energy related activities
11,621
10,580
9,122
(14)%
4. Upstream transportation & distribution
213,110
168,350
155,432
(8)%
5. Waste generated in operations
7,343
7,200
8,927
24%
6. Business travel (by air)
169
460
389
(15)%
7. Employee commuting
22,958
14,918
14,335
(4)%
8. Upstream leased assets (company cars)
2,876
3,339
2,165
(35)%
Total GHG emissions
Total gross location-based 1
410,060
309,118
284,366
(8)%
271,120
no target
no target
7%
Total gross market-based 1
379,903
290,341
267,335
(8)%
256,160
190,383
37,990
7%
Total gross location-based per net revenue (tCO 2 e
per million Euro)1
118.31
95.05
85.55
(10)%
76.68
7%
Total gross market-based per net revenue (tCO 2 e
per million Euro) 1
109.61
89.28
80.43
(10)%
72.45
7%
Scope 1 figures restated, for further details please refer to the explanation below
PostNL Annual Report 2025
200
PostNL Overview scope 3 categories
Description
Consideration
Conclusion
Purchased goods and services
Material, based on our spend
Included
Optional sub-category: cloud computing and data centre services
Not material to separately disclose, included in the purchased goods and services category
Excluded
Capital goods
Material, based on our spend
Included
Fuel and energy-related activities
Material, as this is the production and distribution of our main energy sources (fuel, electricity, gas)
Included
Upstream transportation and distribution
Material, significant part of our logistics services are outsourced
Included
Waste generated in operations
Material, waste is part of our environmental reduction programmes
Included
Business travel
Material, business travel by air is part of our environmental reduction programmes
Included
Employee commuting
Material, employee commuting is part of our environmental reduction programmes
Included
Upstream leased assets
Material, company cars are part of our environmental reduction programmes
Included
Downstream transportation and distribution
Not applicable, outside of our value chain boundary
Excluded
Processing of sold products
Not applicable, we do not manufacture or recycle sold products
Excluded
Use of sold products
Not applicable, outside of our value chain boundary
Excluded
End of life treatment of sold products
Not applicable, outside of our value chain boundary
Excluded
Downstream leased assets
Not applicable, we do not have downstream leased assets
Excluded
Franchised investments
Not material, this category has been deemed not significant based on the percentage of total emissions
Excluded
Scope 1
Our gross scope 1 emissions decreased by 3,915 tonnes in
2025 compared to 2024, mainly due to lower emissions
across transport. Key drivers were fewer kilometres driven,
more use of HVO100 instead of diesel, and more kilometres
driven by small electric trucks. Gas use increased in 2025
compared to 2024. Note that we made use of biogas
Guarantees of Origin in 2025. As we no longer report the use
of biogas Guarantees of Origin as a reduction of gross scope
1 CO2e emissions of gas usage, the reported figure for 2025
increased by 3,265 tCO2e in 2025. The figures for 2024 (2,575
tCO2e) and the base year 2021 (6,285 tCO2e) were adjusted
accordingly. Fugitive emissions from coolant evaporation in
buildings and vehicles totalled 474 tonnes in 2025.
Scope 2
Gross location-based scope 2 CO₂e emissions stem mainly
from electricity use and partly from district heating.
Electricity consumption decreased to 65 million kWh in 2025
(2024: 66 million kWh). The expansion of charging
infrastructure supported the growing electric vehicles fleet,
increasing fleet electricity use, while building consumption
declined. Total location-based scope 2 emissions decreased
to 17,126 tCO₂e in 2025 (2024: 18,857), driven by lower use
and more solar power generation. Market-based scope 2
emissions dropped to 94 tonnes in 2025 (2024: 80), due to
district heating only, with one site vacated. All purchased
electricity was backed by Guarantees of Origin, ensuring
100% renewable sourcing.
Scope 3
Gross scope 3 CO2e emissions decreased by 19,082 tonnes in
2025. Main categories were outsourced road and air
transport, purchased goods & services, capital goods, and
employee commuting. Compared to 2024, emissions from
purchased goods & services and capital goods decreased by
4,606 tonnes. Commuting emissions decreased by 583
tonnes. International truck transport used the market-based
HVO100 out-of-tank solution, reducing emissions by nearly
15,000 tonnes. Business air travel decreased from 460 to 389
tonnes, linked to Cross Border Solutions’ (CBS) international.
Outsourced transport
Emissions from outsourced transport decreased by 13,835
tonnes CO₂e to 155,432 in 2025 (2024: 168,350). This
reduction came from fewer kilometres driven due to volume
and network optimisation, especially in truck and time-critical
networks, as well as data quality improvements and partner
initiatives in renewable fuels and electrification.
Greenhouse gas emission intensity
Our GHG emissions intensity (market-based per million Euro
net revenue) was 80.43 in 2025 (2024: 89.28). As a result of
the scope 1 increase due to no longer reporting the use of
biogas Guarantees of Origin as a reduction of gross scope 1
CO2e emissions of gas usage, the location-based (2024 prior
to restatement: 94.26) and market-based (2024 prior to
restatement: 88.48) intensity ratios were adjusted
accordingly. Overall GHG emissions decreased in 2025
compared to 2024, while revenue increased, resulting in an
improved GHG intensity.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
201
Biogenic emissions
Biogenic emissions are generated through the combustion or
decomposition of biomass-based materials, primarily arising
from the use of renewable fuels. These emissions are
calculated by multiplying the volume of each fuel type used
by the tank-to-wheel CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) emission factors,
which are derived from their fossil fuel equivalents: diesel,
CNG, and LNG.
Our scope 1 biogenic emissions arise from the use of HVO100
renewable diesel, bio-LNG, and bio-CNG together with the
renewable fuel content in fossil diesel, gasoline, and heating
oil. As of 2025, biogenic emissions no longer include the
impact of 3,289 tonnes CO2e using Guarantees of Origin for
gas consumption in our buildings, as a result the 2024 figures
has been restated accordingly by lowering 2,575 tonnes
biogas CO2e. Our scope 3 biogenic emissions result from
using the market-based instrument for HVO100 outside the
tank, applied by CBS. Through this mechanism, PostNL
purchased HVO100 in 2025, which was then integrated into
the existing fuel market and used by third parties—while only
PostNL can claim the associated CO₂e reductions. Compared
with 2024, the renewable fuel content of fossil diesel, gasoline
and heating fuels has been taken into account as of this year.
PostNL Biogenic emissions in tonnes CO2e
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Scope 1 biogenic emissions 1
Biogenic CO 2e emissions biofuel
18,117
18,759
Biogenic CO 2e emissions biogas
4,023
1,725
Scope 3 biogenic emissions
Biogenic CO2e emissions biofuel
6,727
20,199
Total biogenic CO 2e emissions
28,868
40,683
Scope 1 figures restated, for further details please refer to the
explanation above
The development of biogenic emissions in scope 1 reflects a
shift in our fuel mix. While the use of HVO100 in our large
transport has increased, its application in smaller vehicles has
declined, as we have made significant progress in electrifying
our last-mile delivery fleet. These changes align with our
strategy to prioritise electrification as a structural and more
sustainable pathway for emission reduction. At the same time,
biogenic emissions in scope 3 have risen due to the continued
deployment of our HVO100 out-of-tank solution. Note that
compared to 2024 mainly scope 3 biogenic emissions have
increased significantly as the renewable fuel content in fossil
diesel has been taken into account as of 2025.
Internal carbon pricing
At PostNL, we have implemented an internal carbon pricing
(ICP) scheme to support our emission-reduction strategy and
guide decision-making around carbon impacts. Since 2019, we
have used this measure to increase awareness within the
organisation about the value of carbon and to encourage
investments that have a positive climate impact.
Type of internal carbon pricing scheme
We use shadow pricing in our investment decision-making
processes, applying a carbon price when evaluating the
environmental and financial viability of capital expenditure
(capex). The purpose of this scheme is to ensure carbon
considerations are incorporated into our business cases and
to promote low-carbon initiatives.
Scope of application
The pricing scheme is applied across various activities within
PostNL, focusing on logistics operations and energy
consumption. It covers our direct operations (scope 1
emissions), as well as electricity-related emissions (scope 2).
Although our scope 2 emissions are now neutralised through
the use of renewable energy, the scheme still plays a role in
guiding our wider sustainability strategy.
Carbon prices and assumptions
PostNL initially set the carbon price at €50 per metric tonne
of CO2e in 2019, raising it to €100 per metric tonne in 2022,
and as of then no changes have been made. For this price
setting, the World Bank carbon pricing dashboard was used
as a reference, with €100 positioned at the upper end of the
range. This price helps to drive decisions around investments
in energy efficiency, fleet electrification, and other emission-
reducing initiatives.
The internal carbon price applied by PostNL is an estimate
and will be periodically reviewed against market
developments. Currently, our reporting is limited to the cases
submitted during the reporting year. For each case, only the
GHG emissions reduction within the reporting year is taken
into account.
Internal carbon pricing 2025
PostNL’s internal carbon pricing scheme encompasses scope
1 and scope 2 location-based emissions, including direct
emissions from our fleet and facilities, and excludes scope 3
emissions from outsourced activities. In 2025, direct scope 1
and 2 emissions totalled 20,104 tonnes CO2e. Through
targeted investments, a combined capex-related reduction of
150 tonnes CO2e was achieved, representing 0.8% of overall
scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions. This is a slight increase
compared to 2024 (125 tonnes CO2e). Integrating climate-
related considerations into decision-making is fundamental to
delivering on our emission-reduction strategy. While we will
continue using internal carbon pricing, we believe that
integrating our science-based climate targets into the
strategic planning process is even more valuable. Meeting
these targets is a condition for developing our medium- and
long-term plans.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
202
2.2.2.2 Energy consumption
Energy consumption of our buildings
The energy consumption of our buildings relates to logistics
centres and office buildings. Energy consumption associated
with our own operations includes both owned and leased
buildings. Outsourced activities are outside the scope of this
disclosure requirement. Where available, metered actual data
is used. When PostNL operates as a tenant under agreements
in which energy costs are included in the rent, specific energy
consumption data is not available. In such instances, energy
costs are fixed and not separately identifiable within the
overall rental price. Electricity and gas consumption are
therefore estimated using a scaling methodology based on
the square metres (m²) per building, which amounted to
856,379 m2 in 2025.
The same method applies for buildings in other countries
where specific energy data for gas and electricity usage was
unavailable. The non-renewable energy sources used are gas
usage, heating fuel and district heating. Actual consumption
figures are derived from supplier-provided reports. As of
2025, gas usage is classified as originating from non-
renewable sources, irrespective of the use of biogas
Guarantees of Origin. In 2024, gas consumption was reported
as renewable energy under the category ‘fuel consumption
from renewable sources, including biomass’. Gas
consumption is reclassified as non-renewable (fossil) energy
use and reported under ‘fuel consumption from natural gas’
both in 2024 and 2025. The total reported energy
consumption remains unchanged. As a consequence, the
share of renewable energy is adjusted to 66% for both years.
Energy consumption from fleet
We report on the energy consumption of our own fleet, which
includes small trucks and vans, large trucks, and scooters.
Fuel usage data, provided by our suppliers, reflects the actual
litres of fuel consumed. Electricity used by our electric fleet is
classified as renewable, supported by Guarantees of Origin.
For vehicles operating on HVO100 renewable diesel, the
energy is reported as biofuel energy, while those using bio-
CNG or bio-LNG are categorised under biogas energy.
PostNL Energy consumption as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Fuel consumption from coal and coal products (MWh)
Fuel consumption from crude oil and petroleum products (MWh)
55,445
49,778
Fuel consumption from natural gas (MWh)
22,866
23,380
Fuel consumption from other fossil sources (MWh)
176
290
Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling from fossil sources (MWh)
1,039
1,223
Total fossil energy consumption (MWh)
79,526
74,671
(6)%
Share of fossil sources in total energy consumption (%) 1
34%
34%
Consumption from nuclear sources (MWh)
Share of nuclear sources in total energy consumption (%)
%
%
Fuel consumption for renewable sources, including biomass (MWh)
82,210
71,027
Consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, steam, and cooling from renewable sources
(MWh) 1
69,361
66,945
The consumption of self-generated non-fuel renewable energy (MWh)
5,165
6,148
Total renewable energy consumption (MWh)
156,736
144,120
(8)%
Share of renewable sources in total energy consumption (%) 1
66%
66%
Total energy consumption (MWh)
236,262
218,791
(7)%
Figures restated, for further details please refer to the aforementioned explanation.
Vehicles using fossil diesel, LPG, or petrol are reported as
energy derived from petroleum products and vehicles running
on fossil CNG or LNG are reported as energy derived from
natural gas. The standard publicly available Dutch conversion
factors, ‘Nederlandse lijst van energiedragers’, are applied to
convert primary activity data from buildings and vehicles into
energy consumption figures in megawatt hours (MWh).
In 2025, we report a decrease in energy consumption
compared to 2024. Our energy consumption from crude oil
and petroleum products decreased in 2025, mainly due to
further electrification of our fleet and the continued use of
renewable fuels. Electricity consumption increased as a result
of this transition, but we are innovating with battery storage
to reduce the impact of grid congestion and optimise usage.
At our sites, renewable energy production from solar panels
amounted to 9,477 MWh, of which 6,148 MWh was self-
consumed, supported by Guarantees of Origin. The use of
fossil fuels such as district heating and heating oil remained
limited to seven sites.
Energy consumption intensity
The total energy consumption, measured in MWh for
buildings and fleet combined, is calculated relative to the
total net revenue of all PostNL entities within the defined
scope. The net revenue in the calculation is aligned with the
revenue from contracts with customers presented in the
our financial statements.
PostNL Energy consumption intensity as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Total energy per
net revenue (MWh
per million Euro)
73
66
(9)%
Overall energy use decreased in 2025 compared to 2024,
while revenue increased, resulting in an improved energy
intensity.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
203
2.3 Pollution
Within the broader ESRS Pollution topic, reducing and
preventing air pollution is an integral part of our transition
plan, supporting our strategic objective to minimise
environmental impact. We are advancing towards our 2040
net-zero ambition by expanding zero-emission logistics.
2.3.1 Our actions
In 2025, we continued to take concrete steps to reduce air
pollution across our network helping us to achieve our policy
objectives and science-based targets. We expanded the use
of zero-emission vehicles in urban areas, further electrified
our fleet, and optimised delivery routes to limit unnecessary
mileage. For more information on our actions related to
electrification of our fleet, refer to section Climate change
mitigation earlier in the environmental disclosures.
2.3.2 Our performance
In this section we outline the progress we made in reducing
air pollution in 2025, as part of our wider environmental
objectives. Our efforts focused on lowering emissions from
transport and operations, supported by investments in
cleaner vehicles, route optimisation, and the increased use of
renewable energy. Across key urban areas, we continued to
expand our zero-emission delivery network and monitored
improvements in local air quality. These actions have brought
us closer to achieving our 2040 net-zero ambition.
Our emission-free delivery target is partly mandatory,
reflecting legal requirements for operate zero-emission within
designated zero-emission zones. At the same time, it is partly
voluntary, as we pro-actively extend zero-emission delivery
to areas beyond regulatory obligations to accelerate
progress towards cleaner logistics.
For more information on our target setting including
advancing towards our 2040 net-zero ambition by expanding
emission-free logistics, we refer to Our performance,
Logistics and additional regulations as part of the section
Climate change mitigation earlier in the environmental
disclosures.
2.3.2.1 Pollution of air
Air pollution from own fleet
As a logistics service provider, we have no industrial
production processes involving pollution of water and soil.
Microplastics are not generated or used. We therefore focus
on air pollution caused by transport vehicles. Our reporting
scope includes air pollution of our own fleet. In the upcoming
years, we will monitor developments in the market and
regulations to align our reporting with.
PostNL Air pollution from own fleet in kilogrammes
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
NOx
PM10
PM2.5
NOx
PM10
PM2.5
Emissions from combustion
Large trucks
17,344
418
397
15,316
364
347
Small trucks, vans and motorcycles
4,186
167
159
3,322
132
125
Emission from brakes, tyres and road surface wear
Large trucks
4,324
2,322
3,942
2,118
Small trucks, vans and motorcycles
1,704
924
1,587
860
Total emissions
21,530
6,613
3,802
18,638
6,025
3,450
Currently, we report on our key emissions nitrogen oxides
(NOx) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). While sulphur
oxides (SOx) are also pollutants, we do not report on these
emissions, as the sulphur content of diesel in the European
market is relatively low and our estimated emissions are well
below the 150,000 kilogram threshold (see Annex II of
Regulation (EC) No 166/2006). All other pollutants listed in
Annex II are not applicable or are not material for PostNL.
It is not practical and would be too costly to gather real-time
data on exhaust emissions and road, brake and surface wear
on a per-vehicle basis. Therefore, emissions from combustion
are calculated based on the maximum permissible emission
per Euro category, expressed in grammes per kilometre,
multiplied by the kilometres driven by our small and large
trucks. As a result, the reported data is based on estimates.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
204
The emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particle matter
(PM10/PM2.5 ) are not directly linked to the use of combustion
fuels but depend primarily on engine efficiency. By applying
the maximum permissible emission levels, PostNL reports the
NOx and PM10/PM2.5 exhaust emissions on a conservative
basis. In addition to particle matter resulting from
combustion, we also report on PM10 and PM2.5 emissions
arising brake, tyre and road surface wear, using emission
factors from PDEF. Insights into reductions in NOx and PM10/
PM2.5 emissions resulting from combustion can be derived
from the Euro classification table. A higher Euro standard
means more stringent emission limits. Euro Z refers to
vehicles with zero exhaust emissions, such as electric
vehicles. Developments in air quality are closely linked to the
types of vehicles in use. Accordingly, trends shown in the Air
pollution from own fleet table are explained alongside those
from the Compliance with Euro emission norms table.
In 2025, we reduced total exhaust NOx emissions from our
fleet by 13% compared to 2024. In addition, we achieved
reductions of 9% in PM10 and 9% in PM2.5 emissions. These
reductions can be attributed to replacing Euro 6 small trucks
with electric (Euro Z) vehicles and to fewer kilometres driven.
All of our trucks comply with at least the Euro 6 emission
standard, while an increasing number of delivery vans have
been replaced by electric Euro Z models. This transition is
especially important to improve air quality in inner cities.
PostNL Compliance with Euro emission norms
share per euro norm
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Large trucks
Share of vehicles complying with Euro Z
1%
1%
Share of vehicles complying with Euro 6
98%
99%
Share of vehicles complying with Euro 5
1%
0%
Small trucks and vans
Share of vehicles complying with Euro Z
43%
53%
Share of vehicles complying with Euro 6
57%
47%
Share of vehicles complying with Euro 5
0%
0%
Total
Share of vehicles complying with Euro Z
38%
47%
Share of vehicles complying with Euro 6
62%
53%
Share of vehicles complying with Euro 5
0%
0%
“Reducing and preventing air
pollution is integral to our climate
transition plan”
PostNL Annual Report 2025
205
2.4 Resource use and circular economy
Responsible resource use is essential to reducing our
environmental footprint and supporting our transition
towards a more circular logistics chain. By 2040, we aim to
achieve net-zero waste, working towards a fully circular
approach to material use. We focus on using materials
efficiently, minimising waste and extending the lifespan of
assets across our operations. By redesigning processes,
increasing reuse and recycling, and selecting more
sustainable materials, we contribute to a circular economy.
These efforts help lower emissions, reduce dependency on
raw materials and strengthen long-term environmental
resilience.
2.4.1 Our actions
2.4.1.1 Resource inflows, including resource
use
Sustainable procurement
PostNL applies circular principles to procurement across the
upstream value chain. Although PostNL does not produce
goods, we aim to source products that are as sustainable as
possible, from logistics consumables to packaging and
operational equipment. Our long-term objective is to achieve
net-zero waste by 2040, with medium-term milestones that
enhance transparency, increase the use of recycled and
renewable materials, and reduce reliance on virgin resources.
In 2025, waste management practices improved through
enhanced waste separation and reusable packaging
initiatives, while downstream, our re-commerce and e-waste
collection services further supported circular business
models. We strengthened supplier engagement on circularity
and scope 3 emissions. We gained more detailed insights into
CO₂ emissions per supplier and began collecting actual
emissions data to support our reduction targets. Updated
supplier guidelines introduced stricter requirements,
including:
Mandatory environmental certification (e.g. EcoVadis, CSR
Register)
The right to conduct on-site inspections, including
unannounced audits
Extended criteria on CO₂ reduction, waste, water, and
compliance with the EU Anti-Deforestation Regulation
Clear expectations on human rights and environmental
responsibility.
These measures primarily have a medium-term time horizon,
focused on building the data foundation and supplier
collaboration needed to scale circular sourcing. We advanced
towards our goal of reporting on 90% of resource inflows
from key suppliers, related to logistics materials and short-
lifecycle items. We continued to track the share of contracted
suppliers assessed on sustainability. Currently, 21% of our
suppliers hold a recognised sustainability certification,
representing 85% of our total spend. We intend to refine our
approach to focus on material spend rather than the full
supplier base, as smaller suppliers typically have more
limited sustainability capabilities. In the coming year, we will
assess whether to set a more targeted ambition. Through
these actions, we are reducing material dependency, lowering
scope 3 CO₂ emissions, and supporting the transition to a
more circular and transparent supply chain.
2.4.1.2 Resource outflows
Enabling circular business models
This action focuses on the downstream value chain, where
PostNL supports customers and partners in extending
product lifecycles and keeping materials in use for longer. By
enabling re-commerce, repair, reuse, and recycling, we
contribute to the transition towards a circular economy.
While the overarching action plan is still being developed, we
have already taken important steps to operationalise
circularity within our network. Key initiatives in 2025 included:
Introducing re-commerce solutions for e-waste and textiles,
enabling the reuse and recycling of valuable materials
Combining our leadership role in the Circular Shopping
2030 programme, initiated by Thuiswinkel.org, with
continued participation in the Circular Shopping Tomorrow
initiative. Together with more than 20 e-commerce
partners, we collaborated on themes such as design for
circularity, consumer communication, and sustainable
packaging innovation
Partnering with Dobbi, a Dutch start-up specialising in
electronics reuse and recycling, to make it easier for
consumers to return small electronic devices (such as
smartphones, tablets, and laptops) through the PostNL
network. This collaboration helps keep valuable materials
in circulation and reduces electronic waste.
These initiatives are part of a medium- to long-term strategy
aimed at enabling scalable circular business models across
the value chain. They are expected to expand the reuse and
recycling capacity in our network, increase the volume of
collected materials, and enhance cooperation with retailers
and technology partners to achieve broader sector-wide
impact.
Reducing residual waste
Reducing residual waste remains central to our ambition of
achieving no more than 10% residual waste by 2040. This
focus covers PostNL’s own operations and includes all
depots, sorting centres, and offices.
In collaboration with waste management partners, we carried
out waste scans at key sites to identify hotspots and
improvement opportunities. Based on the results, we
developed a multi-year roadmap for waste reduction and
resource optimisation. Key actions included:
Installing clearly labelled waste collection points with
simple sorting guidance across all locations
PostNL Annual Report 2025
206
Launching an internal awareness campaign during the
Dutch government’s Week of the Circular Economy,
featuring guest presentations, employee idea sessions, and
practical tips
Using our waste management dashboard to monitor
progress, with performance discussed in team meetings
and quarterly reviews.
In 2024, our residual waste averaged 27%. By the end of
2025, this had decreased to 24%, driven by improved waste
separation and increased employee engagement. In 2026, we
will continue to target further optimisation at site level, with
incremental reductions expected in the years ahead.
In 2025, PostNL strengthened its circular approach across
procurement, supplier collaboration, and waste reduction,
laying a solid foundation for further integration of circular
principles throughout the value chain. Looking ahead, our
focus will shift from developing and piloting initiatives to
scaling proven approaches and improving transparency on
material flows and waste performance.
In 2026, we will continue to expand collaboration with circular
partners and industry programmes, further embedding
circularity into procurement and operations. By reducing
material dependency and waste generation, our circularity
initiatives directly support PostNL’s broader decarbonisation
and climate goals, helping to lower emissions and build a
more resource-efficient logistics network.
Destruction of returned or refused goods from international
customers
As identified in the DMA, a potential risk was recognised in
relation to the destruction of returned or refused goods from
international customers, offered as a service by CBS. At the
time of the DMA, this practice was still in place. Since then,
the approach has been adjusted so that, where possible,
responsibility for handling returned or refused goods rests
with the sender. PostNL now returns undeliverable items that
have not been customs cleared to their country of origin. This
change has reduced the number of goods destroyed at the
sender’s request. Together, these measures mitigate the
identified risk and reduce the volume of goods disposed of
through this service. In addition, based on a legal assessment,
PostNL is not in breach of the Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) on
the destruction of unsold goods, as the goods concerned had
already been financially compensated.
2.4.2 Our performance
Our primary target is to achieve a 90% reduction in residual
waste by 2040, compared with 2022. This means that no
more than 10% of our waste will be unsuitable for reuse,
repair, refurbishment, re-manufacturing, repurposing, or
recycling. Achieving this target requires sustainable
procurement choices and a reduction in the use of materials
that cannot be reused, repaired or recycled, thereby
supporting higher circular material use rates. The target
underpins our policy objectives and reflects our contribution
to the circular economy.
Each year, we set a new interim target and will continue to do
so until 2040. As PostNL is not a production company, most of
our waste arises from operational material use, including
packaging, logistics materials, and office locations. The target
therefore covers the use phase of the product life cycle and
applies to all PostNL entities. Annual reduction percentages
currently relate to operations in the Netherlands and Belgium,
with data for other regions to follow.
Although voluntary, the target anticipates stricter EU
regulation on circularity. It is measured relative to the 2022
base year and excludes greenhouse gas (GHG) removals,
carbon credits, or avoided emissions. The target focuses on
improving waste management and advancing sustainable
procurement. Stakeholder consultations with customers,
trade organisations, and shareholders shaped the design,
ensuring alignment with market and regulatory expectations.
The target is formally approved by the Director of
Procurement & Services.
We align our waste reduction strategies with the EU Circular
Economy Action Plan, which helps guide our efforts to
minimise residual waste, increase recycling rates, and
transition to a more circular economy. Our targets are based
on internal data from waste audits and operational
processes, allowing us to track the effectiveness of our waste
reduction measures throughout our supply chain. We
anticipate continued regulatory and technological
developments that are expected to support improvements in
recycling infrastructure and material recovery systems over
time, enabling us to meet our long‑term target. We also
consider local waste management capabilities and
infrastructure in the regions we operate by working together
with our waste management partner.
Each quarter, we assess performance and determine whether
adjustments are required to enhance processes or employee
behaviours. Using dashboards provided by our waste
management partners, we monitor results closely. These
insights also support tracking progress against our GHG
emission reduction targets within the waste category. Based
on progress achieved and the current phase of
implementation, PostNL considers its circularity targets to be
on track, recognising that further scaling and data refinement
are required in the coming years.
2.4.2.1 Resource inflows, including resource
use
To determine the scope of materials, we focused mainly on
their environmental impact, whilst also including their weight,
relevance to our operations, lifecycle, and potential risks. The
selected materials are derived from our upstream value chain
and in use in our own operations.
In line with our approach to gradually expand the reporting
scope on this relatively new metric, we further developed our
methodology this year. In 2025, we concentrated on short-
cycle materials with a frequent turnover in our daily
operational processes and a relatively higher environmental
impact. We extended the scope by adding several materials
PostNL Annual Report 2025
207
that are widely used in our operations but can also be
considered long-cycle. This includes metal (e.g. roll containers
and purchased bicycles), cotton (staff clothing), and
electronics (hand scanners and e-bikes).
For the selection of materials, we apply a set of criteria:
relevance to our core activities, cost, environmental impact,
and visibility to external stakeholders. We will regularly
reassess these criteria, allowing new insights to guide
adjustments to the scope in future years. Our aim is to build
an increasingly detailed understanding of our key material
flows, thereby providing a solid basis for more sustainable
choices.
Scope of materials
PostNL’s key resource inflows in scope include:
Packaging materials – cardboard and plastic for secure
transport in primary and internal logistics as well as
commercial packaging intended for resale to customers
Elastic bands, straps, and label tags – regularly replenished
for bundling mail and securing containers
Plastic wrap – essential for securing parcels in roll
containers during transport
Inner and airmail bags – used for bike deliveries and
international shipments, these require frequent
replacement
Stamps – essential to postal services, with continuous
usage
PU gloves and pallets – gloves protect staff, while pallets
support storage and transport
Metal – long-cycle materials such as roll containers and
purchased bicycles
Cotton – company clothing used across operations
Electronics hand scanners and e-bikes that support
delivery and logistics operations.
Items with very long lifecycles or low replacement rates, such
as leased bicycles, remain out of scope from the current
reporting. Purchased bicycles, however, are included in scope
as part of our operational material flows. As in previous
years, PostNL does not rely on critical raw materials, rare
earth elements, or significant water consumption, but we
continue to monitor these for future reporting. In line with EU
regulations, including the Single-Use Plastics and Packaging
Waste Directives, we remain committed to enhancing
resource traceability, reducing virgin material use, and
adopting circular practices through more sustainable
sourcing.
Environmental impact of materials
The materials used in PostNL’s operations, paper/cardboard,
plastic, rubber, wood, metal, cotton, and electronics have
notable environmental impacts:
Paper/cardboard – high water and energy use; recycling
limited by fibre degradation; unsustainable sourcing may
contribute to deforestation (source: FSC and Environmental
Paper Network)
Plastic – fossil fuel-based with high GHG emissions; low
recyclability, especially for flexible plastics (source:
European Environment Agency)
Rubber and wood – used in gloves, pallets, and other
operational items; their impacts vary depending on
sourcing and treatment methods
Metal – used in long-cycle materials such as roll containers
and bicycles; production of metals is highly energy- and
carbon-intensive, but durability and recyclability reduce
relative environmental impacts over the lifecycle
Cotton – applied in company clothing; production requires
high water and pesticide use, with related environmental
and social impacts. Certified sourcing (e.g. organic or Fair
Wear) can mitigate these effects
Electronics used in hand scanners and e-bikes;
production involves mining and processing of rare
materials, with high energy use and limited recyclability.
Reuse and refurbishment programmes can reduce their
impact.
Data collection
In 2025, PostNL further built on the data collection process
initiated in 2024. A 100% response rate was achieved from
selected suppliers (2024: 81%) for the selected materials,
over the period July 2024 until June 2025, reflecting
improved supplier engagement. Materials are classified as
biological (e.g. cardboard, cotton) or technical (e.g. plastic,
metal, electronics), with weight data collected for both new
and recycled inputs.
Compared to 2024, the reporting scope was expanded by
including additional material categories and Belgium suppliers
contracted by PostNL Netherlands, resulting in more
complete coverage of our operational footprint. At the same
time, we have further refined our reporting interpretations.
Reusable pallet boxes were excluded from scope, while
repair wood related to pallet maintenance was included,
improving data quality and transparency on reported
resource inflows.
PostNL Resource inflows as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Total amount of technical materials
(tonnes)
270
907
Total amount of biological materials
(tonnes)
3,445
5,761
Total weight of technical and biological
products (tonnes)
3,715
6,668
79%
Share of sustainably sourced biological
materials with a certification (%)
45%
86%
Weight in absolute value of recycled
components (tonnes)
2,704
3,837
Recycled components as share of total
amount of weight of products (%)
73%
58%
Changes in scope and methodology explain several
differences compared to 2024. The increase in technical
materials is mainly driven by the inclusion of roll containers,
parcel lockers and postboxes. Biological materials increased
primarily due to a higher volume of cardboard packaging
orders (approximately 30%). Wooden pallets received from
customers were excluded, as these are returned and do not
PostNL Annual Report 2025
208
constitute PostNL’s own material use; only pallets for internal
use and related repair wood remain included. The share of
recycled components decreased compared to 2024. In 2024,
pallets and commercial packaging represented a relatively
large share of recycled inputs, while the expanded scope in
2025 mainly covers technical materials that are not recycled.
PostNL continues to improve data quality by further aligning
procurement systems with sustainability reporting and
refining supplier data collection processes. As reporting on
resource inflows under ESRS E5 is a relatively new topic,
challenges may remain in achieving full comparability over
time as scope, methodologies and data availability continue
to evolve. Transparency on these limitations is therefore an
integral part of our reporting approach.
2.4.2.2 Resource outflows
PostNL acknowledges that, as a logistics provider rather than
a production company, the metrics under resource outflows
are not material to our operations. Specifically, we do not
report on 'production and materials' metrics, as these are
designed for manufacturing processes that are not applicable
to PostNL’s business model.
The waste generated by PostNL is composed of hazardous
and non-hazardous waste, and in line with the key waste
streams relevant to the logistics sector, mainly operational
waste and packaging waste. A portion of waste arises from
shipments that cannot be delivered, for example due to
damage occurring during transit between sender and
recipient. Hazardous waste includes batteries (lithium and
lead-acid), used oils, fire extinguishers, toners and small
hazardous waste (klein gevaarlijk afval, KGA). Non-hazardous
waste includes operational waste (e.g. wood, scrap metal,
organic waste (fermentation in pallet boxes or pallets), film
(plastic)), e-waste (e.g. obsolete electronic devices such as
monitors and white goods), packaging waste (e.g. cardboard,
PMD (plastic, metal, drink cartons), and other recyclable
packaging materials), and general office waste (e.g. paper,
confidential document boxes, and other consumables).
Hazardous waste streams generated as part of our
operations are safely handled and processed by certified
partners to ensure compliance with environmental
regulations. PostNL does not generate radioactive waste as
defined under Article 3(7) of Council Directive 2011/70/
Euratom. The classification of recovery and disposal
operations excludes biomass recovery from recycling and
categorises it under ‘other recovery operations’. We report
on approximately 96% of waste in our operations.
We have partnered with waste management companies in the
Netherlands and Belgium, who provide data on waste
streams, from sorting centres to final delivery. The waste
data disclosed is primarily sourced from our waste
management partner in the Netherlands. In 2025, we added
waste data for Belgium. For areas not covered, the waste
data is scaled proportionally to provide a comprehensive
view across all operations.
PostNL Recycled waste as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Total amount of non-recycled waste
(tonnes)
1,704
1,928
Total amount of recycled waste (tonnes)
4,698
6,185
Total amount of waste generated (tonnes)
6,402
8,113
Non-recycled waste as share of total
waste (%)
27%
24%
Recycled waste as share of total waste (%)
73%
76%
In 2025, 76% of PostNL’s total waste was recycled, compared
to 73% in 2024. The overall amount of reported waste
increased, mainly because non-hazardous cardboard waste
has now been included in scope for the first time. Despite this
increase, the CO₂ impact of our waste decreased due to
improved separation and higher recycling rates, in line with
circular principles.
PostNL Waste per recovery operation and treatment type
in tonnes
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Total amount by weight diverted from
disposal
6,402
8,113
27%
Hazardous waste
44
163
271%
Preparation for reuse
Recycling
4
50
Other recovery operations
40
114
Non-hazardous waste
6,358
7,950
25%
Preparation for reuse
Recycling
4,694
6,136
Other recovery operations
1,664
1,814
Total amount by weight directed to
disposal
Hazardous waste
Incineration
Landfill
Other disposal operations
Non-hazardous waste
Incineration
Landfill
Other disposal operations
Total amount of waste generated
6,402
8,113
27%
In 2025, both hazardous and non-hazardous waste increased,
with hazardous waste representing only a limited proportion
of the total amount of waste generated. The hazardous waste
increase was partly attributable to higher volumes of
intercepted chemical waste within our Health & Secure
business unit and to the installation of a new packaging
machine at our fulfilment centre, enabling shipping labels to
be printed directly onto the packaging. All hazardous waste is
managed in compliance with applicable regulations. Across
our operations, we continue to optimise waste processes,
raise employee awareness, and implement practical solutions
such as better recycling infrastructure at sorting centres.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
209
2.5 EU Taxonomy on sustainable activities
Since 2021, the EU Taxonomy on sustainable economic
activities applies to PostNL. The EU Taxonomy is the EU's
dictionary of sustainable economic activities designed to
promote transparency, counter greenwashing, and drive the
shift of capital towards a future sustainable economy. In this
chapter, PostNL provides the mandatory disclosures
required.
The Taxonomy is a classification system for companies to
disclose the extent to which business activities are covered
by and aligned with specific sustainability criteria. The main
objectives of the EU taxonomy are to provide a reference
framework aimed at orienting financial and business
investment strategies towards sustainable activities and to
accelerate the green and sustainable transition of economic
players. Reaching these objectives is essential to meet the
EU's ambition of becoming climate neutral by 2050.
2.5.1 EU Taxonomy statements
This chapter contains an elaboration of the assessment on
the classification of eligible and aligned activities in
accordance with the EU Taxonomy. Given the evolving nature
of legislation, our eligibility and alignment assessments follow
an iterative approach. These efforts lay the groundwork for
future EU Taxonomy implementation and reporting.
The EU Taxonomy prescribes quantitative and qualitative
reporting on predefined KPIs. In this section, we present the
share of PostNL’s consolidated total revenue (turnover),
capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure
(opex) for the reporting period 2025. The disclosures are
associated with Taxonomy-eligible economic activities related
to the environmental objectives in accordance with the
Regulation (EU) 2020/852 as supplemented with Commission
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139, Commission Delegated
Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 (EU Taxonomy), Delegated
Regulation (EU) 2023/2486 of 27 June 2023 (Environmental
Delegated Act) and the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2485
of 27 June 2023 amending the Climate Delegated Act. In line
with the option provided by the legislation, PostNL has chosen
to apply, starting from this reporting year, the requirements
set out in the Delegated Act amending the Taxonomy
Disclosures as well as the Climate and Environmental
Delegated Acts (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)
2026/73 of 4 July 2025).
Basis of preparation
Our approach to report in accordance with the relevant EU
Taxonomy regulation includes the following key steps:
Evaluation of PostNL's activities in relation to the EU
Taxonomy classification of economic activities
Evaluation of technical specifications of activities and
related assets in relation to substantial contribution and Do
Evaluation of Minimum Safeguards (MS) criteria based on
existing policies and business practices
Materiality assessment and decision-making on whether or
not to apply the threshold (10%) per activity and KPI
Calculation and reporting of the KPIs.
Identification of economic activities
An economic activity is considered Taxonomy eligible if it is
described in the Taxonomy Delegated Acts, irrespective of
whether that activity meets any or all of the technical
screening criteria laid down in the Delegated Acts. An
economic activity is considered Taxonomy aligned when the
activity contributes substantially to one of the six
environmental objectives, DNSH to the other five objectives in
accordance with the DNSH criteria, and complies with
Minimum Safeguards.
Assessment of technical screening criteria
In 2021 and 2022, the technical screening criteria for
substantial contribution was specified by the EU for
environmental objectives:
Climate change mitigation (CCM)
Climate change adaptation (CCA)
Sustainable use and protection of water and marine
resources
Transition to a circular economy
Pollution prevention and control
Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
These criteria relate to how an economic activity can
contribute substantially to one or more of the environmental
objectives, in combination with criteria for DNSH to the other
environmental objectives. The 2025 Delegated Act amending
the Taxonomy Disclosures introduced a change in the
Appendix C related to the DNSH criteria for pollution
prevention and control, however this is not applicable to
PostNL’s eligible activities.
In assessing the technical screening criteria, PostNL
incorporates the 2025 update of the Climate Risk
Assessment. Further information on this assessment can be
found in the strategy section earlier in the Environmental
disclosures.
Minimum safeguards
PostNL has assessed its compliance on the minimum social
safeguards the EU Taxonomy requires in relation to human
rights, anti-bribery, fair competition and taxation matters,
taking into account the 2025 Human Rights Salience
Assessment. Further information on this assessment is
provided in the strategy section of the Social disclosures.
PostNL has included relevant aspects of business conduct in
relation to these topics in formal policies and procedures as
part of our business conduct and integrity programme. The
PostNL Annual Report 2025
210
assessment provided PostNL a sufficient basis to conclude
that the company met the minimum social safeguards criteria.
More details about business conduct and integrity in general
can be found in the Governance disclosures.
EU Taxonomy KPIs
For 2025, PostNL reported on the KPIs total revenue
(turnover), capital expenditures (capex) and operational
expenditures (opex). The starting points of our Taxonomy
allocation methodology are the financial statement line items.
The reported figures have been determined based on the
allocation of activities to the Taxonomy, derived bottom-up
for all PostNL reporting units. The figures are based on the
actual amounts represented in the general ledger accounts as
included in PostNL's consolidated financial statements. In
addition, the split between transport by road and air in our
international business is based on expected transport modes
between countries for our trade lanes. Only the road
activities are eligible for PostNL, transport by air is
considered to be a non-eligible activity for PostNL. To avoid
double-counting, we eliminated inter-company transactions,
which are separately specified in our general ledger accounts
and consolidated financial statements. We did not identify
any other risk of overlapping activities that could lead to
double-counting.
Significant estimates and judgements
PostNL has implemented the Taxonomy-related requirements
based on the detailed regulatory documents, frequently
asked questions (FAQs) from the European Commission and,
where needed, our own interpretation of the criteria. On
relevant elements where interpretation is needed, PostNL
applied due care in its approach by focusing on maximum
transparency and through engagement with dedicated
professional consultants and peers, for example a PostEurop
working group. We are aware that views on the interpretation
by the European Commission may change over time and that
this may lead to different conclusions on the reported
eligibility and alignment in the future. For CCM 6.4 (Operation
of personal mobility devices, cycle logistics) and CCM 6.5
(Transport by motorbikes, passenger cars and light
commercial vehicles), the calculation of the share of aligned
activities, PostNL allocated the proportion of turnover based
on the kilometres driven by the Taxonomy-aligned activities
relative to the total kilometres driven by vehicles attributed
to this economic activity.
The share of Taxonomy-aligned activities for CCM 6.5 is
currently built up from electric scooters. For small e-trucks in
our fleet, we concluded that these cannot yet be reported as
Taxonomy aligned, because PostNL has not yet been able to
substantiate the DNSH criteria for the environmental
objective Pollution. All other technical screening criteria are
being met for the activities with these vehicles.
2.5.2 Methodology and assumptions
PostNL has identified the following EU Taxonomy economic
activities and key interpretation elements.
CCM 6.4 Operation of personal mobility devices, cycle
logistics
All transport devices where the propulsion comes from the
physical activity of the user, from a zero-emissions motor
and combined with physical activity, such as an (e-)bike
and/or (electric) cargo bike (i.e. bicycles, electric bicycles,
or cargo bikes) are categorised under activity 6.4. This
means that the kilometres of the delivery process, using a
personal mobility device such as an (e-)bike and/or
(electric) cargo bike, in combination with physical activities
(kilometres walked by our delivery staff), are categorised
under activity 6.4.
CCM 6.5 Transport by motorbike, passenger car and light
commercial vehicle
The purchase, financing, renting, leasing and operation of
vehicles designated as category M1, N1, or L (2- and 3-
wheel vehicles and quadricycles). In PostNL terminology, all
activities with small trucks, motorised scooter and light
electric freight vehicles are attributed to this category.
CCM 6.6 Freight transport services by road
This activity concerns power-driven vehicles having at least
four wheels and which are used for the carriage of goods.
In PostNL terminology, the activities with large trucks are
attributed to this economic activity.
CCM 6.15 Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road
transport and public transport
PostNL links its sorting activities to a specific sub-activity
described in the EU Taxonomy, infrastructure dedicated to
transshipment. Our interpretation of this activity is that
infrastructure and related activities in the sorting centres of
PostNL are related to transshipment of freight between the
modes (Delegated act Annex 1 art. 6.15: 1.b of the technical
screening criteria).
Capex related to buildings are considered eligible under CCM
6.15. This infrastructure facilitates cargo transition between
road freight and other transport modes and is fundamental to
enable the efficient transport of letters and parcels. The
infrastructure between the modes is therefore indispensable
to minimise the required transport activities in our business.
Other alternatives would imply a significant expansion of
transport movements and related environmental impact,
resulting in increased GHG emissions.
Other eligible but non-material activities
According to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)
2026/73 of 4 July 2025, undertakings are not required to
assess compliance with the EU Taxonomy for activities that
are not financially material to their business. Such
immateriality is presumed when the cumulative value of these
activities represents less than 10% of the KPI denominators.
PostNL rents and leases buildings on a limited scale for
operational purposes. This can be considered as “exercising
ownership of real estate,” which falls under the economic
activity CCM 7.7 “Acquisition and Ownership of Buildings”. As
shown in Template I, column 14, this activity accounts
(rounded) for 0% of PostNL’s Revenue and 0% of PostNL’s
PostNL Annual Report 2025
211
capex denominator and has therefore been classified as non-
material in accordance with EU Taxonomy guidance; in the
absence of the materiality exemption, this activity was
disclosed in the sustainability statements of previous years,
since eligible but not aligned.
Operational Expenditure (opex) are not material for
PostNL's business model
PostNL is a people-driven, asset-light company where
operational expenditure, as defined by the EU Taxonomy, are
considered immaterial to the business model. In such cases,
the EU Taxonomy permits a reporting exemption (Article 8
Delegated Act, Annex I, Section 1.1.3.2).
To ensure transparency and consistency, PostNL annually
assesses this immateriality by comparing the share of opex in
scope of the EU Taxonomy to total opex against an internally
defined threshold of 5%. If immateriality is confirmed, PostNL
reports the opex KPI in accordance with the Disclosure
Delegated Act, setting the numerator to zero and disclosing
the total opex denominator. For FY2025, PostNL’s opex
remains below the defined threshold. Accordingly, this
information is presented in the dedicated table.
EU Taxonomy tables
The tables below present the amounts within scope and the
percentage of eligibility and alignment for each KPI related to
the EU Taxonomy activities identified by PostNL. The table
format has been updated according to the new one
prescribed by Annex II of the Commission Delegated
Regulation (EU) 2026/73 of 4 July 2025.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
212
PostNL EU Taxonomy as indicated
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Breakdown by environmental objectives of Taxonomy aligned activities
KPI (1)
Total (2)
Proportion
of
Taxonomy
eligible
activities
(3)
Taxonomy
aligned
activities
(4)
Proportion
of
Taxonomy
aligned
activities
(5)
Climate
Change
Mitigation
(6)
Climate
Change
Adaptatio
n (7)
Water (8)
Circular
Economy
(9)
Pollution
(10)
Biodiversi
ty (11)
Proportion
of enabling
activities
(12)
Proportion
of
transitional
activities
(13)
Not
assessed
activities
considered
non-
material
(14)
Taxonomy
aligned
activities in
previous
financial year
(N-1) (15)
Proportion of
Taxonomy
aligned
activities in
previous
financial year
(N-1) (16)
mln €
%
mln €
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
mln €
%
Turnover
3,324
84%
964
29%
29%
/
/
/
/
/
18%
0%
0%
966
30%
CapEx
150
49%
38
25%
25%
/
/
/
/
/
23%
0%
0%
36
25%
OpEx
66
PostNL EU Taxonomy Turnover as indicated
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Environmental object of Taxonomy aligned activities
Economic activities (1)
Code (2)
Taxonomy
eligible KPI
(Proportion
of
Taxonomy
eligible
Turnover)
(3)
Taxonomy
aligned KPI
(monetary
value of
Turnover)
(4)
Taxonomy
aligned KPI
(Proportion
of
Taxonomy
aligned
Turnover)
(5)
Climate
Change
Mitigation
(6)
Climate
Change
Adaptation
(7)
Water (8)
Circular
economy
(9)
Pollution
(10)
Biodiversit
y (11)
Enabling
activity (12)
Transitiona
l activity
(13)
Proportion
of
Taxonomy
aligned in
Taxonomy
eligible (14)
%
mln €
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
(E where
applicable)
(T where
applicable)
%
Operation of personal mobility devices,
cycle logistic
CCM 6.4
8%
268
8%
8%
/
/
/
/
/
0%
0%
100%
Transport by motorbikes, passenger
cars and light commercial vehicles
CCM 6.5
34%
103
3%
3%
/
/
/
/
/
0%
0%
9%
Freight transport services by road
CCM 6.6
24%
0
0%
0%
/
/
/
/
/
0%
0%
0%
Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road
transport and public transport
CCM 6.15
18%
594
18%
18%
/
/
/
/
/
18%
0%
100%
Sum of alignment per objective
29%
/
/
/
/
/
Total KPI (Turnover)
84%
964
29%
29%
/
/
/
/
/
18%
0%
35%
PostNL Annual Report 2025
213
PostNL EU Taxonomy CapEx as indicated
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Environmental object of Taxonomy aligned activities
Economic activities (1)
Code (2)
Taxonomy
eligible KPI
(Proportion
of
Taxonomy
eligible
CapEx) (3)
Taxonomy
aligned KPI
(monetary
value of
CapEx) (4)
Taxonomy
aligned KPI
(Proportion
of
Taxonomy
aligned
CapEx) (5)
Climate
Change
Mitigation
(6)
Climate
Change
Adaptation
(7)
Water (8)
Circular
economy
(9)
Pollution
(10)
Biodiversit
y (11)
Enabling
activity (12)
Transitiona
l activity
(13)
Proportion
of
Taxonomy
aligned in
Taxonomy
eligible (14)
%
mln €
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
(E where
applicable)
(T where
applicable)
%
Operation of personal mobility devices,
cycle logistic
CCM 6.4
0%
0
0%
0%
/
/
/
/
/
0%
0%
100%
Transport by motorbikes, passenger
cars and light commercial vehicles
CCM 6.5
18%
3
2%
2%
/
/
/
/
/
0%
0%
10%
Freight transport services by road
CCM 6.6
5%
0
0%
0%
/
/
/
/
/
0%
0%
0%
Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road
transport and public transport
CCM 6.15
26%
35
23%
23%
/
/
/
/
/
23%
0%
89%
Sum of alignment per objective
25%
/
/
/
/
/
Total KPI (CapEx)
49%
38
25%
25%
/
/
/
/
/
23%
0%
51%
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214
2.5.3 Performance
The EU Taxonomy prescribes quantitative and qualitative
reporting on predefined KPIs. On the previous page we
present the share of PostNL’s consolidated total revenue
(turnover) and capital expenditure (capex) for the reporting
period 2025.
Turnover
This KPI reflects the external revenue recognised in
accordance with IAS 1 par. 82(a), and as such aligns with the
‘Total revenue’ reported in the consolidated income
statement. To determine the portion of net turnover derived
from Taxonomy-eligible activities for each revenue-generating
stream, PostNL evaluated the extent to which these activities
are encompassed by the EU Taxonomy framework.
The revenue deemed eligible under the EU Taxonomy
primarily originates from activities related to the collection,
sorting, and delivery of parcel and mail items. Accordingly, the
eligible and aligned turnover under the EU Taxonomy pertains
entirely to these logistics operations. Conversely, revenue not
eligible under the EU Taxonomy is linked to the transportation
of mail and parcels by air, services provided by external
operators, and the coordination of logistics activities.
The allocation of revenue across various EU Taxonomy
economic activities is determined based on the proportional
operational costs associated with each activity. A detailed
breakdown of turnover by EU Taxonomy activity can be
found in the previous section. The EU taxonomy-aligned
turnover 2025 is in line with prior years. The overall decline of
1 percentage point to 29% is mainly explained by a decrease
in aligned turnover associated with the sorting and delivery
process infrastructure (activity 6.15) for mail products.
Capital expenditures
This KPI covers the additions to Property, plant and
equipment (PPE) under IAS 16, Intangible assets under IAS 38,
as well as additions (including reassessments) to Right-of-use
assets under IFRS 16 (see notes 3.2-3.4 to the Consolidated
financial statements for more information).
From the total capital expenditures (capex), it is assessed
which portion is Taxonomy eligible by assessing per asset
category to which economic activity this asset category
relates and to what extent this activity is included in the EU
Taxonomy. The capital expenditures that are considered to
be eligible under the EU Taxonomy include transport,
infrastructure for transshipments (sorting activities) and real
estate activities. The non-eligible capex under EU Taxonomy
mainly relate to software and other equipment. The
breakdown of the aligned capex for activity CCM 6.15
(Infrastructure enabling low-carbon road transport and public
transport) shows expenditures for PPE of €31 million (2024:
€26 million) and for RoU assets of €4 million (2024: €8 million).
The increase in expenditure for PPE in 2025 is mainly
explained by the expansion of automated parcel lockers
(APLs) in the Netherlands as part of our out-of-home (OOH)
strategy, and investments in tilters and other (un)loading and
lifting tools as part of our focus on reducing physical strain in
parcel sorting centres. The aligned capex for activity CCM 6.5
relates to lease contracts for electric scooters. The full table
regarding the capex can be found in the previous section.
Operational expenditures
For operational expenditures (opex), where the operational
expenditure is not material for the business model, the EU
Taxonomy allows for an exemption (Article 8 Delegated Act
Annex I section 1.1.3.2). PostNL is a people-driven and asset-
light company. The denominator of the total opex in scope for
the EU Taxonomy amounts to €66 million (2024: €64 million),
which represents around 2% (2024: 2%) of PostNL's €3,324
million ‘Total operating expenses’ in 2025 (2024: €3,218
million). As PostNL applies an internally defined threshold of
5% (in line with previous year’s reporting), the relative share
of opex in scope of the EU Taxonomy compared to the total
operational expenditures of PostNL is deemed not material
for PostNL's business model. As a consequence, the amount
of eligible opex is exempt from the calculation of the
numerator of the opex KPI for the EU Taxonomy and is
therefore reported as being equal to zero.
Looking ahead
The current technical screening criteria offer limited scope
for postal operators to achieve progress in alignment. In-
depth analysis and discussions within a working group
facilitated by PostEurop have demonstrated that meeting
certain DNSH criteria is both practically and economically
unfeasible. To address this, PostEurop, on behalf of its
members, including PostNL, submitted a proposal to the
European Commission for postal-specific economic activities
and screening criteria. This proposal aims to establish criteria
that are realistic and appropriate within the context of postal
business models.
By introducing sector-specific criteria, European postal
operators would be able to make meaningful investments in
sustainable activities that align with their operational
frameworks. Simultaneously, this would enable postal
companies to achieve greater alignment in their EU Taxonomy
reporting, fostering sustainable growth within the industry.
Social
disclosures
In this chapter we provide disclosures on our
material impacts, risks and opportunities related to
our Social material topics. We explain our strategy
and how we engage with our own workforce,
workers in the value chain, consumers and end-
users, and the grievance and remedy mechanisms
we have in place. We then outline our social policy
framework, including how it guides our approach to
employees, delivery partners, consumers and
communities. Lastly, we disclose actions taken,
targets set and progress achieved to enhance
employee engagement, inclusion, wellbeing and
value creation for society.
3
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216
3.1 General disclosures
3.1.1 Our impacts, risks and opportunities
In the table below, we disclose our material impacts, risks, and opportunities per topic, including their time horizon and where in the value chain they occur.
Description
IRO
Value chain
Time horizon
Own workforce
Working conditions
Working time
Failing to manage working times effectively can lead to harm, including excessively long hours, insufficient rest, or frequent
night shifts, particularly during peak periods due to understaffing (actual).
Incidents of excessive working hours pose financial, reputational, and legal risks, potentially increasing labour costs through
ill-health and employee turnover.
Health and safety (including
road traffic safety)
Failing to provide a safe and healthy work environment, including robust measures for traffic safety, can result in injuries, ill-
health, diminished employee engagement, and, in the most severe cases, fatalities (actual).
Failing to prioritise road safety in interactions with third parties can result in harm to individuals within local communities
(actual).
Inadequate management of health and safety, including excessive work pressure, may lead to increased labour costs due to
absenteeism and lower productivity, disruption to business operations, potential litigation and reputational damage, strained
relationships with stakeholders, and higher operational costs arising from remediation efforts and fines.
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
Diversity and inclusion
Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, accepted, included, and valued is achieved by
embracing differences, raising awareness, facilitating open dialogue, offering targeted training programmes, and implementing
specific interventions to address challenges, ensuring a supportive environment for all individuals (actual).
Measures against violence
and harassment in the
workplace
Failing to implement sufficient mechanisms for preventing, detecting, and addressing discrimination and harassment may
potentially result in harm to individuals (potential).
Insufficient attention, an inappropriate corporate culture, or inadequate mechanisms may enable discrimination and
harassment, breaching business principles, harming individuals, and resulting in litigation and reputational damage. This
negatively impacts employee morale, retention, costs, and revenue.
Training and skills
development
Providing employees opportunities to grow their skills and knowledge through training, both personally and professionally,
while actively supporting their career development (actual).
Insufficient investment in or ineffective training and career development can result in unqualified staff, reduced motivation,
decreased retention, and decreased productivity, driving up costs.
Employment and inclusion
of persons with disabilities
Providing individuals with tailored guidance to safeguard access to the labour market, opportunities for growth, enhanced
employability, and full and effective participation in society on an equal footing (actual).
Positive impact
Negative impact
Risk
Opportunity
Upstream
Own operations
Downstream
Short term
Medium term
Long term
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Description
IRO
Value chain
Time horizon
Workers in the value chain
Working conditions
Working time
Failing to adequately ensure mechanisms that regulate working hours and rest periods for delivery partner workers may
result in potential harm (potential).
Reputational risk arising from incidents involving working hours in outsourced operations.
Health and safety
Failing to provide a safe and healthy work environment may potentially result in harm to individuals, including injuries, ill-
health, diminished employee engagement, and, in the most severe cases, fatalities (potential).
Inadequate management of health and safety, including excessive work pressure, may lead to disruption to business
operations, potential litigation and reputational damage, strained relationships with stakeholders, and higher operational
costs arising from remediation efforts and fines.
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
Measures against violence
and harassment in the
workplace
Failing to implement sufficient mechanisms for preventing, detecting, and addressing discrimination and harassment may
potentially result in harm to individuals (potential).
Insufficient attention, an inappropriate corporate culture, or inadequate mechanisms may enable discrimination and
harassment, breaching business principles, harming individuals, and resulting in litigation and reputational damage. This
negatively impacts employee morale, retention, costs, and revenue.
Consumers and end-users
Information related impacts for consumers and/or end-users
Privacy
Risks of litigation and non-compliance, such as breaches of GDPR, arise when individual privacy is insufficiently protected.
This may lead to fines, increased costs, reputational damage, and potential revenue loss if consumers switch to competitors
following a data privacy breach.
Social inclusion of consumers and/or end-users
Access to products and
services
Consumers and end-users benefit from seamless access to reliable parcel and postal logistics through state-of-the-art
solutions that connect senders and receivers by ensuring proximity to customers and consumers, offering secure, inclusive,
and accessible digital services, and maintaining affordable prices for mail services (actual).
Risk of reputational, compliance, and financial impact due to inability to meet legally required or socially expected standards
for affordable, accessible, and reliable postal services, driven by labour capacity constraints and rising labour costs.
Positive impact
Negative impact
Risk
Opportunity
Upstream
Own operations
Downstream
Short term
Medium term
Long term
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3.1.2 Our strategy
PostNL works to create positive social impact across its value
chain by investing in an engaged, healthy and inclusive
workforce, and by ensuring accessible products and services
for all. Our people are central to long-term value creation,
and we continue to build an empowered organisation where
employees are heard, supported and able to thrive. Our
approach covers S1 (own workforce), S2 (workers in the value
chain) and S4 (consumers and end-users), ensuring
consistency with our business model and strategy.
Our social strategy focuses on three priorities: fostering a
safe, inclusive and supportive work environment;
strengthening resilience and wellbeing; and unlocking
opportunities for all through accessibility and development.
These priorities are embedded in our policies, practices and
culture, and informed by insights from our double materiality
assessment. They are integrated into our operating model
through clear governance (policy ownership, KPIs and
targets), risk management (identification, mitigation and
monitoring of salient social risks), and strategic programmes
across the business. PostNL’s strategy may also create
potential negative impacts for employees, delivery partners
and consumers—such as workload, safety, labour‑standards,
accessibility or privacy risks—which we aim to mitigate
through preventive measures, clear standards, monitoring
and investment in accessible and secure services.
In line with our strategy to achieve a positive impact in the
value chain, we conducted a Human Rights Saliency
Assessment in 2025. This assessment helps us determine
which human rights issues are most relevant and serious for
PostNL, focusing on risks to people rather than risks to the
business. The analysis was carried out in accordance with the
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the
OECD Guidelines. All human rights issues were assessed for
scale, scope, and remediability, with special attention to
vulnerable groups and their position in the value chain. Based
on this assessment, the most relevant issues were identified,
which further refined our strategy. This approach enables us
to concentrate efforts on the most significant risks and to
prevent or mitigate potential negative impacts.
Integration into our business model
Own workforce
Our people are the foundation of PostNL’s service promise
and the largest driver of operational quality. We aim to create
fair, safe and rewarding working conditions across all roles
and sites, and we focus on attracting, developing and
retaining skilled people through competitive employment
conditions, equal opportunities and a strong learning culture.
In the Dutch postal and parcels context, the material negative
social impacts we identify are systemic in nature, reflecting
broader sector dynamics such as workload and safety
pressures, labour‑standard risks in flexible delivery networks,
and accessibility and privacy considerations linked to
digitalisation. The material social risks reflected in our
strategy, such as workforce availability, safety, and the
accessibility and security of our services, also carry potential
financial implications and are therefore integrated into our
policies, KPIs and risk‑management processes.
Health, safety and wellbeing remain top priorities, and we
invest in preventive programmes, road-traffic-safety training
and ergonomic workplace design. Mental wellbeing initiatives
include coaching, awareness campaigns and flexible working
arrangements to improve work–life balance. Diversity, equity
and inclusion (DEI) are integral to our leadership and
recruitment practices. We continue to expand opportunities
for people with disabilities and under-represented groups,
supported by internal targets and partnerships with social
enterprises. We also embed learning and development in our
performance cycle. We provide digital learning tools and
leadership programmes to strengthen skills for a
transforming logistics sector. We also maintain ongoing
employee-engagement surveys, works council consultations
and grievance mechanisms. Insights from these channels
shape policy updates and local action plans.
Workers in the value chain
We rely on a mixed delivery model that includes contractors
and delivery partners to provide flexible capacity across
selected operations. We integrate value-chain labour
standards into supplier selection, contracting and
performance management. This includes minimum
requirements on working time, health and safety, and
measures against violence and harassment. We also maintain
regular dialogue with delivery partners and their workers,
including structured feedback sessions and access to
reporting channels. These measures help safeguard service
quality, protect people in our network and strengthen our
long-term capacity.
Consumers and end-users
Our business model combines a nationwide postal network
(including the USO) with a Parcels network across the
Benelux, international coverage via Spring GDS and digital
platforms. We focus on accessibility, affordability and
reliability of services, alongside privacy and data protection.
We continue to invest in our OOH network, for example
through parcel lockers, and digital solutions to enhance
convenience and inclusivity. We engage with policymakers on
modernising postal regulation to ensure long-term
accessibility and affordability.
These focus areas guide how we prevent and mitigate
negative impacts, strengthen social resilience and create
opportunities for all, helping to build a future-fit organisation
that meets stakeholder expectations and broader societal
needs.
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3.1.3 Our governance
PostNL prioritises an engaged and empowered workforce,
where employees have a voice in decision-making and access
to safe, inclusive workplaces. Engagement is supported
through structured feedback processes, regular consultation
and open communication at all levels. Employee input is
integrated into both strategic and operational decisions, with
workplace wellbeing monitored on an ongoing basis.
Accessible grievance mechanisms and reporting channels
ensure concerns are addressed and ethical standards upheld.
This section sets out our approach to engagement and
grievance mechanisms not only for our own employees, but
also for workers in our value chain and for consumers and
end-users.
In 2025, our governance approach was reinforced through
the Human Rights Saliency Assessment, guided by the Human
Rights Working Group and validated by the Human Rights
Committee. The findings have been embedded into decision-
making and serve as a foundation for our due diligence
processes. By combining saliency insights with internal
dialogue, we established a clear prioritisation of human rights
risks. This prioritisation strengthens engagement and
grievance mechanisms and supports broader risk
management through Enterprise Risk Management and CSRD
reporting. Our governance framework goes beyond
monitoring compliance to actively prevent and mitigate
negative impacts within our operations and across the value
chain.
Engagement
Engagement with own workforce
In 2025, we strengthened our approach to employee
engagement as part of our due diligence on safe, inclusive
workplaces. Engagement occurs at multiple stages, takes
place through direct and indirect processes, overseen by
senior leadership, including the Chief Human Resources
Officer (CHRO) and Director of Human Resources (HR) People,
to ensure employee voices are heard in decision-making.
Special attention is given to marginalised groups, with their
perspectives integrated via structured feedback,
representation and leadership development. We also
continue to monitor workforce wellbeing through monthly
Executive Committee (EC) and Business Unit (BU) management
meetings, using a ‘State of our People’ dashboard with key
metrics and KPIs. BU management is also involved in target
setting for absenteeism, together with HR. Employee
engagement is centrally budgeted within HR People.
Daily interaction between employees and managers remains
central, with feedback driving operational and leadership
improvements. To measure employee engagement, we
introduced two new tools: the Annual Team Survey and a
Quarterly Work Experience Scan, providing more frequent
insights into workplace experience. Results are shared with
team managers and directors to support improvement.
Specific outcomes are discussed in teams after an evaluation
and feedback is integrated in decision-making when
necessary. Yearly results are discussed in the Board once a
year. With no set end date, we will continue to use these
tools. For more information, refer to the Employee
PostNL’s annual talent management and performance cycle
supports engagement through regular check-ins and
development discussions for employees from salary scale 5
and above. Leadership training remained mandatory for
senior management. During the year, we launched the
Connected Leadership programme, which replaces the EBC
format. The programme combines informal sessions and
structured interactions between senior management and the
Executive Committee, and in September began building
towards a consistent rhythm of five sessions a year, which
will take effect from 2026. For more information, refer to
We also keep employees informed and engaged through town
hall meetings, including PostNL ‘Praat je bij’ and local unit
sessions, and other forms of internal communication,
including newsletters, intranet updates and the ‘Dichtbij’
magazine. In 2025, we introduced the monthly, informal town
hall meeting ‘PostNL plein’, which is designed to foster open
dialogue and connection across business segments. The
effectiveness of town hall meetings and local sessions are
tracked through attendance and feedback. These sessions
are ongoing and have no fixed end date.
Our ten works councils, including our European works
council, remain key consultation partners, with feedback
integrated into strategic processes such as the DMA. These
councils, which meet monthly, cover all forms of engagement.
Members receive financial compensation and are provided
with training and the time to fulfil their roles in line with
national legislation. Feedback from the works councils is
recorded and integrated into decision-making by the Board of
Management, and collaboration between works councils and
the Board is reviewed informally, with both parties
considering it constructive and effective.
PostNL gathers the perspectives of marginalised groups
through DEI‑networks, works council representation,
confidential reporting channels and targeted support
programmes, ensuring their needs are structurally reflected
in decision‑making. We also engage employees and workers’
representatives on potential impacts of our climate transition
plan, such as restructuring, job creation, training, gender
equity, and health and safety. No material negative impacts
were identified on our own workforce related to the
environmental transition plan.
Engagement with workers in the value chain
We aim for all who work with or for PostNL to feel safe and
empowered to share their views. Engagement with delivery
partners and insight into their workers’ conditions and
satisfaction form a core element of our human rights due
diligence and impact management.
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220
A key part of our operations involves delivery partners,
whose workers represent us daily. While responsibility for
worker engagement rests with these partners, we ensure
engagement to gain insights into all their workers’ conditions
and satisfaction. To gather input and monitor satisfaction, we
use our Collaboration Monitor. In 2025, we moved from an
annual to a quarterly cycle, with dashboards by location and
quarter. To reach a broader group of workers, we piloted
new feedback channels, including QR codes, kiosks and on-
site questionnaires. These are being evaluated for broader
use in 2026. Delivery partners are contacted via e-mail and
SMS and encouraged to participate.
Beyond consultation, we engage in regular dialogue with
delivery partners. Structured conversations between sourcing
specialists, depot or process managers and delivery partners
continue in the Netherlands and Belgium, at least annually,
ensuring local concerns are addressed. In 2025, we
restructured our sourcing organisation in the Netherlands,
giving delivery partners a single point of contact. This
simplification supports stronger collaboration and ensures
consistent follow-up on concerns.
Concerns and themes raised through the monitors, structured
conversations and Sounding Board Group are followed up.
For instance by implementing new policies, changing
processes or extra dialogues between the delivery partner
and dedicated sourcing specialist.
The effectiveness of engagement is assessed through
participation rates and feedback quality of our monitor.
Furthermore, post-meeting evaluations of the Sounding Board
Group further helps foster a balanced and constructive
dialogue among the participants.
In 2025, we launched the Delivery Partner Journey initiative in
the Netherlands to better understand delivery partners’
growth, professionalisation and support needs, aiming to
improve satisfaction and NPS scores in future collaboration
monitors. Communication throughout the journey took place
via e-mail, online meetings, and in‑person visits, including an
ideation session and in‑depth discussions. A questionnaire
was also distributed to all partners. This journey, which will
continue in 2026, helps us move towards partnerships, where
both sides benefit from stronger engagement and shared
goals.
The directors of Sourcing Netherlands and Sourcing Belgium
are responsible for ensuring that the above processes are
carried out effectively and that outcomes inform our
decision- making.
Engagement with consumers and end-users
PostNL engages both directly and indirectly with consumers
and end-users to understand and manage actual and
potential impacts. These processes are embedded in our
ongoing due diligence and customer care practices and aim to
ensure that our services remain accessible, inclusive, and
aligned with consumer needs.
Consumers and end-users are engaged directly through:
Customer Care channels – via live chat, phone, e-mail,
written correspondence, and chatbot Daan (24/7)
Digital platforms – the PostNL app includes direct feedback
tools (thumbs up/down) and delivery preference settings
Surveys – regular NPS surveys are conducted after
interactions with PostNL
Accessibility research – PostNL performs continuous user
testing during product development, including with
marginalised groups such as people with disabilities or low
literacy, to improve both physical and digital services.
Feedback is analysed continuously and feeds into process
improvements, complaint handling and service design. The
Customer Care and CX departments manage this process
and their senior management are responsible.
The PostNL app personalises the interaction with our
consumers using thumbs-up or thumbs-down feedback
system and functionalities such as re-routing deliveries and
delivery preferences to safe place and out of home, giving
consumers greater control over their interactions with
PostNL. To measure the effectiveness of these engagement
strategies, we track several key metrics, including App Store
ratings and the number of times the feedback button is used.
We continue to actively monitor social media platforms,
allowing us to engage with consumers in real time. Feedback
gathered from social media interactions helps us quickly
address any emerging concerns, ensuring that we stay
connected with our users and make timely service
improvements. This ongoing monitoring complements other
feedback channels, giving us a comprehensive view of
consumer sentiment and service quality. To measure the
effectiveness of these engagement strategies, we track
several key metrics, including the statistics from social media
platforms, including qualitative interactions. 
Indirect engagement takes place via our public affairs
department which engages with our external stakeholders.
Engagement with elderly associations (ANBO, Unie KBO,
PCOB) ensures the interests of elderly people are considered
in our services. This includes consulting on the placement of
postboxes, improving accessibility, and addressing digital
barriers. These organisations provide valuable feedback that
helps PostNL maintain an inclusive and user-friendly postal
service for seniors.
For many years, PostNL has worked directly with the
Consumentenbond to review and agree upon the General
Terms and Conditions (T&C) for the universal service
obligation (USO) (Algemene Voorwaarden voor de Universele
Postdienst), ensuring they meet consumer expectations. From
2026, bilateral consultations with the Consumentenbond on
USO terms will be replaced by an independent review
committee under the Geschillencommissie. This new
committee will oversee and assess the General T&C to
ensure full compliance with consumer rights’ standards. We
also work with digital accessibility experts to ensure
compliance with standards such as EAA and WCAG.
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Consumer perspectives are embedded into several stages of
decision-making from research and development, to issue
resolution and strategic planning. Inclusion of marginalised
groups—such as older consumers and people with disabilities
—is prioritised through tailored accessibility studies and
specialised training for customer care staff. Effectiveness is
measured via NPS trend and participation rate analysis,
complaint resolution metrics and ratios, customer post-
interaction satisfaction scores and internal and external
audits of complaint and feedback processes.
Grievance and remedy
We are committed to a safe and respectful workplace and
take responsibility when our actions cause or contribute to
negative impacts. Remedy focuses on timely resolution,
learning and prevention, anchored in our Human Rights and
Integrity policies. For more information, see later in this
chapter and the Our policies and Our actions sections in the
Governance disclosures.
Multiple channels are available for raising concerns:
Integrity Office operational grievance mechanism
available for any affected individual or their representative
via e-mail, phone, and written correspondence, which
allows for anonymous reporting, with central logging and
tracking by the integrity and security office, as outlined in
the group procedure on incident reporting
Complaint form – employees with a PostNL account can file
a complaint using the complaint form available on our web-
based platform
HR service desk – accessible for employees via e-mail, chat
or phone, with complaints related to employee matters
monitored and evaluated by the HR service organisation
Line managers – encouraged as a first point of contact for
any concerns of employees and value chain workers,
supported by regular check-ins for an open dialogue
Confidential advisors – internal or external, providing
independent support and anonymised reporting on an
annual basis for our employees, with a main focus on
violence and harassment
Sourcing specialists – are available for any concerns of
value chain workers. In Belgium, a dedicated coordinator
under the Parcel Delivery Act provides an additional
channel for them
Works councils and labour unions – which represents the
interests of our employees and value chain workers, and
holds an advisory role in organisational changes with the
authority to propose initiatives and, in certain cases,
approve or disapprove specific decisions, is intended for
collective concerns on engagement, health and safety or
undesirable behaviour
Third-party representation – such as the
Geschillencommissie, is available for consumers and end-
users to submit their concerns anonymously
Customer care channels – which include the PostNL app,
chatbot Daan (24/7), our website, social media, phone and
written correspondence can also be used by consumers
and end-users to voice their concerns, retailers and
delivery partners are required to redirect complaints to
these formal channels to ensure consistency and
traceability.
Collectively, these channels address all our material topics.
Effectiveness of the above channels varies from feedback
surveys to informal dialogue or as part of the appreciation
programme. No effectiveness tracking is in place yet for the
confidential advisors and there is currently no formal method
to assess trust in these channels. Complaints are logged in a
central system and are monitored for volume, type,
resolution time, customer satisfaction after resolution and
trends to identify recurring issues. We have no specific
processes for Human Rights related questions or complaints.
All stakeholders are protected by our Whistleblowing
procedure, which ensures that those raising concerns in good
faith cannot face retaliation. PostNL protects individuals from
retaliation in accordance with the Dutch Whistleblower
Protection Act, its internal Human Rights Policy, and Group
Procedure on Whistleblowing. For more information, refer to
Our policies in the Governance disclosures.
In addition, all grievance and remediation processes are
conducted in line with GDPR, the UN Guiding Principles on
Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for
Multinational Enterprises, and our Privacy Policy. Reports are
handled confidentially, and any retaliation (e.g. demotion or
harassment) is not tolerated and must be reported to the
Director of Audit & Security. PostNL uses secure protocols to
manage and store personal data and promptly reports any
breaches to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP).
The PostNL Integrity E-learning training is mandatory for all
management and staff personnel and includes a module on
incident reporting. For more information, see the Group
whistleblowing procedure paragraph, as well as the
procedures paragraph in the Governance disclosures.
PostNL engages stakeholders through surveys and feedback
mechanisms to evaluate trust and awareness of the grievance
system. Effectiveness is further ensured through regular
calibration sessions and audits. One-on-one sessions with
employees are held every two weeks, as are team
calibrations within PostNL. In addition, team calibrations with
Yource and cross-location calibrations including PostNL occur
monthly.
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222
Our workforce
Remediation is tailored to each case, based on severity and
context. Measures may include compensation, training, policy
updates, or mediation. Health and safety incidents are
addressed through our risk assessment cycle. Where
appropriate, affected employees are involved in designing
solutions. Effectiveness is monitored through follow-up and
integrated into our health and safety management system.
More information can be found on pages 76-78 in the
Corporate Governance chapter, including the paragraphs
Value chain workers
We remain committed to human rights and fair labour
practices across our value chain. We focus on grievance and
remedy processes that are effective, accessible, and trusted
by those who need them the most. There are no specific
measures in place to raise awareness of the channels
available for workers in the value chain, the same
communication measures apply as for our own workforce.
Remediation is adapted to each case, based on severity and
investigation outcomes, with severe breaches potentially
leading to the termination of contracts and business
relationships. Affected workers are involved in designing
remediations where appropriate, in line with the approach for
own workforce. Effectiveness is monitored through risk
evaluation procedures and incident analysis.
Consumers and end-users
We apply structured processes to remediate negative
impacts on consumers, particularly regarding privacy, data
security and service quality. All complaints reported by
consumer and end-users are centrally logged and tracked by
Customer Care. Severe cases, such as fraud or privacy
breaches, are escalated to senior management or specialist
teams. Remedies may include compensation (via the sender),
corrective actions or process improvements. For cases with
material impact, PostNL engages with affected individuals in
designing the resolution. Effectiveness is assessed through
resolution times, customer satisfaction, trend analysis and
internal and external audits.
All remediation efforts are aligned with GDPR, the UN Guiding
Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the OECD
Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Cybersecurity
measures, such as a central SIEM system and privacy
oversight by the Data Governance Board, ensure that
personal data remains protected throughout the process. For
more information on cybersecurity, refer to the Cybersecurity
paragraph on page 78-79 of the Corporate governance
chapter.
In 2025, PostNL continued collaborating with external
mechanisms to ensure transparent and fair handling of
complaints. Consultation with the Consumentenbond ended
in 2025 and was replaced by a Review Committee under the
Geschillencommissie, ensuring impartial oversight of our
Universal Postal Service terms and conditions. We also
collaborate with VNO-NCW and Thuiswinkel.org to further
strengthen grievance mechanisms. These third-party
mechanisms supplement internal grievance channels and
provide consumers with an alternative and impartial route for
resolution.
“We aim to provide a safe and
respectful workplace and take
responsibility when our actions
cause or contribute to negative
impacts”
3.1.4 Our policies
At PostNL, we continue to have the same key policies in place
that protect human rights, fostering a diverse and inclusive
working environment and promote a healthy and safe
workplace for all our employees, contractors, suppliers, and
other stakeholders.
Governance and oversight remain embedded in our
organisation through dedicated teams, leadership
accountability, and regular compliance reviews. These
policies support the management of key social impacts and
risks, including workplace safety, ethical conduct, and
inclusion. Training programmes, clear reporting structures,
and grievance mechanisms underpin their implementation.
The Board of Management is accountable for policy adoption
and performance, while business segments are responsible
for day-to-day implementation. Oversight is provided through
the Supervisory Board and specialist committees. Together,
the Human Rights Policy, Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and
Group Policy on Information Security Management provide
the relevant policy framework for managing the identified
impacts, risk, and opportunities regarding consumers and
end-users.
Human Rights Policy
In 2025, PostNL strengthened its human rights governance
with the formal installation of a Human Rights Committee in
addition to appointing our Human Rights Officer. Comprising
eight members from across our Dutch and Belgian business
segments, and our International branch, the committee meets
twice per year to oversee due diligence processes, monitor
risks, and advise on strategic developments. This structure
enhances our ability to embed human rights into decision-
making across the organisation.
Our Human Rights Policy explicitly prohibits discrimination on
the grounds of racial and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation,
disability, age, religion, as well as any other forms of
discrimination covered by union regulation and national law.
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Our Policy indirectly prohibits discrimination on the grounds
of colour, gender identity, political opinion, national
extraction or social origin and other forms of discrimination
covered by Union regulation and national law by prohibiting
any form of unwanted behaviour including discrimination on
any grounds. It also prohibits trafficking in human beings,
forced or compulsory labour, and child labour across our
operations and value chain, in line with ILO conventions and
international standards. This commitment applies to all
employees, value chain workers, and stakeholders.
Our Human Rights Policy is also dedicated to the responsible
scheduling and management of working hours for all
employees and temporary staffing workers, and we respect
all relevant legislation on working hours and vacation. We aim
to prevent the negative effects of excessive working hours,
inadequate rest periods, and irregular or excessive night
shifts. All employees of PostNL are entitled to sufficient time
to rest and paid vacation.
We are committed to fostering inclusion and taking positive
action for groups at particular risk of exclusion, including
people with disabilities, those distanced from the labour
market, and other underrepresented groups. Our Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion Policy, which is integrated into our Human
Rights Policy sets out targeted measures to promote equal
opportunities and support the participation of all individuals
in our workforce.
To ensure these goals are realised, we have established clear
procedures for preventing, detecting, and addressing
discrimination. This includes regular training for employees
and managers, accessible reporting channels for incidents,
prompt investigation and remediation of complaints, and
ongoing monitoring of diversity and inclusion metrics. The
Human Rights Committee oversees the effectiveness of these
procedures and drives continuous improvement.
Our Human Rights Policy remained unchanged in 2025 and
continues to align with international standards, including the
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD
Guidelines, and ILO conventions. The Policy applies to our
own workforce—including non-employees such as temporary
workers—, value chain workers—including delivery partners
—and consumers and end-users in both the Netherlands and
Belgium. Ultimate accountability for human rights compliance
lies with our Board of Management. The CHRO holds the
highest responsibility for implementing this Policy, supported
by the Human Rights Committee. Our Human Rights Policy is
publicly available for all stakeholders via our website and
internally via our web-based platform.
Our Human Rights Policy covers all material social topics
throughout the value chain with the exception of the material
social topics training & skills development and the risks
related to access to products and services.
Stakeholder engagement remains central to our approach.
We continue to consult internal and external stakeholders to
refine our actions. The Human Rights Policy also connects
with related social policies, such as the Health & Safety Policy
and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy, described later in
this section. To avoid duplication, updates on workplace
accident prevention, for example, are reported under the
Health & Safety section in these disclosures.
Looking ahead, the Human Rights Committee will continue to
guide our efforts and ensure alignment with evolving
standards. Priorities include further integration of human
rights into core business processes, expand training, and
stronger alignment of actions and monitoring across the value
chain. This supports our broader ESG ambition to create a
safe, inclusive, and responsible work environment.
Code of Conduct
At PostNL, we place great importance on honesty,
transparency, and integrity in both our business practices and
the way we treat individuals inside and outside the
organisation. As a large company with a diverse workforce,
respectful behaviour is important to how we interact with
each other and our partners. Our Code of Conduct, which
during the course of 2025 replaced our business principles,
outlines our core values and the standards of behaviour we
expect from everyone working for or with PostNL. Our Code
of Conduct is line with the OECD guidelines for responsible
business conduct and covers the social material topics
working time, health & safety, measures against violence and
harassment, access to product and services and privacy. The
Director Audit & Security is responsible for our code of
conduct. For more information, refer to the Code of Conduct
paragraph in the Governance disclosures.
Health and Safety Policy
Our Health & Safety Policy aims to prevent work-related
injuries and illnesses, promote sustainable employability, and
support overall wellbeing. It aligns with Dutch legislation, ISO
45001 and ILO guidelines. The Policy applies to all employees,
including temporary workers and freelancers. Independent
contractors and delivery partners are responsible for their
own policies, but PostNL actively promotes safety standards
across the value chain. Our Health and Safety strategy
explicitly includes third-party involvement. Furthermore,
PostNL provides a guideline for delivery partners in which
health and safety considerations constitute a significant
component, with which we aim to mitigate inadequate
management of health and safety and failure to provide a
safe and healthy work environment. It is governed by the
Chief HR Officer and implemented through a three-lines
model: operational teams, health and safety professionals,
and internal audit. Our Health & Safety Policy, which is
internally and publicly available on our website, covers the
material topic health and safety (including road traffic safety).
No significant changes were made in 2025.
Health and safety commitments are also embedded in our
Human Rights Policy, which ensures a hazard-free workplace
and protection against harassment. Traffic safety is a priority
due to our logistics operations, and all drivers working on
behalf of PostNL must comply with traffic laws and safe
driving practices.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Policy, which is
integrated into our Human Rights Policy, encompasses all our
own employees focusing on eliminating discrimination and
harassment, promoting equal opportunities, and advancing
diversity, equity and inclusion in various ways. Our DEI Policy
covers the material topics diversity and inclusion and
employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. This
Policy plays a central role in ensuring that all employees feel
safe, accepted, included, and valued, contributing to an
inclusive workplace. Our DEI Policy eliminates all forms of
discrimination, including harassment, and ensures tailored
support to individuals requiring additional guidance. The aim
is to create safe access to the labour market, foster
employability, and support full participation in society.
Oversight and accountability of the DEI Policy lies with the
Human Resources department and Chief HR Officer.
The effectiveness of this Policy is assessed through external
benchmarks such as Talent to the Top and Workplace Pride,
alongside PostNL’s own diversity index. This index was
developed in collaboration with Ipsos, and measures how
accepted and equally treated employees feel, regardless of
gender identity, age, cultural background, sexual orientation,
or disability. We made this tool available in 2022 to external
organisations, so that other organisations can also actively
work on inclusivity. To ensure compliance and track progress,
PostNL actively participates in external evaluations such as
Diversity Portal. We also remain a signatory to the Diversity
Charter, reaffirming our commitment to advancing diversity,
equity and inclusion across society. In 2025, we maintained
our focus on inclusive leadership, awareness-building, and
transparent monitoring. No significant changes were made to
the DEI Policy in 2025. The DEI Policy is publicly available for
all stakeholders via our website and internally via our web-
based platform.
Policies on measures against violence &
harassment
PostNL is focused on providing a safe and respectful
workplace for all employees and value chain workers. Our
framework is guided by the Integrity Policy, the Code of
Conduct, the Human Rights Policy, and the Group Procedure
on (Un)desirable Behaviour. Together, these policies promote
positive conduct, set clear behavioural standards, improve
incident management and reporting, and ensure protection
for anyone raising concerns.
For further details on the Integrity Policy and Code of
Conduct, we refer to Our policies section in the Governance
disclosures. For more information on the Human Rights Policy,
refer to the Human Rights Policy paragraph earlier in this
section.
Group Procedure on (Un)desirable Behaviour
PostNL’s policy commitments regarding (un)desirable
behaviour are outlined in the Group Procedure on
(Un)desirable Behaviour. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy
towards any form of threat, violence, or harassment—
whether physical or verbal. This includes, but is not limited to,
bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, aggression, and
violence.
The group procedure, established in 2024, continues to
provide the framework for preventing and addressing
(un)desirable behaviour across the organisation. The Chief
Human Resources Officer (CHRO) remains accountable for its
implementation and ongoing application. The scope of this
procedure applies to our entire workforce, including
temporary workers and delivery partners involved in our
operations—in short, all individuals working within the PostNL
Group under an agreement. Our group procedure covers the
material topic measures against violence & harassment in the
workplace.
We expect everyone who works for or on behalf of PostNL to
understand what constitutes (un)desirable behaviour, to
actively prevent undesirable behaviour, and to recognise and
take appropriate action should it occur. Additionally, we
emphasise the importance of fostering and demonstrating
desired behaviour in our daily interactions.
The aim of the procedure is to promote desirable behaviour
while preventing and addressing undesirable conduct. It
provides clear guidance for employees who experience or
witness inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. We are
committed to ensuring a safe and respectful working
environment by protecting everyone who works with and for
us from undesirable behaviour and its negative
consequences.
PostNL fosters a culture in which employees are encouraged
and empowered to speak up. In line with the procedure,
management is required to report any (suspected) instances
of undesirable behaviour in the workplace. These incidents
must be documented using the incident registration tool or
reported directly to our Integrity & Security Department.
Further details on the procedure can be found in Our
Policies on training & skills development
PostNL does not yet have a formal policy on training and skills
development. Currently, a group arrangement
(concernregeling) under the Dutch CLA provides time and
financial support for mandatory and performance-related
training for all employees. This framework ensures
compliance and supports essential skill development. Internal
procedures will be introduced after evaluating training needs
and resources to further strengthen career development
opportunities.
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Privacy Policy
PostNL manages privacy as part of our broader governance
framework. Our group-wide Privacy Policy defines clear rules
for handling personal data securely, in compliance with the
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the GDPR
Implementation Act. The Policy reflects our commitment to
responsible business practices and international standards,
including the OECD Guidelines. The Privacy Policy applies to
all business segments and regions without exception and
covers the material topic privacy.
The Policy is maintained by the Privacy Office and overseen
by the Board of Management, with delegated responsibility to
the CFO and CPO. A Data Protection Officer provides advice
on compliance with the GDPR and the GDPR Implementation
Act. Progress is monitored through a Plan Do Check Act
(PDCA) cycle, with support from Group Legal, IT, and Audit &
Security.
PostNL’s Privacy Policy is shared with relevant stakeholders
and aligns with European data protection legislation. By
embedding privacy management across all business segments,
maintaining up-to-date governance, and regularly auditing
processes, PostNL demonstrates responsible data
management. This proactive approach builds trust with
consumers and stakeholders, reduces the risk of privacy
incidents, and ensures swift, structured responses to breaches.
Group Policy on Information Security
Management
PostNL’s Group Policy on Information Security Management
protects the confidentiality, integrity and availability of
business data and systems, responding to growing cyber risks
and the need for reliable consumer access to essential
services. This Policy covers the material topic access to
products and services. It applies to all PostNL Group
companies and business segments and is relevant across the
full value chain—internal operations, upstream suppliers, and
downstream platforms. The Policy is built around six
objectives: secure IT environments, incident management and
continuity, personal data protection, awareness and
compliance, continuous improvement, and adherence to laws
and regulations.
“By embedding privacy
management across all business
segments, maintaining up-to-date
governance, and regularly auditing
processes, PostNL demonstrates
responsible data management”
Implementation is monitored through risk assessments,
control testing, audits and oversight by the CIO and CISO. In
2025, the PDCA cycle was fully embedded in the Information
Security Management System, strengthening continuous
improvement. The Policy is aligned with ISO/IEC 27001, the
NIST Cybersecurity Framework and GDPR, and forms the
foundation of PostNL’s Information Security Policy House,
which integrates topic-specific policies such as access
control, secure development, data protection and third-party
cyber risk.
PostNL developed this Policy with input from internal experts
and business leaders, and in response to stakeholder
expectations around trust, privacy, and secure access to
services. The Policy is shared internally through our web-
based platform and externally reflected in supplier
agreements and assessments. Alongside this, PostNL
continues to apply core policies supporting equal and secure
access to services: the Human Rights Policy and our Code of
Conduct, which guide affordability, accessibility and
reliability. Together, these policies ensure our services remain
inclusive, secure and accessible, including for marginalised
groups and digital users. For more information on these
policies, refer to the Our policies section in the Governance
disclosures.
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3.2 Own workforce
At PostNL, we recognise that our people are our greatest
asset. Our human capital drives our ability to deliver reliable
and high-quality customer service, create social value, and
achieve financial success. PostNL’s dedicated employees, our
own workforce, are at the heart of our strategy, supporting
the effective execution of our services and the continuous
improvement of our operations.
PostNL’s own workforce comprises both employees and non-
employees. Our employees are individuals directly employed
by PostNL under a labour agreement and included on
PostNL’s payroll. Non-employees, by contrast, include both
self-employed individuals (ZZP-ers) engaged under an
assignment agreement and individuals working through
external employment arrangements. These external workers
include temporary staffing agency workers (uitzendkrachten,
including those under Uitzenden Plus and Social Workplace
contracts) engaged under a temporary staffing agreement, as
well as secondment agency workers (detacheringskrachten)
providing labour under a secondment agreement.
3.2.1 Our actions
PostNL determines actions to address actual or potential
negative impacts through structured processes, such as our
ISO-based health and safety system, Plan Do Check Act
(PDCA) compliance projects, Risk Inventory & Evaluation
(RI&E) assessments, integrity mechanisms, and DEI studies.
3.2.1.1 Working conditions
Working time
Agreements on working time
In 2025, we implemented equal treatment for part-time and
full-time employees and a working time reduction provision
for older employees that entered into force after the
Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) came into effect in 2024.
This action supports our policy goals on fair working
conditions and mitigates risks related to scheduling and
discrimination. In addition, regulations with the works council
for transport employees were renewed in 2025, including
working time adjustments.
This CLA provision for Dutch entities took effect on 1 July
2025 and was supported by training for first- and second-line
managers and support staff to improve planning and
rostering. The change helps mitigate risks related to
scheduling and discrimination and ensures fair treatment in
practice. The implementation of the CLA provision helps
prevent material adverse effects by ensuring fair treatment in
scheduling, especially for part-time employees. The renewed
regulation for transport employees helps prevent material
adverse effects by limiting the number of night shifts.
Monitoring will continue through HR and operational
channels. The CLA will remain in effect in 2026.
Working time compliance project
The working time compliance project, which commenced in
2024 and continued in 2025 across networks, addresses non-
compliance risks by embedding legal standards into
scheduling systems and using PDCA cycles for structured
monitoring. The initiative supports employee wellbeing and
compliance with working time regulations and aims to
mitigate the risk of increased labour costs through ill-health
and turnover due to excessive work hours. The project
remains ongoing across our networks, with updates on PDCA
implementation, network coverage, and expansion to
temporary workers to follow.
In 2025 the compliance project continued across networks by
embedding working time processes and reporting in the
business, with operational teams, and by designing and
implementing training modules. The project helps to prevent
harm by identifying scheduling risks and enabling targeted
improvements through root cause analysis. With no set end
date, working time compliance will remain a core focus. If
breaches of working time requirements are identified, PostNL
takes corrective action, restores compliant scheduling, and
addresses any negative effects experienced by employees.
Health and safety
Occupational Health and Safety Management System
In 2025, PostNL continued rolling out its ISO-based
management system across Dutch entities. The Quentic
software was upgraded with additional requirements,
supporting incident tracking and RI&E processes. Live
webinars were organised to help managers use the system
effectively. The system enables more detailed risk
assessments and continuous monitoring of effectiveness.
Investments were made in digital infrastructure, software and
training. We plan to finish the implementation in 2026. When
incidents occur, PostNL provides appropriate support to
affected employees, investigates the root cause, and
implements corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Digital Health Survey
Following a pilot in 2024, the digital health survey was
introduced in parts of Parcels in 2025. It includes periodic
occupational health examination (periodiek
arbeidsgezondheidskundig onderzoek) elements to identify
health risks at an early stage. PostNL plans to extend the
survey organisation-wide to support prevention and reduce
Leadership restructuring to reduce absenteeism
In March 2025, Parcel depots adopted a split leadership
model with separate People and Logistics managers. All
People managers received training, including advanced
conversation techniques. At Mail in the Netherlands within
delivery, the model proved less effective, leading to a
planned return to unified leadership. During the year we
launched the Managing Employability programme (Sturen op
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Inzetbaarheid), combining leadership, absenteeism policy,
interventions and prevention. The goal is to reduce
absenteeism by 20% compared to 2024, by the end of 2026.
Traffic Safety programme
Annual driver training and support for national road safety
campaigns continued in 2025. Awareness tools such as
vehicle stickers and cyclist protection were implemented
across the fleet. While delivery partners are not included in
the training, awareness materials are shared with them.
Traffic safety remains a core focus, with no fixed end date.
Physical Workload programme
The programme was expanded to business segments
Transport Services and Extra@Home. RI&E assessments were
deepened across delivery, sorting and cross-dock processes.
Task rotation was formalised with seven rules, and ergonomic
tools, including lifting equipment, were piloted and rolled out.
Charging stations for smart electric tugs and pilots with stock
pickers (orderpicktrucks) were also introduced. In 2026,
PostNL will finalise rolling out 37 mast lifts (mastheffers), and
evaluate loose unloading solutions. All measures are
embedded in governance structures with a clear roadmap.
The new Health & Safety organisation aims to structurally
strengthen occupational health & safety in all processes,
decision‑making and culture, with a proactive focus on
preventing financial risks as well as risks to the health &
safety of PostNL employees and third parties.
3.2.1.2 Equal treatment and opportunities
for all
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion networks
In 2025, we expanded and strengthened our DEI networks.
The Cross Culture Community was formalised with a full
governance structure, and the Neurodiversity Network was
launched in the summer. These networks support
multicultural talent in progressing to senior roles and
promote knowledge-sharing on neurodiversity across the
organisation. With no set end date, they will remain in effect.
Open participation, without formal membership structures,
remains a guiding principle, ensuring accessibility for all
employees. By year-end, engagement in the networks had
increased. A diversity study was completed, resulting in
updates to our code of conduct, confidential advisor
framework, and DEI training portfolio. Fewer training sessions
were held than planned due to capacity constraints.
Training interventions
Our DEI training programmes continued to focus on the six
priority areas first defined in 2016: LGBTIQ+, age, diversity in
thinking, cultural background, gender, and support for those
needing extra guidance. We implemented recommendations
from the 2024 DEI survey and maintained our core modules:
3D Diversity, DISC, Cultural Craftsmanship, and Intercultural
Communication.
The subsidy rate for DEI trainings increased to 45% in 2025,
while the number of available trainers declined from 24 to 14.
Despite this, tailored interventions remained available on
demand and have no fixed end date.
While diversity metrics were not included in the employee
engagement survey in 2025, work began on developing a new
Cultural Barometer to be launched in the first quarter of
2026. This tool will enable PostNL to more systematically
measure progress on inclusion and belonging, helping inform
future DEI priorities.
Measures against violence and harassment
Campaign on (un)desirable behaviour
In 2025, PostNL further strengthened its focus on preventing
and addressing undesirable behaviour across all workplaces
to reduce harassment and mitigate legal and financial risk.
Following its 2024 launch, the campaign, led by Audit &
Security and HR, continued through 2025 and enhanced
mechanisms to prevent, identify, and address unwanted
interpersonal behaviour. It applied to all PostNL employees
and indirectly benefitted non-employees working at our sites.
The campaign clarified governance structures, accelerated
incident management, improved reporting tools and raised
awareness. In 2026, we will start management trainings
regarding this topic. In cases of violence or harassment,
PostNL ensures confidential reporting, protects individuals
from retaliation, and provides remedy through investigation,
follow-up support, and corrective action.
Roll-out of updated Code of Conduct and Integrity e-learning
In July 2025, the Board of Management approved the updated
Code of Conduct, which rolled out the following month
alongside a revised Integrity e-learning module. The training
explains the Code, outlines desired behaviour and details how
employees can report violations. It also includes a dedicated
section on unwanted interpersonal behaviour. Completion
was mandatory for management and office-based employees
across all business segments and became part of the
onboarding programme for new hires. The Code of Conduct
and the Integrity e-learning are the responsibility of Audit &
Security and aim to prevent and detect harassment, as well as
mitigate legal and financial risks. Their publication and
implementation, including translation to the workplace, are
embedded in the integrity awareness programme. An external
party is involved in the development and maintenance of the
training, and HR data analysts monitor e-learning completion
rates. Further details on the Code of Conduct are provided on
section of the Corporate governance chapter and the
procedures paragraph in the Governance disclosures.
Training and skills development
At PostNL, we invest in the continuous growth and
development of our employees. Our learning and
development approach builds on three pillars:
Licence to operate trainings
Licence to perform trainings
Shaping a learning culture.
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Together, these initiatives strengthen our short-term
operational performance and our long-term strategic growth.
In each operational business unit, dedicated learning and
development representatives are responsible for the licence
to perform trainings. All our training and skills initiatives fall
under the responsibility of our Talent & Learning department.
The AI Centre of Excellence is responsible for Copilot
trainings.
Licence to operate trainings
We continued to invest in equipping our drivers with the skills
and knowledge needed to operate safely and responsibly
across our network, to mitigate the risks associated with
inadequate training and insufficiently qualified staff. In 2025,
this included:
Comprehensive driver education completed by 133
participants
Mandatory refresher courses for all drivers, with a total of
1,025 participants
Work instruction trainings completed by 5,871 employees
via our online learning environment.
These initiatives reinforce consistent standards of safety,
compliance and operational excellence across our logistics
operations. With no set end date, we will continue to offer
these trainings.
Licence to perform trainings
In 2025, we further strengthened our leadership development
agenda, focusing on capability building and behavioural
consistency across the organisation:
We completed the roll-out of the PostNL Leadership
Compass, defining ten core leadership behaviours for
managers across Operations and Head Office. The
programme was delivered through webinars and business
workshops and successfully completed in 2025
We also expanded our investment in leadership
development by introducing a new onboarding module for
managers and designing a foundational leadership skills
programme to prepare leaders for both current and future
challenges.
Together, these programmes equip our leaders to guide
teams effectively, drive performance, and support a culture
of growth and continuous improvement. They have no set end
date and will remain a core focus.
Shaping a learning culture
We continued to strengthen a culture of continuous learning,
adaptability, and digital skills development across PostNL, to
mitigate the risk of increased costs due to lack of qualification
and reduced motivation, retention, and productivity. We do
not specify an end date for these initiatives. In the following
paragraphs we discuss the key highlights from 2025.
Learning agility
A total of 252 colleagues received their learning agility report
and discussed the results with their managers, turning insights
into practical development actions and strengthening
individual and team growth.
Peer-to-peer coaching
Around 60 participants completed our peer learning and
coaching programme, UGURU, which was implemented as a
structured intervision programme in 2025 to foster a
sustainable learning culture. The programme was highlighted
last year as an example of how we connect personal
development with organisational growth. UGURU places
personal leadership and peer learning at the centre. Through
small-group sessions, participants created open and safe
learning environments where they could reflect, exchange
feedback and engage in honest, courageous conversations.
This approach encourages employees to take ownership of
their own learning while enhancing collaboration and
psychological safety across the organisation.
By embedding UGURU into our broader development
portfolio, PostNL ensures that learning remains an ongoing
and collective process. Participants actively involved their
teams, shared continuous feedback and facilitated sessions
themselves, helping to embed sustainable behavioural change
and make learning part of everyday work.
AI and Digital Skills
In 2025, we continued to strengthen digital capability and
adoption across PostNL, supporting our ambition to become a
more data- and AI-driven organisation. We rolled out
comprehensive Microsoft Copilot trainings to introduce
employees to the possibilities of AI and to develop hands-on
skills in Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
To date, around 2,200 Copilot licences have been distributed,
with the majority of users also completing the training.
Feedback from 340 respondents regarding the training
course showed strong results, with an average satisfaction
score of 7.8/10. In 2025, these activities supported the
further development of digital and AI capabilities across
PostNL. Going forward, Copilot enablement will primarily be
supported through self-paced onboarding materials, with
instructor-led trainings organised on an ad hoc basis if there
is sufficient demand.
Renewed Your Excellence Programme
In September 2025, we launched the renewed Your
Excellence Programme (YEP) for recent graduates, offering a
sharper focus on employability, leadership and cross-
functional learning. The programme now includes five tracks:
Supply Chain, HR, Finance, Commercial, and International,
each combining professional training, personal development,
and work assignments over a two-year period.
The programme is built around three pillars:
Functional route – at least two roles within the chosen
track to build professional experience
Network route – mentorship, management team
participation, and guidance from Young Talent
Ambassadors
Personal leadership soft skills and leadership
development supported by external training and coaching.
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These initiatives help PostNL strengthen alignment between
graduate development and organisational needs, while also
fostering long-term retention of young talent.
Employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities
PostNL continues to focus on being an inclusive employer that
offers meaningful work for everyone, including people with a
distance to the labour market. In 2025, we employed more
than 3,300 individuals from this group, including 1,250 on
direct PostNL contracts. Job coaching coverage reached
eight out of ten delivery areas, with a reactive model in the
remainder. Effectiveness was monitored via dashboards
tracking recruitment, retention and financial flows, reviewed
monthly by a steering committee.
Key initiatives included:
Onboarding – introduced buddies on the work floor,
provided buddy training and improved application
processes, which will continue into 2026
Tailored work packages – flexible hours and adjusted
workloads for more than 300 employees, supported by
municipal subsidies
Physical support – a pilot introducing noise-cancelling
headphones for employees with sensory sensitivities
Target group expansion pilots involving status holders,
long-term unemployed and practical school students. A
pilot in The Hague delivered strong results and will be
extended to two additional regions in 2026.
All initiatives were designed to remove barriers, enhance
employability and promote an inclusive working environment.
Guidance from job coaches ensured positive outcomes for
employees and teams, without material negative effects.
3.2.2 Our workforce and performance
3.2.2.1 Characteristics of employees
Workforce characteristics
Unless otherwise stated, workforce characteristics are
reported based on headcount as of 31 December. At PostNL,
headcount refers to all employees with a direct and active
employment agreement. Data used to report on employee
characteristics are primarily extracted from our HR systems.
Workforce by region
Workforce by region is aligned with the requirement as per
ESRS 2 and is based on the legal entity the employee is
employed by. Because PostNL's workforce is mainly based in
the Netherlands, no other country represents at least 10% of
our total number of employees. Information on the headcount
breakdown by segment and FTE by segment can be found in
on page 118 within the financial statements.
PostNL Workforce by region number of employees
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Netherlands
31,366
30,378
Rest of Europe
951
1,067
Rest of the World
88
86
Total number of employees
32,405
31,531
(2.7)%
The total workforce of PostNL decreased by 2.7% in 2025.
The slight reduction in headcount was largely a consequence
of the ongoing tight labour market, which has made recruiting
and, for certain roles, retaining the right people increasingly
challenging. Due to dedicated programmes, we were able to
fill a large number of vacancies within Mail in the Netherlands.
Another reason is continuous improvement and use of AI
which replaces certain tasks, for example our digital recruiter
Charlie who communicates with applicants.
Workforce by gender
Workforce by gender is reported based on actual figures for
all reporting entities. Our HR system currently allows
employees to specify their gender as either male or female.
As a result, no employees are reported under 'other gender'.
The 'not reported' category includes employees who chose
not to disclose their gender.
PostNL Workforce by gender number of employees
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Male
18,034
17,731
Female
14,371
13,800
Not reported
0
0
Total number of employees
32,405
31,531
The number of female and male employees decreased
compared to 2024. Still, more male employees are working
within PostNL due to the nature of jobs on offer.
“Continuous improvement and use
of AI replaces certain tasks, for
example our digital recruiter
Charlie who communicates with
applicants”
PostNL Annual Report 2025
230
Workforce by other dimensions
Across our main networks, specific CLAs are in place for all
employees. In other, smaller entities, different arrangements
regarding collective labour may apply. The 'not disclosed’
category includes employees who chose not to disclose their
gender.
PostNL Workforce by other dimensions
number of employees
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Female
Male
Not
disclosed
Total
Female
Male
Not
disclosed
Total
Total number of employees
14,371
18,034
0
32,405
13,800
17,731
0
31,531
Employees by contract duration
Number of employees with a permanent
contract
12,498
14,189
0
26,687
11,329
13,051
0
24,381
Number of employees with a temporary
contract
1,874
3,845
0
5,718
2,471
4,679
0
7,150
Employees by contract type
Number of employees with a non-guaranteed
hours contract
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Number of employees with a full-time contract
1,585
6,629
0
8,215
1,576
6,413
0
7,989
Number of employees with a part-time
contract
12,786
11,404
0
24,190
12,224
11,318
0
23,542
At present, PostNL does not employ any staff on non-
guaranteed hours contracts. The majority of our employees
have a permanent contract. Most of our contracts are part-
time, due to the nature of the jobs on offer, especially mail
deliverers. We mainly hire full-time employees within e-
commerce, where the hires are predominantly male. Part-time
contracts within e-commerce are becoming more common to
meet the needs of new hires. In 2025, newly hired mail
deliverers were offered temporary contracts.
3.2.2.2 Working conditions
Working time
PostNL has not yet set formal targets for working time.
Effectiveness is currently tracked through PDCA cycles
across our networks, which help identify risks, improve
compliance, and support continuous improvement. Our
ambition is to ensure fair and compliant scheduling through
equal treatment provisions, working time adjustments,
ongoing monitoring, and corrective action.
Health and safety
In line with our Health & Safety Policy, we set an absenteeism
target for 2025, aiming to prevent work-related absences and
facilitate a timely return to work, to mitigate the financial risk
of increased labour costs. We set this target using an outside-
in perspective, incorporating input from a third-party advisor
and market research, alongside an inside-in approach that
draws on insights from various business units and internal
teams. This ensures the target reflects both external trends
and internal developments. For more details on this KPI,
please refer to the Absenteeism metric disclosure.
No corporate targets were identified for traffic safety or for
other actions (excluding absenteeism) in 2025. Effectiveness is
tracked through RI&E assessments, incident reporting
(including accidents resulting in death caused by traffic
incidents involving third parties), absenteeism monitoring, and
feedback from depots and delivery partners.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
231
Occupational health and safety
At PostNL, our certified ISO 45001 management system
enables us to systematically manage the health and safety of
all those working for or with us. ISO 45001 is the global
standard for occupational health and safety management
systems, designed to help organisations manage and mitigate
workplace health and safety risks.
The percentage of our total headcount working at ISO 45001-
certified sites is calculated by averaging the monthly
headcount percentages at each certified site over the total
headcount across all sites, divided by the number of months.
Our ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
certifications are audited by an external party every three
years.
PostNL Occupational health and safety as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
ISO 45001 certification (share of total
headcount working in certified sites)
97%
96%
By the end of 2025, 96% of our workforce was operating at an
ISO 45001-certified site.
Fatalities and injuries
A fatality resulting from a work-related injury refers to the
death of an employee, non-employee or other worker on a
PostNL site due to an occupational accident. An occupational
accident is an unexpected and unplanned event, including
acts of violence, arising from or in connection with work
activities performed for PostNL. At present, PostNL is limited
in its ability to report fatalities resulting from work-related ill-
health. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
serves as our global baseline and is embedded in our privacy
policies. The collection of personal data for reporting on this
metric conflicts with GDPR regulations, as PostNL is restricted
from recording medical information. In the event that a
(former) employee passes away due to work-related ill health,
an occupational disease claim can be filed with PostNL’s
insurance provider. The fatality is reported if PostNL is found
liable. To date, no such claims have been received.
Recordable accidents
Accurate accident reporting relies, in part, on the discipline of
our employees in recording incidents that occur throughout
the year. Despite the measures PostNL has implemented—
including fostering an open safety culture—there remains an
inherent risk of incomplete accident reporting. While
outsourced employees are not yet included within our
reporting scope, incidents can still be reported through
designated channels or via their operational managers.
In 2025, we have aligned the PostNL definition of a recordable
work-related accident with the CSRD definition classifying a
recordable work-related accident as a work-related incident
during working hours that results in any of the following:
death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to
another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of
consciousness. As a result, we are able to report the actual
recordable accidents in 2025, instead of on a statistical
sample base in prior year. In addition, we have improved the
quality of our incident reports, allowing us to more accurately
determine if an incident is a recordable accident, although
this assessment is inherently subject to interpretation.
Recordable accident rate
The recordable accident rate is determined by the number of
recordable accidents per million hours worked.
At PostNL, the calculation of total hours worked (in millions) is
based on a standardised approach. This methodology
accounts for all workable hours, factoring in adjustments for
absenteeism due to ill-health, vacation, and public holidays.
The data underpinning this calculation are sourced directly
from our HR systems. While this method provides a robust
estimate of the total hours worked, it does not involve the
direct tracking of individual hours. In the coming years, we will
continue to refine this approach to enhance our calculations.
PostNL Health and safety as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Number of fatalities as a result of work-
related injuries and work-related ill
health
0
0
Number of recordable work-related
accidents
456
771
Rate of recordable work-related
accidents per million hours worked
16
28
We report that no fatalities related to work-related injuries
and work-related ill health were recorded among our own
workforce or workers in the value chain at a PostNL site in
2025.
We have improved the quality of our incident reporting within
the health and safety organisation over the course of 2025,
allowing us to more accurately determine if an incident is a
recordable accident or not. In 2025, we have also fully
embedded the CSRD definition in Health & Safety processes.
The total number of reported incidents has remained broadly
consistent with the prior year. However, a larger proportion
of these incidents were identified as meeting the criteria for
recordable accidents, resulting in a higher share of
recordable accidents in the total reported incidents, enabling
more accurate and reliable reporting.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
232
Road traffic safety
A road traffic accident with third party death refers to any
incident involving third party road users not working for
PostNL. We report on all road traffic accidents with third
party death without distinguishing between types of road
users impacted, e.g. pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists,
and regardless of whether PostNL is blameworthy. This
approach provides a comprehensive view of PostNL’s impact
on all road users.
We report on road traffic accidents with third party death
relative to the nature of our operations; the entity-specific
metric 'rate of road traffic accidents with third party death
per million kilometres travelled' is calculated by dividing the
number of road traffic accidents with third party death by
million of kilometres travelled. These kilometres include
kilometres travelled by our own networks and those travelled
by delivery partners on the road in the Benelux, which aligns
with the kilometres reported in Our performance in the
Climate change section in our Environmental disclosures.
PostNL Road traffic safety as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Number of road traffic accidents with
third party death
4
0
Rate of road traffic accidents with third
party death per million kilometres
travelled
0.9%
0.0%
We report zero road traffic accidents resulting in third-party
fatalities across our operations in 2025, but remain focused
on preventing fatalities through initiatives such as training,
which enhance road safety awareness and promote
responsible driving behaviour. Therefore we keep monitoring
our ‘rate of road traffic accidents with third-party death per
million kilometres travelled’.
Absenteeism
Absenteeism, an entity-specific KPI, is calculated through the
weighted average total days of absence divided by the
weighted average calendar days. Corrections are made for
the percentage of time an employee is deemed fit for work in
the weighted average days of absence and for part-time work
in the calculation of weighted average calendar days. The
absenteeism percentage follows the definition of the Central
Bureau for Statistics (CBS) in the Netherlands.
Absenteeism is scaled for smaller entities to provide a
comprehensive view of health and safety across all
operations. In the coming years, we are working towards full-
scope reporting.
PostNL Absenteeism as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Absenteeism (share of total working
days)
8.5%
8.5%
0.0
Absenteeism remained high within PostNL, which can be
partially explained by the physically demanding nature of our
work and the ageing profile of our workforce. To reduce
absenteeism rates at the Mail in the Netherlands and E-
commerce Operations (including Transport Services), and
thereby lower overall absenteeism across PostNL, we
launched the Managing Employability programme (Sturen op
Inzetbaarheid) in Q1, in collaboration with our third-party
advisor. With this programme, we set an absenteeism target
of 7.0% by the end of 2026, which is a reduction of 20%
compared to 2024, and supports a more proactive approach
to managing absence. The target is based on analyses
performed by the third-party advisor. It is built on four pillars,
including a renewed focus on absenteeism policy and a
targeted approach for specific employee groups. Through this
programme, we aim to decrease labour costs and increase
productivity. In the second half of 2025, absenteeism was
lower than in the same period of last year. While this does not
yet affect the total absenteeism, we expect that we can
maintain this downward trend next year.
3.2.2.3 Equal treatment and opportunities
for all
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Female representation in senior management
PostNL remains committed to achieving 36% female
representation in senior management by 2030, with an interim
milestone of 33% by year-end 2025, which we outperformed.
The central works council has actively contributed to setting
this target, ensuring employee representation in the process.
PostNL aims to demonstrate a clear and credible level of
ambition in advancing the representation of women in senior
management. The initial 33% target was subsequently
reassessed to better reflect this ambition and to account for
the progress already achieved, while ensuring that the
objective remains both realistic and attainable. Therefore,
back in 2024, we set a 36% target, set 3% above the
applicable legal minimum.
We continued to strengthen the leadership pipeline through
inclusive recruitment and development programmes.
Cultural, gender, age and neurodiversity remained central
focus areas, supported by active DEI networks.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
233
Senior management
Senior management is defined as employees with positions in
the Board of Management or one to two levels below.
PostNL Senior management as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Female
122
129
Male
229
243
Not reported
0
0
Number of employees
351
372
Female (share of employees in senior
management)
35%
35%
Male (share of employees in senior
management)
65%
65%
The share of female employees in management positions
remained stable when compared to last year. Moreover, we
are still on track not only to meet the target of 36% women in
senior management by 2030 but also to achieve the same
representation at the next management level. This has
established a strong foundation for the continued
advancement of women within PostNL.
Workforce by age group
We divide our workforce into three age groups: < 30 years, 30
- 50 years, and > 50 years.
PostNL Workforce by age group number of employees
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
< 30 years
4,593
4,590
30 - 50 years
9,735
9,774
> 50 years
18,077
17,167
Total number of employees
32,405
31,531
Despite the decline in the number of employees, our age
distribution remains relatively stable. The number of
employees under the age of fifty has increased, while the
number of those over fifty has slightly decreased.
At PostNL, the group aged fifty and above is still well
represented, but, due to long tenures, we also see a gradual
and managed outflow as employees retire. In our strategic
workforce planning, the turnover within this demographic is
closely monitored, enabling us to effectively anticipate and
respond to potential future changes.
Turnover
The total turnover is the number of employees who left our
workforce voluntarily or due to dismissal, retirement or
death. Voluntary turnover, an entity-specific metric, only
includes employees who left at their own request. The share
of (voluntary) turnover is the (voluntary) turnover divided by
the total headcount of the prior year. To reconcile with the
total headcount, the unallocated headcount has been evenly
divided between turnover and new hires.
PostNL Turnover as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Total turnover
9,380
8,656
Total turnover share
28%
27%
Voluntary turnover share
17%
12%
The total turnover is relatively stable, while the absolute
turnover decreased slightly. Due to the operational and
physically demanding nature of many of the jobs across
PostNL, we employ a relatively high percentage of part-time
and seasonal employees, which means our total turnover
share is high compared to other sectors. The share of
voluntary turnover decreased, which is in line with the trend
in the broader Dutch logistics sector in 2025.
New hires
New hires, an entity-specific metric, include employees who
started working at PostNL during the reporting period. New
hires are shown in absolute numbers and as a rate, which
represents the new hires as a share of the total headcount of
the prior year.
PostNL New hires as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
< 30 years
4,410
3,822
30 - 50 years
2,504
2,484
> 50 years
1,383
1,476
Number of employees
8,297
7,782
Male (share of total headcount)
16%
16%
Female (share of total headcount)
9%
9%
New hires (share of total headcount)
26%
25%
The total number of new hires decreased compared to last
year, because, on average, we had fewer vacancies.
Generally, the demand for recruitment was lower in 2025.
“Thanks to our strong foundation
of women in all management
levels, we remain on track to reach
36% women in senior
management positions by 2030”
PostNL Annual Report 2025
234
Measures against violence and harassment
PostNL has not set corporate-level targets specifically for
violence and harassment, other than that all reported
incidents and complaints must be fully processed. Instead,
effectiveness is monitored through training completion rates,
reporting mechanisms, and follow-up of incidents under the
Integrity and Whistleblowing procedures.
Incidents of discrimination and complaints
We report on the full scope of incidents and complaints
registered in our global platform, covering both our own
workforce and workers within the value chain. As all our
channels, as described in the Grievance and remedy
paragraph earlier in the social disclosures, for raising
concerns and reporting incidents, are formal, every submitted
report is classified as an incident. Some of these channels
allow employees to remain anonymous in their report. All
reported instances of non-compliance with our code of
conduct, as well as complaints, including cases of fraud and
bribery, are recorded in our global platform. The scope of
incidents we report extends beyond discrimination and
harassment. The reported figures include incidents and
complaints related to undesirable behaviour, such as
discrimination, aggression, violence, (sexual) harassment, and
bullying.
Fines, penalties and compensation
Incidents of discrimination and complaints could lead to fines,
penalties, or compensation being imposed on PostNL. The
figure we report on does not include amounts related to
ongoing legal proceedings or deductible costs.
PostNL Incidents and complaints as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Total number of incidents of
discrimination and complaints
364
339
Total amount paid of fines, penalties and
compensation (Euros)
0
0
Unfortunately, undesirable behaviour sometimes occurs, such
as bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, or aggression.
Factors such as willingness to report, classification, context,
case severity, and exposure are not visible from these figures.
Therefore, in 2026, we will focus on further strengthening the
reporting culture.
No severe human rights incidents have been identified in
2025. We are pleased to report that in 2025, no material fines
or significant penalties were imposed on PostNL as a result of
incidents of discrimination.
Training and skills development
PostNL has not set corporate-level targets specifically for
training and skills development. Instead, effectiveness is, for
example, monitored through training completion rates. We
aim to build a high-performing workforce by integrally
strengthening and embedding learning, talent development,
leadership, and performance management.
Employee engagement
Employee engagement is measured for our own workforce by
an independent external company and considered an entity-
specific KPI. All employees in the workforce are invited to
participate in our employee engagement survey, divided into
three surveys over the course of the year. The resulting
engagement score is the weighted average engagement
across all responses of employees who participated in the
survey. Therefore, this score only reflects the views of
employees who participated.
PostNL Employee engagement share of engaged employees
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Average score
67%
69%
+2
In 2025, the average engagement score was 69% (2024: 67%).
We are pleased to report a slight increase in our engagement
score, despite all the organisational changes. We see this
particularly within our Mail in the Netherlands division, where
we have adopted an approach that involves listening to our
employees and involving them as much as possible in all
changes, thereby increasing their engagement. We performed
in-depth data analyses to identify appropriate actions, which
help to further improve our engagement. We actively work
with these findings to take appropriate actions, tailor-made
for the relevant business segments.
Employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities
related to PSO
In 2025, PostNL exceeded its target of 7.5% of all mail
delivery hours in the Netherlands performed by people with a
distance to the labour market, achieving 7.9%. The target,
based on the government’s job agreement (banenafspraak),
will be maintained in 2026. Progress is reviewed bi-annually
with the works council.
This target is related to the policy objectives of eliminating
discrimination, providing tailored support, ensuring safe access
to the labour market, and enabling full participation in society.
Policy effectiveness is independently validated through the
Social Entrepreneurship Performance Ladder (Prestatieladder
Socialer Ondernemen (PSO)). This independent, science-based
tool measures how well organisations support the participation
of groups of persons with disabilities or in need of guidance in
the Dutch labour market.
PostNL has held PSO certification since 2021, reaching Level 2
in 2022 and Level 3 in 2024 and 2025, as audits are carried
out every two years. Maintaining this certification remains a
key objective. We already recertified our Level 3 PSO for the
coming two years.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
235
3.3 Workers in the value chain
At PostNL, we recognise that fostering a responsible value
chain not only drives business success but also contributes to
societal value by addressing safe working conditions and
chain consist of delivery partners with personnel providing
services in accordance with a transport agreement signed
with PostNL, and self-employed delivery partners providing
services in accordance with a transport agreement signed
with PostNL.
The material negative impacts identified for workers in the
value chain relate to working time, health and safety, and
violence or harassment. These impacts are not associated
with systemic issues such as child labour or forced labour in
specific countries or regions. Due to the nature of
subcontracted delivery operations, risks related to these
topics may occur in a widespread manner if not adequately
managed. However, actual material negative impacts typically
arise as isolated incidents at individual delivery partner level,
rather than as recurring or structural violations across the
value chain. PostNL therefore applies preventive, cross-
cutting measures alongside incident-based remediation to
address and prevent such impacts.
“We recognise that fostering a
responsible value chain not only
drives business success but also
contributes to societal value by
addressing safe working
conditions and promoting fair
labour practices”
3.3.1 Our actions
Health & safety, working time, and violence
& harassment
Cross-cutting actions for all three material topics
PostNL avoids causing harm to value chain workers through
its Human Rights Policy, guidelines for delivery partners, and
due diligence processes. These include risk assessments,
safe working conditions, fair labour standards, and inclusion.
When a material negative impact occurs, PostNL uses
grievance channels, remediation steps, and effectiveness
reviews. A Human Rights Saliency Assessment identifies
priority issues for targeted action. PostNL applies third-party
risk management tools, audits, and stakeholder dialogues to
address risks like safety, and diversity. Through our DMA and
ESG strategy, PostNL considers external trends and
dependencies to manage risks proactively.
PostNL aims to reduce risks of litigation, regulatory sanctions
and reputational damage by embedding contractual
requirements, monitoring third‑party compliance, and
improving access to grievance and remedy mechanisms.
These actions also help prevent operational disruptions,
remediation costs and strained relations with delivery
partners. By promoting safe, fair and respectful working
conditions, they further support worker morale and retention
across the value chain, strengthening service continuity and
revenue stability.
Implementation of guidelines for delivery partners
PostNL expanded its guidelines for delivery partners to more
business segments in 2025. After rollouts in Operations NL
and BE in 2024, TGN followed in the first quarter of 2025. All
delivery partners within these three business units have
signed the guidelines as part of their contract. These
guidelines promote safe working conditions, regulated hours,
and protection against harassment. Full implementation
across other business units is planned by 2026.
Third-Party Risk Management tool
The Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) tool monitors
delivery partners’ compliance with PostNL’s safety and
working standards. It tracks among others: health and safety
risks, human rights violations and incidents of violence or
harassment. Following a 2024 pilot, it was rolled out to
Operations NL, TGN, Extra@Home, and Transport by year-
end 2025. In Belgium, the first assessments began in 2025.
The TPRM tool enables structured registration and monitoring
of third-party risks, including grievances raised by value chain
workers. It supports PostNL in identifying patterns, ensuring
timely follow-up, and improving transparency in how incidents
are handled. By integrating this system into key operational
domains, we have taken a step forward in safeguarding
worker rights and strengthening our risk governance. Where
findings cannot be sufficiently explained within the TPRM
framework, an audit will be initiated to ensure corrective
measures. Data in the TPRM tool is not available for delivery
partners or their employees, but solely for sourcing
specialists.
Implementing due diligence within Cross Border Solutions
In 2025, Cross Border Solutions (CBS) launched an action to
strengthen health and safety conditions for subcontracted
workers. CBS distributed a Supplier Code of Conduct to
delivery partners, clarifying expectations around safe
workplaces, fair scheduling to ensure reasonable working
hours and enough rest, and respectful behaviour. More
information on these guidelines can be found on page 247 in
the Governance disclosures, in the paragraph Set of
PostNL Annual Report 2025
236
A complaints mechanism is under development. Looking
ahead, implementation will continue in 2026, with outcomes
expected to include a functioning complaints system and
stronger supplier alignment with PostNL standards.
3.3.1.1 Working conditions
Working time
Delivery in accordance with working time legislation
PostNL aims to ensure fair working conditions and regulatory
compliance for subcontracted delivery workers. As a
responsible client to our delivery partners, we take proactive
measures to ensure compliance with working time legislation.
This action addresses reputational and legal risks linked to
working time and labour standards, as well as supports
managing working times effectively. It contributes to PostNL’s
broader objective to promote responsible conduct in the
value chain.
Designing delivery routes that enable our partners to deploy
their delivery drivers in full accordance with collective labour
agreements and working time regulations are a key measure.
Routes are further refined based on forecasts, operational
experience and close consultation with our delivery partners.
In the coming years we aim to maintain this compliance.
Audits
PostNL introduced (external) audits to strengthen compliance
and risk management across its delivery network. These
audits helped verify adherence to labour standards and
operational guidelines. External audits, introduced in 2024,
continued in 2025 as part of business as usual. In addition,
external audits are now triggered in cases where signals of
irregularities are identified, ensuring timely investigation and
corrective action.
3.3.1.2 Equal treatment and opportunities
for all
Measures against violence & harassment
Guidance on desirable behaviour
In 2025, PostNL translated its internal policy on (un)desirable
behaviour into external guidance for delivery partners. This
ensures consistent standards across the value chain.
Awareness materials and complaint procedures are shared to
ensure workers know how to report violence or misconduct
safely. Looking ahead, the guidance will be further embedded
into daily operations, with continued monitoring through
sourcing systems.
Right to Work Compliance Initiative
In 2025, compliance with Right to Work requirements
remained embedded in our standard processes, ensuring that
all workers across our value chain are employed in line with
legal and regulatory obligations.
We allocate resources to manage the impacts on value chain
workers, focusing on compliance, oversight, and continuous
improvement, as part of our strategic and operational
processes.
3.3.2 Our performance
3.3.2.1 Working conditions
Working time
No targets were set in 2025. Compliance with CLAs and
working time regulations must be met at all times and is
therefore not suited to incremental or performance-based
targets.
Internal and external audits are applied as a separate and
complementary control mechanism and are conducted when
deemed necessary with a tailor-made scope.
Health & safety
PostNL did not define corporate-level health and safety
targets in 2025, as delivery partner workers are employed
and managed by independent delivery partners. Instead,
PostNL focuses on setting minimum safety requirements
through delivery contracts, which are monitored via
compliance checks, audits and third-party risk management
tools.
3.3.2.2 Equal treatment and opportunities
for all
Measures against violence & harassment
No formal targets were set in 2025 for preventing violence
and harassment, as potential negative impacts typically occur
as isolated incidents at individual delivery partner level.
PostNL therefore focuses on prevention, awareness and
access to remedy through updated contracts, the Code of
Conduct, behavioural guidance and grievance mechanisms.
Alternative effectiveness trackers
For working time, health and safety, and measures against
violence and harassment, PostNL assesses the effectiveness
of its policies and actions through a combination of
compliance monitoring, external (PayChecked) audits, partner
evaluations, grievance mechanisms, and follow-up of
identified incidents. This includes reviewing adherence to
contractual requirements, analysing signals from audits and
monitoring systems, and evaluating the handling and
remediation of reported issues. The TPRM tool provides
consistent data to strengthen oversight. By embedding these
trackers into our enterprise risk management cycle, we
ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
While no formal targets are set, PostNL’s level of ambition is
to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and internal
standards, prevent material negative impacts where possible,
and take timely corrective action when issues arise. Through
this approach, PostNL aims to continuously strengthen safe,
fair and respectful working conditions across the value chain,
in line with the actions described.
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3.4 Consumers and end-users
Consumers and end-users are at the heart of the services we
provide, and meeting their needs responsibly is fundamental
to our role in society. Their experience shapes our licence to
operate, from safeguarding privacy and data security to
ensuring accessible, safe and sustainable delivery options. As
expectations evolve, we continue to enhance transparency,
protect consumer rights and improve the quality and
inclusivity of our services. Our consumers and end-users
include anyone receiving, sending or interacting with our
products and services.
3.4.1 Our actions
3.4.1.1 Information related impacts for
consumers and/or end-users
Privacy
Further Implementation of the Privacy Control Framework
To safeguard consumer privacy and ensure compliance with
GDPR, PostNL continues to implement and refine its Privacy
Control Framework. This action includes maintaining up-to-
date governance, a processing register (audited twice yearly),
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Personal Data
Breach reporting processes and compliant third-party
agreements.
To further safeguard privacy, we embedded the Privacy
Control Framework across all business segments in 2024 and
strengthened it in 2025 with an updated DPIA process
description. This ensures consistent handling of assessments
and better alignment between business and the Privacy
Office. This new process description ensures a consistent way
of working hereby reducing legal risk and ensuring
compliance with the GDPR. The progress of the Privacy
Control Framework is monitored via audits, internal reviews
and self-assessments.
The Privacy Control Framework remains a cornerstone of our
data protection strategy. Future updates will further integrate
privacy-by-design in digital services, with continued alignment
to GDPR, supported by regular audits and stakeholder input.
Updated version of the Personal Data Breach register
The privacy statement was updated in the first quarter of
2025. In parallel, we finalised the update of our Personal Data
Breach register in the last quarter of 2025, creating a more
accessible and user-friendly system for tracking and
responding to privacy incidents and improving GDPR audit
readiness. This updated register improves internal monitoring,
ensures traceability of incidents, and strengthens follow-up
and reporting processes. The action supports PostNL’s
broader privacy framework which helps maintain trust among
consumers and end-users.
The updated register is in line with the Guidelines for Privacy
Incidents and Data Breaches and is being developed by the
Privacy Office to support the business with privacy
compliance. The effectiveness of the updated register is
tracked by monitoring registration quality, accessibility, and
follow-up timelines. Once implemented, the new register will
be used to ensure structured incident reporting and improve
GDPR audit readiness.
3.4.1.2 Social inclusion of consumers and/or
end-users
Access to products and services
Digital access
PostNL e-ID
In 2025, we continued to enhance secure and inclusive digital
access. The PostNL e-ID rollout advanced, increasing
validated accounts and adoption across services in the
Netherlands and Belgium, helping users protect their data and
manage preferences securely. The initiative is part of ongoing
operational digital security efforts. The rollout will continue in
2026 with further technical refinements and functional
expansion. PostNL is focused on improving secure access and
supporting user control through digital innovation.
PostNL Account
At the same time, we expanded the PostNL account, with new
nationwide delivery preference options—such as safe place
or pick-up location—contributing to higher satisfaction and
fewer complaints. This action supports secure, inclusive
access to digital services and contributes to PostNL’s
objective of maintaining reliable, user-centred delivery
experiences despite operational pressures. Anyone with a
Dutch or Belgian address is able to create a PostNL account.
The action builds on foundations laid in 2024. In 2025, new
features were launched nationwide, and adoption is growing.
By year-end, 3.2 million registered delivery preferences were
targeted. Internal tracking shows reduced complaints about
unwanted parcel routing and increased use of the account.
This action will be refined further in 2026. Enhancements may
include new preference types or better integration with other
services. Continued improvements aim to strengthen
customer autonomy and satisfaction.
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238
Preparations of EAA compliance
Building on our 2024 foundation, we achieved substantial
improvements in digital accessibility through continued
compliance efforts with the European Accessibility Act (EAA),
demonstrating measurable progress in creating inclusive
digital services, in particular for groups with digital
accessibility needs. PostNL aims to create an inclusive
environment where everyone, including people with physical
disabilities and neurodiverse individuals, can fully access and
benefit from our services. Our EAA compliance initiative
directly addresses reputational, compliance, and financial
risks while enhancing customer proximity through secure,
inclusive digital services.
The initiative is supported by quarterly user testing with
people with disabilities and tighter design criteria for product
teams. Our homepage ranked among the world’s top 5% most
accessible (WebAIM). Key improvements included enhanced
screen reader support and keyboard operability for people
with visual and motor disabilities.
Resources were allocated through our Digital Channels and
Interactions department, including quarterly user research
programmes and ongoing accessibility audits. Investment
supported team training, building an internal knowledge base,
accessibility tools, and external consultant engagement to
ensure comprehensive compliance implementation.
Looking ahead, we will embed automated testing and we will
continue integrating Design for All principles into digital
development, with a formal update planned for 2026.
Physical and retail access
Network expansion for improved service accessibility
In 2025, PostNL continued its strategy to improve access to
parcel services in Belgium and the Netherlands. In the
Netherlands, we grew our automated parcel lockers (APLs)
from around 1,100 to more than 1,400 locations. We will
continue to increase the number of APLs in the Netherlands in
the coming years. In Belgium we maintained 1,200 retail
points, with plans to increase this number in 2026, and
prepared for the 2026 APL pilot. Print-on-Retail functionality
was finalised, improving convenience and inclusivity. This is
key to enhancing physical accessibility and flexibility,
especially outside standard opening hours and these actions
support inclusive and user-friendly access to services and
align with our promise to customer proximity and
accessibility.
Effectiveness is monitored using usage data, consumer
feedback and service quality metrics. These actions address
the risk of not meeting expected accessibility and reliability
standards and respond to rising demand for more
autonomous and flexible parcel services.
Cost-savings programme and network efficiency initiative
To safeguard affordable access amid declining mail volumes,
we implemented efficiency measures in our postal network.
These cost savings touch the whole of Mail in the Netherlands
—ranging from collection to sorting, preparation and
distribution, and also includes the commercial products. The
latter also includes the development of digital alternatives to
continue to service customers.
One of the cost-saving measures relates to improved
efficiency in postbox collection. Collection times were
optimised at 10,000 locations, while later collections were
retained in shopping areas, delivering both cost and CO₂
savings. This network efficiency initiative forms an important
element of the cost-saving programme for Mail in the
Netherlands. The programme as a whole is necessary to
address the structural decline in mail volumes and the rising
cost base facing Mail in the Netherlands. In parallel, we
launched a pilot of 'Rechtsgeldig Mailen', a digital alternative
to registered mail, with an evaluation planned for 2026.
Both initiatives supported our objective to offer reliable,
inclusive, and cost-efficient services for all consumers and
end-users. While results will be evaluated in 2026, both
actions are expected to improve digital access and
operational efficiency. Progress is monitored through
customer usage data, satisfaction, and accessibility
indicators.
Looking ahead, we will continue to expand flexible parcel
access, refine digital services and pursue further cost and
emissions savings in our mail operations, while ensuring
proximity and reliability for all users.
3.4.2 Our performance
3.4.2.1 Information-related impacts for
consumers and/or end-users
Privacy
PostNL has not defined specific corporate-level targets for
privacy management. Privacy management remains process-
driven and fully embedded in our internal compliance
structure. As privacy risks are closely linked to regulatory
obligations, we continue to focus on consistent
implementation and legal adherence. Effectiveness of
PostNL’s measures to protect personal data is assessed
through internal performance indicators as regular audits,
reviews of privacy controls and yearly review of the privacy
statement. Privacy management remains embedded in our
compliance structure, focused on consistent legal adherence
rather than external target-setting.
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239
3.4.2.2 Social inclusion of consumers and/
or end-users
Access to products and services
Digital access
No formal targets have been set for digital accessibility, as
progress is driven by ongoing development and feedback
cycles, focusing on compliance with standards as the
European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Effectiveness is monitored through audits, quarterly user
testing with people with disabilities, and monthly reviews by
the Digital Channels & Interaction team. Key indicators
include resolved audit findings, user satisfaction trends and
accessibility improvements. This ensures continuous
alignment with EAA standards.
Physical and retail access
We have not set formal targets for network expansion, as
flexibility is needed to adapt to local retail dynamics in
Belgium and the Netherlands. Current initiatives include Print
on Retail and, in Belgium, APL pilots.
Effectiveness is measured through customer usage data,
feedback, accessibility indicators and rollout milestones,
enabling us to monitor impact and adjust where required.
Cost savings and efficiency
To maintain an affordable postal network under pressure
from declining mail volumes and rising labour costs, PostNL
again set a target of €40 million in cost savings for 2025. This
built on previous results (€39 million in 2023, €40 million in
2024), with savings achieved through postbox collection
optimisation, process automation and broader operational
efficiencies.
Progress was monitored monthly by the Transformation
Office and reviewed by the Executive Committee (EC). In
2025, we realised €37 million in cost savings, contributing to
continued affordability and alignment with our USO.
Enabling access through performance
PostNL’s Parcels network is a critical delivery service in the
Benelux. As the universal postal service provider in the
Netherlands, PostNL ensures wide accessibility through its
Mail network. We invest in out-of-home (OOH) channels,
digital services and enhanced accessibility for individuals with
disabilities as part of our strategy to improve service quality,
tracked through NPS. However, challenges such as rising
labour costs and constraints in labour availability pose risks
to the accessibility and reliability of postal services.
We report on four entity-specific KPIs that measure the
quality of our products and services, as well as growth in
parcel volumes, demonstrating how we enable access to our
parcel and postal logistics to consumer and end-users.
cNPS
The competitor NPS (cNPS) is measured twice a year by Ipsos
I&O to assess customer experience, segmented by target
audience and provider. The annual score is determined by
aggregating the cNPS results from the two assessments
across the relevant markets and averaged to determine an
overall position, based on responses from customers within
the defined target audiences. In the comparative analysis with
our primary competitors, PostNL's performance is assessed
across key e-commerce segments, including senders and
receivers, business customers and consumers, and domestic
and international parcels.
PostNL Net Promoter Score as indicated
For the year ended 31
December
2024
2025
cNPS
Average
No. 1
position in
relevant
markets
Average
No. 1
position in
relevant
markets
In 2025, we retained our average number one position in
relevant markets. Monthly tracking NPS of our most
important journey and of our touchpoints allows us to focus
on enhancing the customer experience, leading to actionable
insights and improvements. For example, we have worked on
improving important customer journeys such as ‘I receive a
package’ for consumers, ‘I get updated about my shipments’,
and ‘I become a customer’ for business customers. We are
also continuously working on improving our digital channels
such as the app and the business portal. We help SMEs to
realise their full potential, and we ensure a seamless
interaction with PostNL for consumers and customers.
Parcel volume growth
The parcel volume growth performance indicator measures
the parcel volume development annually. We calculate this
indicator through the relative volume growth compared to the
previous year.
PostNL Parcel volume growth as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Parcel volume growth
7.2%
1.2%
(6.0)
Parcel volumes grew by 1.2% in 2025, with domestic volumes
decreasing by 0.7%, resulting in a slightly lower market share.
International parcel volumes continued to grow, rising by 8%
year-on-year. However, the volume growth was accompanied
by mix effects—both in customer segments and product
types—that were less favourable than anticipated, leading to
increased client concentration.
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240
Delivery quality Parcels in the Netherlands
as a KPI covers the processes from sorting to delivery for our
core parcels network. The performance is normalised for
regular weeks, and therefore excludes peak weeks, for
example, Easter and the year-end festive season, resulting in
around 75% of weeks included. Unless other specific
arrangements are made with customers or for product types,
PostNL applies a time frame of one working day to determine
whether a parcel is delivered on time.
PostNL Delivery quality Parcels in NL as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Delivery quality Parcels in NL
97%
97%
0
In the first half of 2025, delivery quality for Parcels in the
Netherlands reached 97%, which was within our target range.
The trend was positive early in the year, and a major network
redesign led to cost savings while keeping quality on track.
However, from Ascension Day onwards, quality declined —
even during non-peak weeks. The main causes were higher
volumes combined with increased absenteeism among
distribution staff. Additionally, APL and retail scores dropped
due to capacity issues.
In the second half of 2025, performance improved through a
stronger focus on balancing capacity, enhancing attention to
distribution, and increasing the OOH capacity.
In Belgium, delivery quality for Parcels improved thanks to
network redesigns, including enhanced connections. In June,
there was a slight dip in performance due to holidays and
limited distribution capacity. Delivery quality then recovered
and remains stable.
Delivery quality Mail in the Netherlands
This indicator shows the performance in relation to the target
set for next-day delivery in relation to the USO for Mail in the
Netherlands, measured by an external third party. This
independent research firm measures the time between
posting and delivering by sending a representative amount of
test letters throughout the year and calculates the time
needed for delivery.
The score for the current year is a preliminary result as the
final result will be reported to ACM in May 2026. This
preliminary result does not take potential corrections for
force majeure events into account. The final report also
contains a full description of the methods, limitations and
measurements used.
PostNL Delivery quality Mail in NL as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Delivery quality Mail in NL (preliminary)
86%
86%
0
consistent with 2024, at 86%. For more information on
delivery quality Mail in the Netherlands, see chapter
Governance
disclosures
In this chapter we provide disclosures on our
material impacts, risks and opportunities related to
our Governance material topics. Governance
provides the foundation for our sustainability efforts
to succeed. This chapter highlights how we embed
integrity, compliance, and ethical business conduct
in our operations and throughout our value chain.
After outlining our strategy, we explain the
governance and policies we have in place before
reporting on actions taken, targets set and the
progress made in 2025.
4
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242
4.1 General disclosures
4.1.1 Our impacts, risks and opportunities
In the table below, we disclose our material impacts, risks, and opportunities per topic, including their time horizon and where in the value chain they occur.
Description
IRO
Value chain
Time horizon
Business conduct
Corporate culture
Providing guidance through shared beliefs, a clear purpose, mission, norms, and transparent ways of working (potential).
Providing guidance through shared beliefs, a clear purpose, mission, norms, and transparent ways of working, PostNL actively shares its business principles
with suppliers (actual).
Unethical behaviour or lack of transparency may result in misconduct, non-compliance, business disruption, legal challenges, reputational damage,
increased costs, or revenue loss.
Protection of whistleblowers
Whistleblower protection is essential for transparency, accountability, and preventing misconduct (actual).
Management of relationships with suppliers including payment practices
Providing guidance through shared beliefs, a clear purpose, mission, norms, and transparent ways of working, we build our relationships with delivery
partners in the Netherlands and Belgium on contractual agreements, Code of Conduct, and shared values. Unsustainable demands may jeopardise their
ability to fulfil commitments, lead to unfavourable working conditions, strain relationships, harm our reputation, and disrupt the partnership ecosystem
(actual).
Suppliers’ reluctance to make progress on ESG topics, due to factors such as financial constraints or limited ESG data, could pose sourcing and supplier
screening risks, jeopardising PostNL’s progress towards its ESG ambitions.
Favourable supplier engagement fosters strategic partnerships and trust, driving operational excellence, enhancing service quality, and advancing ESG
objectives through effective supply chain management.
Corruption and bribery
Incidents
Unfair competition, loss of trust and reputation, and potential legal or regulatory consequences.
Prevention and detection
including training
Prevention and detection measures, including training, address unfair competition, safeguard trust and reputation, and
mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
Positive impact
Negative impact
Risk
Opportunity
Upstream
Own operations
Downstream
Short term
Medium term
Long term
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243
4.1.2 Our strategy
PostNL maintains high standards of corporate governance,
business ethics, and regulatory compliance. Our governance
framework supports the delivery of our refreshed strategy –
Connected to deliver what drives us all forward – by ensuring
transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-
making across all levels of the organisation. It is guided by
three focus areas: fostering an ethical culture based on
integrity and compliance, strengthening transparency and
reliability and building trust in the value chain through
dialogue and strategic partnerships.
Our strategy focuses on growing our business, creating
sustainable value and driving innovation that makes a positive
impact for our customers, our people and society.
Governance plays a key role in embedding these ambitions
within our day-to-day operations. This includes robust
oversight mechanisms, clear lines of responsibility, and
processes that ensure alignment with our strategic objectives
and stakeholder expectations.
4.1.3 Our governance
PostNL’s supplier relationship management forms a strategic
element of our operational and sustainability initiatives. By
implementing a transparent procurement policy, consistent
payment practices, and a comprehensive supplier evaluation
framework, PostNL ensures its partnerships with suppliers
and delivery partners align with corporate goals and
regulatory requirements. This section outlines our
governance approach to managing these relationships.
For our governance of material impacts, risks and
opportunities (IROs) related to corporate culture, protection
of whistleblowers and corruption and bribery we refer to
pages 76-78 in the Corporate Governance chapter, including
Supplier relationship management approach
PostNL maintains supplier relationships based on its
procurement strategies with the company’s operational and
sustainability goals. Supplier interactions are governed by
PostNL’s Procurement Policy, which highlights how supplier
engagements are managed, how PostNL tries to minimise
associated risks to avoid supply chain disruptions, and how
sustainability is prioritised in its procurement processes.
More information on PostNL’s Procurement Policy can be
found later in this section.
Procurement approach
PostNL adopts a hybrid procurement model, with centralised
procurement by the Procurement and Services department
overseeing most activities, while specialised departments
such as (inter)national transport and contracting delivery
partners handle specific sourcing needs. This approach
enables departments to utilise their expertise in supplier
management effectively. Procurement is working increasingly
closely with other procurement units across PostNL to ensure
that supplier contracting is consistently aligned with our
Procurement Policy and to minimise potential procurement-
and ESG-related risks. Ensuring compliance with the
Procurement Policy remains a key focus.
Supplier selection and ESG criteria
Procurement actively involves (potential) suppliers into its
sustainability ambitions by embedding environmental, social,
and governance (ESG) criteria throughout the supplier
selection, evaluation and performance process. We do this by
including our Code of Conduct and Set of Guidelines for
Suppliers as part of our supplier contracts, refer for more
information to the Procurement Policy later in this section.
Supplier contracts include sustainability criteria for the
supplier, if necessary through assessments by independent
parties such as EcoVadis or the Dutch foundation MVO
Register.
Support for contracted suppliers
PostNL's Procurement department actively encourages
suppliers to become certified, have their sustainability
assessed, and improve as needed.
As part of performance evaluations of suppliers, we discuss
how we can achieve sustainable improvements. We offer our
knowledge and expertise to help them take the necessary
steps. We increasingly rely on each other to gain clear
insights into our supply chain and implement improvements,
such as reducing CO2 emissions, optimising material use,
waste reduction, and being a good employer. This aligns with
PostNL's sustainable procurement objectives by ensuring that
suppliers operate sustainably and contribute to PostNL's
overall environmental goals.
Risk mitigation through supplier assessments
To manage risks within our supply chain, PostNL’s
Procurement department applies a range of instruments,
including risk workshops, the use of Kraljic matrices to assess
the importance and dependency of (essential) suppliers, and a
structured ESG risk assessment matrix. This matrix classifies
suppliers into sustainability risk categories (green, yellow or
red), with corresponding follow-up actions. For example,
suppliers classified as ‘red’ are subject to on-site audits or
visits, conducted either by PostNL or by independent third-
party assessors.
For the sourcing of delivery partners, we have developed and
rolled out a dedicated Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
tool to monitor compliance with our requirements. This tool
forms part of our broader TPRM framework, which ensures
that risks related to delivery partners are systematically
identified, assessed and managed.
Ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement
PostNL monitors supplier performance through regular
evaluations, sustainability ratings and targeted improvement
plans. For suppliers with identified risks or low(er)
sustainability scores, we work collaboratively to develop and
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244
implement improvement actions. Where suppliers do not
demonstrate sufficient progress or fail to meet agreed
requirements, we may ultimately decide to end the
partnership. Through this structured approach, we aim to
further professionalise and strengthen our supply chain.
Timely payment practices
PostNL aims to ensure the timely payment of all supplier
invoices, including those from both small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) and larger companies, wherever possible.
To achieve this, we have introduced measures to streamline
the payment process in a standardised manner. This includes
the use of an automated system for invoice processing and
payments, which operates on a weekly payment-run
schedule. While the majority of payments are processed
automatically, a defined procedure is in place to manage
exceptions that require manual handling. Payment terms for
suppliers are aligned with contractual agreements.
Specifically, for SMEs, payment periods comply with Dutch
legislation, which stipulates a maximum of 30 days.
4.1.4 Our policies
At PostNL, we uphold high standards of business conduct
through a robust framework of policies and procedures with
the Code of Conduct as cornerstone. To safeguard the
highest standards of integrity, PostNL has implemented a
comprehensive Integrity Policy, a Whistleblowing procedure,
and anti-corruption and anti-bribery measures. These cover
key areas such as fraud prevention, conflicts of interest, the
acceptance and offering of gifts and hospitality and
whistleblower protection. Our Procurement Policy defines the
standards we expect from our suppliers, requiring them to
uphold ethical, legal, and social responsibilities and to
operate sustainably and in compliance with local and
international laws and regulations. Collectively, these policies
and procedures address our material topics corporate
culture, protection of whistleblowers, management of
relationships with suppliers and corruption and bribery. More
information on our business conduct and integrity approach,
including related policies and procedures, can be found on
paragraph in the Business Conduct - Policies and procedures
section of the Corporate governance chapter.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct is the foundation of how we operate,
guiding our actions and decisions in all business activities and
partnerships. We expect everyone associated with PostNL,
including employees, third parties, business partners and
suppliers, to comply with the Code. It defines the standards
we uphold and clarifies what our stakeholders can expect
from PostNL.
In line with ESRS G1, we ensure that our corporate culture
and business conduct are closely integrated, with a strong
emphasis on compliance with our Code of Conduct. In 2025,
we renewed and implemented our Code of Conduct, which
replaces the previous Business Principles. The updated Code
of Conduct reflects the expectations of our customers, the
market and society, ensuring our behaviour and decisions
remain responsible, transparent and in line with today’s
world. The Code of Conduct is available internally and
publicly on our website.
Group Integrity Policy
At PostNL, integrity is defined as compliance with our Code of
Conduct. The Integrity Policy applies to all PostNL entities and
suppliers and establishes responsibilities on integrity matters.
We maintain a well-functioning integrity framework, which
includes:
Establishing and maintaining the Code of Conduct
An integrity office overseeing the integrity programme
An integrity committee advising the Board of Management
Handling and reporting of integrity-related incidents
Awareness and training for management, procurement,
sales and head office functions.
Group Whistleblowing procedure
The Group Whistleblowing procedure provides clear methods
for reporting any suspected misconduct by employees,
former employees, interns, flexible workers, delivery partners
or other stakeholders associated with PostNL Group
companies. This procedure has been updated in 2025 to
comply with current laws and regulations, respectively the
‘Wet Bescherming Klokkenluiders' in the Netherlands and
equivalent legislation in other EU countries where PostNL
operates.
to both internal and external parties, and are both publicly
available on our website.
Group procedures for fraud prevention,
conflicts of interest, and gifts and
hospitality
To manage corruption and bribery, we have established a
comprehensive framework including anti-bribery and anti-
corruption policies, group procedures for fraud prevention,
conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, and reporting
mechanisms. This framework ensures compliance with
applicable laws and regulations such as the UK Bribery Act
2010, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the UN
Convention against Corruption, both in the Netherlands and in
the international markets in which PostNL operates. These
procedures apply to all employees, delivery partners and
other third parties acting on behalf of PostNL. They are
communicated through mandatory e-learning, onboarding
materials, internal guidelines and regular compliance updates,
and the group procedures for fraud prevention, conflicts of
interest, and gifts and hospitality are available internally and
publicly on our website.
Procurement Policy
At PostNL, we aim to ensure that our procurement activities
align with our Procurement Policy, applicable legislation and
regulations, social and ethical standards, and sustainability
requirements. In collaboration with our suppliers, we
continuously strive to strengthen and enhance the supply
chain, with the aim of making it as sustainable as possible.
This reflects our focus on protecting the environment,
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245
promoting social responsibility, and upholding robust
governance standards.
The general aim of the Procurement Policy is to enhance the
professionalism of procurement within PostNL by leveraging
consolidated purchasing power, reducing the supplier base,
emphasising sustainable procurement practices, mitigating
risks, and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and
regulations. This approach is designed to optimise service
delivery to our internal customers. By integrating diverse
procurement and sourcing methodologies into a cohesive
group-wide policy, PostNL seeks to simplify purchasing
processes and ensure alignment across the organisation with
the company’s strategic priorities and governance
framework.
The Procurement Policy outlines the following:
Different approaches of procurement used in the
organisation
Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and
appropriate social and governance practices governing our
local and global businesses
Promotion of procurement procedures in a way that
reduces environmental impact while selecting suppliers and
procurement of goods and services
Suppliers are provided with equal opportunities for
transactions with the PostNL Group.
PostNL aims to limit the number of suppliers and foster long-
term partnerships. As part of the contract (renewal) process,
suppliers are informed of updates to the procurement
documents and its accompanying annexes.
In addition, we have an internal Group Procurement Policy in
place. This Policy provides governance and control over the
procurement process and ensures that suppliers are selected
based on quality, reliability and continuity, as well as their
adherence to social and environmental standards.
In 2025, both the publicly available Procurement Policy and
the Group Procurement Policy were updated to reflect the
latest data, methodologies and interpretations.
Set of Guidelines for Suppliers and Guidelines for Delivery
Partners
PostNL has developed two codes of conduct for its suppliers
and delivery partners: the Set of Guidelines for Suppliers and
the Guidelines for Delivery Partners. Both outline the
expected behaviour and requirements for compliance with
ethical and sustainability standards for suppliers and business
partners.
PostNL’s Code of Conduct and the Set of Guidelines for
Suppliers are an integral part of the supplier contracts of the
Procurement & Services department. Suppliers are required
to comply with these guidelines, which cover a wide range of
ethical, social, and environmental standards. For new
suppliers, signing the Code of Conduct and Guidelines for
Suppliers are a prerequisite for entering into a business
relationship with PostNL. Delivery partners have to sign the
Guidelines for Delivery Partners before they can become a
delivery partner for PostNL.
Public access procurement documents
The Procurement Policy is published on our corporate
website. It contains, for example, guidelines, risk
classification, follow-up measures and checklists. Documents
such as Our Purchasing Terms & Conditions, Code of Conduct
and Set of Guidelines for Suppliers are publicly available on
PostNL’s website, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
The Guidelines for Delivery Partners is available internally
and for delivery partners.
Ongoing compliance monitoring
PostNL assesses its suppliers’ adherence to the Set of
Guidelines for Suppliers and the Guidelines for Delivery
Partners and identifies areas for improvement through
regular evaluations or audits. If a supplier is found to be in
non-compliance, PostNL works with them to implement
corrective actions. Suppliers that consistently fail to meet
these standards may face contract termination.
Suppliers with increased ESG risk
Procurement identifies suppliers with increased ESG risks
through its risk assessment processes. These suppliers are
situated in geographical areas or industries facing significant
ESG challenges. Vulnerable suppliers with significant
economic, environmental and/or social risks have not been
identified.
Monitoring of policies
The implementation of these group policies throughout our
value chain establishes a robust foundation for conducting
business ethically, fostering positive impact, and reducing
potential regulatory, legal, and reputational risks associated
with misconduct. Responsibility for the implementation,
execution and monitoring of the Code of Conduct, Integrity
Policy, whistleblowing procedure, and anti-corruption and
anti-bribery measures covering fraud prevention, conflicts of
interest, and gifts and hospitality has been delegated by the
Board of Management to the Director of Audit & Security.
More information can be found on pages 76-78 in the
Corporate Governance chapter, including the paragraphs
The Director of Procurement & Services is the (mandated)
owner of the (group) Policy on procurement, responsible for
defining, executing, implementing and monitoring of the
Procurement Policy. The monitoring process includes periodic
review and checks to ensure that group-wide procurement
practices are in line with the latest standards. Effectiveness of
the Policy is ensured by informing of the relevant
departments responsible for procurement and creating
awareness of the Procurement Policy and procedures, by
verifying compliance of procurement spend with contractual
agreements and by evaluating contracted suppliers, including
sustainability assessments, to ensure they comply to the
procedures, KPIs, and contractual agreements.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
246
4.2 Business conduct
At PostNL, we aim to build a solid foundation for sound
business conduct. Our Code of Conduct, integrity framework
and procurement approach provide a clear framework for
conducting business ethically and responsibly. We strive for
continuous improvement and alignment with our strategic
objectives, supporting a strong and transparent corporate
culture, ensuring the protection of whistleblowers, managing
relationships with suppliers, and preventing and detecting
corruption and bribery.
4.2.1 Our actions
4.2.1.1 Corporate culture
Annual update and approval of integrity and security-
related policies and procedures
In line with our aim to uphold the highest standards of
integrity and security, PostNL annually reviews and updates
its policies and procedures. In 2025, we introduced a revised
Code of Conduct, as part of our annual review and approval
cycle of integrity and security policies and procedures.
Promoting awareness of integrity-related policies and
procedures
We actively promote awareness of these policies and
procedures among employees, suppliers and partners
annually through such measures as e-learnings and internal
communications. These principles are internally accessible
through various platforms such as employee contracts,
integrity e-learning modules, and the company intranet.
Additionally, our policies, procedures and principles are
readily available to suppliers and delivery partners through
contractual agreements and our website.
To ensure employees, contractors, and associated third
parties understand and adhere to integrity-related policies
and procedures, PostNL provides ongoing awareness training,
including integrity e-learning, conducts regular risk
assessments, and carries out investigations when necessary.
In 2025, we complemented these ongoing activities with
additional communication and training initiatives linked to the
introduction of our updated Code of Conduct, ensuring that
all employees are familiar with the new requirements and
expected behaviours.
All employees and relevant third parties are required to
complete integrity e-learning and undergo regular risk
assessments. In October 2025, a new integrity e-learning
programme was launched for functions identified as higher
risk, including management and employees in purchasing and
services (real estate and procurement), sales (anti-cartel) and
security investigation roles. The e-learning is based on the
Code of Conduct and places a strong emphasis on desired
behaviour and appropriate actions in the event of (potential)
corruption and bribery. It also covers reporting mechanisms,
including our whistleblowing procedure. To fulfil professional
education requirements, training is provided for chartered
professionals, such as auditors, risk managers and
compliance officers. Additionally, members of management
and supervisory bodies receive dedicated training.
Integrity reporting
Our Integrity Committee plays a key role in reviewing
reported integrity and security matters and issuing
recommendations to drive improvements on a quarterly
basis. Insights and outcomes are reported quarterly to the
Board of Management (BoM) and Executive Committee (EC)
and semi-annually to the Supervisory Board (SB), ensuring
alignment at the highest levels of governance. More
information on integrity reporting can be found in the
integrity approach on pages 76-77 in the Corporate
governance chapter.
The Code of Conduct and the due diligence for delivery
partners have both been implemented, and therefore not
identified as key actions anymore.
4.2.1.2 Protection of whistleblowers
Whistleblowing reporting and investigation process
PostNL encourages all PostNL stakeholders to report any
wrongdoing or alleged wrongdoing immediately. Our
whistleblowing procedure, updated in August 2025, reinforces
confidentiality, safeguards identity and reiterates our zero-
tolerance approach to retaliation. The process provides a
clear framework for stakeholders to report concerns and for
investigations to be conducted in a structured and impartial
manner. The intention remains to provide clarity for all
internal and external stakeholders about approved desired
and undesirable behaviour, including speak-up mechanisms.
Speak-up mechanisms encompass reporting through the
designated online form, contacting the Audit & Security
department via e-mail or telephone, or escalating concerns
through management or line management. These speak-up
mechanisms support this process, and whistleblowers are
kept informed of progress at least quarterly. In line with our
focus on transparency, general updates on cases are shared
within three months, unless doing so would compromise the
integrity of ongoing investigations. The aim is to ensure that
all whistleblowing incidents are fully investigated. This is an
ongoing action which is continuously evaluated and updated
to reflect best practices.
Refer to the action Integrity reporting in the Corporate
culture paragraph above for more information on integrity
reporting. More information on the whistleblowing reporting
and investigation process can be found in the paragraph
the Corporate governance chapter.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
247
4.2.1.3 Management of relationships with
suppliers including payment practices
Sustainable procurement training and workshops
Employees within PostNL participate, where relevant, in
training sessions and workshops, both individually and in
group settings. These cover sustainability, ethical
procurement, compliance with environmental laws and
regulations, and the integration of sustainability criteria into
supplier selection. These activities strengthen sustainable
procurement expertise and support the consistent sharing of
best practices across PostNL, contributing to the further
professionalisation of supplier engagement.
Employees of the Procurement and Services department
have completed training and workshops on sustainable
procurement and receive additional training as required to
remain informed of current developments. New procurement
employees attend external procurement courses, in which
sustainable procurement forms part of the curriculum. To
ensure that specialised purchasing departments within PostNL
are adequately trained in sustainable procurement and in
applying the PostNL Procurement Policy, Procurement has
initiated and contributes to internal workshops and
knowledge sessions. These promote knowledge sharing and
raise awareness of sustainable procurement. Such training
activities will continue to maintain and further strengthen
procurement expertise across PostNL.
Supplier ESG ratings collection
We work closely with our suppliers to continuously improve
supply chain sustainability. Supplier performance is
monitored through evaluations and independent sustainability
assessments, including EcoVadis and the Dutch foundation
MVO-Register. ESG ratings are collected on an ongoing basis,
as assessments are valid for a limited period. Providing an
independent ESG assessment rating has now been made
mandatory in our Procurement Terms and Conditions.
Where necessary, improvement plans are developed to
address identified gaps. PostNL actively encourages
contracted suppliers to obtain recognised certifications, such
as ISO standards, participate in sustainability initiatives
including CDP and SBTi, and demonstrate positive results in
independent sustainability assessments.
The objective is to progressively increase the share of
suppliers within our supply chain that are certified and/or
audited on sustainability. Through constructive dialogue,
areas for improvement are identified and joint improvement
plans are agreed, reinforcing our ambition to embed
sustainability across our supply chain.
Set of Guidelines for Suppliers and Guidelines for Delivery
Partners
The Set of Guidelines for Suppliers translates the PostNL
Code of Conduct and the OECD Guidelines into clear
expectations for suppliers. PostNL attaches great importance
to responsible care for people and the environment and
seeks to work collaboratively with suppliers to achieve this.
Acceptance of the Set of Guidelines for Suppliers, or the
Guidelines for Delivery Partners, is mandatory when entering
into supplier contracts. While guidelines do not address every
possible topic, they provide clear direction on key focus
areas. A core principle of the OECD Guidelines relates to
responsible supply chain management. We expect suppliers
not only to apply robust ESG practices within their own
operations, but also to take responsibility for their broader
value chain by ensuring compliance further downstream.
Both sets of guidelines are reviewed regularly when
necessary to reflect evolving ESG requirements and risk
analysis. In 2025, we updated and refined our Set of
Guidelines for Suppliers to improve clarity and usability.
policies and procedures in the Corporate culture section
above for more information.
Implementation of due diligence delivery partners
PostNL aims to uphold good social working conditions for
everyone who collaborates with us, including our business
partners. We adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and our
Code of Conduct. To further strengthen our approach, due
diligence guidelines were implemented in 2025 for our
delivery partners within the Parcels activities in the
Netherlands and Belgium.
4.2.1.4 Corruption and bribery
Incident reporting and investigation process
PostNL's incident reporting process ensures that employees,
contractors, agents, and associated third parties can report
suspected fraud, bribery, or corruption promptly and
confidentially. All suspected incidents are investigated and
monitored by the Integrity Committee. In cases involving
executive management or Audit & Security personnel, special
procedures are followed to ensure impartiality and
accountability. This is an ongoing annual action which is
continuously evaluated and updated to reflect best practices.
Refer to the action Integrity reporting in the Corporate
culture paragraph above for more information on integrity
reporting. Refer to the action Whistleblowing reporting and
investigation process in the Protection of whistleblowers
paragraph above for more information on this action
applicable for Corruption and bribery as well. More
information on the incident reporting and investigation
process can be found in the paragraphs Integrity Committee,
Corporate governance chapter.
Promoting awareness of integrity-related policies and
procedures
We maintain a strong focus on preventing corruption and
bribery through continuous awareness-building and risk-
based training. Refer to the action Promoting awareness of
culture paragraph above for more information on this action
applicable for Corruption and bribery as well. We aligned our
way of working with the ISO 37001 Anti-bribery Management
System, and therefore we no longer identified this as a key
action.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
248
4.2.2 Our performance
Currently, no formal strategic or corporate targets have been
established to manage corporate culture, protection of
whistleblowers, management of relationship with suppliers, or
corruption and bribery. However, in 2025 we introduced clear
integrity-related ambitions to strengthen our governance
framework. These include 100% participation in the Integrity
e-learning for high-risk functions, which was launched in
October 2025 as a follow-up to the introduction of the new
Code of Conduct and for which we aim to achieve a 100% e-
learning completion goal in 2026. In addition, we ensure that
100% of all whistleblowing reports are investigated. These
measures underline our focus on maintaining a culture of
openness, transparency and ethical conduct across the
organisation.
The effectiveness of PostNL’s policies and actions to support
and embed its corporate culture is monitored through regular
reviews and updates of the Integrity Policy and related
procedures, as well as ongoing tracking of progress in key
areas, such as completion rates for mandatory integrity e-
learning. This demonstrates PostNL’s continued focus on
strengthening and continuously improving its integrity
programme. Given the sensitive nature of whistleblower
protection, setting a specific quantitative target is considered
inappropriate. Effectiveness is therefore assessed through
the robustness of the integrity framework and the quality of
the handling and follow-up of whistleblowing reports. PostNL
ensures that all whistleblowing reports are investigated.
The effectiveness of the Procurement Policy and its
accompanying actions is tracked using internal departmental
targets, such as increasing the share of contracted suppliers
that have accepted the Set of Guidelines for Suppliers or the
Guidelines for Delivery Partners, as well as the proportion
that receive a satisfactory sustainability assessment or
evaluation. These measures help foster stronger supplier
relationships and support the sustainability of our value
chain.
The effectiveness of PostNL’s policies and actions to manage
corruption and bribery is tracked by the robustness of the
integrity framework and the investigation of incident reports.
4.2.2.1 Management of relationships with
suppliers including payment practices
Payment practices
Payment terms range from 1 to 60 days with an average of 30
days. Based on the current information capture, PostNL is
unable to reliably split our suppliers into large and small and
medium enterprises (SMEs). Consequently, in 2024 we
decided that we will only report on the full scope of our
suppliers. Our full scope of suppliers includes both large and
SMEs, which provides a reliable proxy for the payment
practices of the SMEs. We will explore how to reliably report
on the split of these two groups in the future. The standard
payment term of PostNL for SMEs is 30 days.
PostNL Payment practices as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Average number of days to pay invoice
from date when contractual or statutory
term of payment starts to be calculated
29
29
Number of outstanding legal proceedings
for late payments
0
0
“These measures help foster
stronger supplier relationships
and support the sustainability of
our value chain”
Across all categories, the average time taken to pay an
invoice is below our standard payment term of 30 days. This
is consistent with the average of prior year (2024: 29 days). In
total, in 2025, 82% of invoices were allocated to the
Netherlands, 8% to Belgium, and 10% to Spring GDS. In the
Netherlands, the largest supplier categories were related to
transport and fleet and human resources, respectively 31%
and 25%. Transport and fleet invoices were settled within the
standard payment term 84% of the time, while this was the
case for 79% of human resources invoices. This has improved
since 2024. At present, there are no material outstanding
legal proceedings concerning our payment practices.
4.2.2.2 Corruption and bribery
All reported (alleged) breaches of anti-corruption and anti-
bribery policies and procedures are investigated by PostNL
security. All security investigators are hired in accordance
with a defined job profile and are regularly trained and
equipped with the required skills. In addition, internal audit
explicitly addresses fraud, corruption and bribery risks during
the execution of internal audits.
PostNL Confirmed incidents of corruption and bribery
as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2024
2025
Number of convictions for violation of
anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws
0
0
Amount of fines for violation of anti-
corruption and anti-bribery laws (in
Euros)
0
0
In 2025, PostNL or its employees were not convicted and
were not fined for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery
laws.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
249
ESRS content index
This table shows the list of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) disclosure requirements, including a reference to the related disclosures in the sustainability statements, or
indicate when the datapoint is assessed as 'not material to us', 'phased-in option applied', or 'not applicable'.
Indicatornr.
Indicator
Reference
Page(s)
Explanation
ESRS 2
Basis of preparation
BP-1
General basis for preparation of sustainability statements
181-186
ESRS 2-5 (d): Not applicable as PostNL has not omitted
specific pieces of information corresponding to
intellectual property, know-how or results of innovation
nor does Dutch law exempts information from being
disclosed
ESRS 2-5 (e): Not applicable as PostNL is not exempted
from disclosure
BP-2
Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances
181-186
ESRS 2-17 (a)-(e): Not applicable as PostNL exceeds on its
balance sheet date the average number of 750
employees during the financial year 2025
Governance
GOV-1
The role of the administrative, management and
supervisory bodies
179
GOV-2
Information provided to and sustainability matters
addressed by the undertaking’s administrative,
management and supervisory bodies
179
GOV-3
Integration of sustainability-related performance in
incentive schemes
179
GOV-4
Statement on due diligence
179
GOV-5
Risk management and internal controls over sustainability
reporting
179
Strategy
SBM-1
Strategy, business model and value chain
173-174
ESRS 2-40 (a) iv: Not applicable as PostNL does not have
material, products and services that are banned in
certain markets
ESRS 2-40 (d) i: Not applicable as PostNL does not have
revenue from coal/oil/gas
ESRS 2-40 (d) ii: Not applicable as PostNL does not
operate in chemicals productions
ESRS 2- 40 (d) iii: Not applicable as PostNL does not
operate in controversial weapons
ESRS 2-40 (d) iv: Not applicable as PostNL does not
operate in the cultivation and production of tobacco
SBM-2
Interests and views of stakeholders
173-174;
175-176
PostNL Annual Report 2025
250
Indicatornr.
Indicator
Reference
Page(s)
Explanation
SBM-3
Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their
interaction with strategy and business model
177-178;
188;
189-193;
216-217;
218;
242;
243
Impact, risk and opportunity management
IRO-1
Description of the processes to identify and assess
material impacts, risks and opportunities
177-178
IRO-2
Disclosure requirements in ESRS covered by the
undertaking’s sustainability statements
177-178;
255-257
ESRS 2-57: Not applicable as PostNL considers E1
Climate change as a material topic
MDR-P
Minimum disclosure requirement - Policies MDR-P –
Policies adopted to manage material sustainability
matters
194;
222-225;
244-245
MDR-A
Minimum disclosure requirement - Actions MDR-A –
Actions and resources in relation to material sustainability
matters
195-196;
203;
205-206;
226-229;
235-236;
237-238;
246-247
MDR-M
Minimum disclosure requirement – Metrics MDR-M –
Metrics in relation to material sustainability matters
196-202;
203-204;
206-208;
229-234;
238-240;
248
MDR-T
Minimum disclosure requirement – Targets MDR-T –
Tracking effectiveness of policies and actions through
targets
196-202;
203-204;
206-208;
229-234;
236;
238-240;
248
ESRS E1 Climate change
Governance
GOV-3
Integration of sustainability-related performance in
incentive schemes
179; 194
Strategy
E1-1
Transition plan for climate change mitigation
189-193
ESRS E1-16 (f): Not applicable as PostNL has no significant
capex amounts for coal, oil and gas related business
activities as PostNL's activities fall into category H
PostNL Annual Report 2025
251
Indicatornr.
Indicator
Reference
Page(s)
Explanation
SBM-3
Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their
interaction with strategy and business model
188;
189-193
Impact, risk and opportunity management
IRO-1
Description of the processes to identify and assess
material climate- related impacts, risks and opportunities
177-178;
188;
189-193
E1-2
Policies related to climate change mitigation and
adaptation
194
E1-3
Actions and resources in relation to climate change
policies
195-196
Metrics and targets
E1-4
Targets related to climate change mitigation and
adaptation
196-202
E1-5
Energy consumption and mix
202
E1-6
Gross scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions
196-201
ESRS E1-AR 46 (j): Not applicable as PostNL does not have
material biogenic emissions of CO2 in its upstream or
downstream value chain that would need to be disclosed
seperately
E1-7
GHG removals and GHG mitigation projects financed
through carbon credits
ESRS E1-7: Not applicable as PostNL does not use GHG
removals and does not finance mitigation projects
through carbon credits as part of its climate strategy
E1-8
Internal carbon pricing
201
E1-9
Anticipated financial effects from material physical and
transition risks and potential climate-related opportunities
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-
in disclosure requirements
ESRS E2 Pollution
Impact, risk and opportunity management
IRO-1
Description of the processes to identify and assess
material pollution-related impacts, risks and opportunities
177-178;
188;
189-193
E2-1
Policies related to pollution
194
E2-2
Actions and resources related to pollution
203
Metrics and targets
E2-3
Targets related to pollution
203-204
E2-4
Pollution of air, water and soil
203-204
E2-6
Anticipated financial effects from pollution-related
impacts, risks and opportunities
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-
in disclosure requirements
ESRS E2-40 (b): Not applicable as no major incidents
occurred during the reporting period that resulted in
capital or operational expenditures or related deposits
ESRS E3 Water and marine resources
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
PostNL Annual Report 2025
252
Indicatornr.
Indicator
Reference
Page(s)
Explanation
ESRS E4 Biodiversity and ecosystems
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E5 Resource use and circular economy
Impact, risk and opportunity management
IRO-1
Description of the processes to identify and assess
material resource use and circular economy-related
impacts, risks and opportunities
177-178;
188;
189-193
E5-1
Policies related to resource use and circular economy
194
E5-2
Actions and resources in relation to resource use and
circular economy
205-206
Metrics and targets
E5-3
Targets related to resource use and circular economy
206-208
E5-4
Resource inflows
206-208
E5-5
Resource outflows
208
ESRS E5-5 36 (a), 36 (b), 36 (c): Not material as PostNL is a
logistics provider rather than a production company,
therefore these datapoints under resource outflows are
not material to our operations
E5-6
Anticipated financial effects from material resource use
and circular economy-related risks and opportunities
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-
in disclosure requirements
ESRS S1 Own workforce
Strategy
SBM-2
Interests and views of stakeholders
175-176
SBM-3
Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their
interaction with strategy and business model
177-178;
216-217;
218
Impact, risk and opportunity management
S1-1
Policies related to workforce in the value chain
222-225
ESRS S1-27 (d): Not applicable as PostNL does not have a
Global Framework Agreement
S1-2
Processes for engaging with own workers and workers'
representatives about impacts
219-222
S1-3
Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for
own workers to raise concerns
219-222
S1-4
Taking action on material impacts on own workforce, and
approaches to managing material risks and pursuing
material opportunities related to own workforce, and
effectiveness of those actions
226-229
Metrics and targets
PostNL Annual Report 2025
253
Indicatornr.
Indicator
Reference
Page(s)
Explanation
S1-5
Targets related to managing material negative impacts,
advancing positive impacts, and managing material risks
and opportunities
229-234
S1-6
Characteristics of the undertaking’s employees
229-230
S1-7
Characteristics of non-employee workers in the
undertaking’s own workforce
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-
in disclosure requirements
S1-9
Diversity metrics
232-233
S1-12
Percentage of employees with disabilities
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-
in disclosure requirements
S1-13
Training and skills development
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-
in disclosure requirements
S1-14
Health and safety metrics
230-232
ESRS S1-14: As allowed per Quick Fix Delegated Act, we
have omitted data points on cases of work-related ill-
health, the number of days lost due to injuries, accidents,
fatalities, and work-related ill-health. Additionally, we
have not included reporting on non-employees for this
reporting year
S1-17
Incidents, complaints and severe human rights impacts
234
ESRS S2 Workers in the value-chain
Strategy
SBM-2
Interests and views of stakeholders
175-176
SBM-3
Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their
interaction with strategy and business model
177-178;
216-217;
218
Impact, risk and opportunity management
S2-1
Policies related to workforce in the value chain
222-225
S2-2
Processes for engaging with value-chain workers about
impacts
219-222
ESRS S2-22 (d): Not applicable as PostNL does not have a
Global Framework Agreement
S2-3
Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for
value-chain workers to raise concerns
219-222
S2-4
Taking action on material impacts on own workforce, and
approaches to managing material risks and pursuing
material opportunities related to own workforce, and
effectiveness of those actions
235-236
Metrics and targets
S2-5
Targets related to managing material negative impacts,
advancing positive impacts, and managing material risks
and opportunities
236
PostNL Annual Report 2025
254
Indicatornr.
Indicator
Reference
Page(s)
Explanation
ESRS S4 Consumers and end-users
Strategy
SBM-2
Interests and views of stakeholders
175-176
SBM-3
Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their
interaction with strategy and business model
177-178;
216-217;
218
Impact, risk and opportunity management
S4-1
Policies related to consumers and end-users
222-225
S4-2
Processes for engaging with consumers and end-users
about impact
219-222
S4-3
Processes to remediate negative impacts and channels for
consumers and end-users to raise concerns
219-222
S4-4
Taking action on material impacts on own workforce, and
approaches to managing material risks and pursuing
material opportunities related to consumers and end-
users, and effectiveness of those actions
237-238
Metrics and targets
S4-5
Targets related to managing material negative impacts,
advancing positive impacts, and managing material risks
and opportunities
238-240
ESRS G1 Business conduct
Governance
GOV-1
The role of the administrative, management and
supervisory bodies
179
Impact, risk and opportunity management
IRO-1
Description of the processes to identify and assess
material impacts, risks and opportunities
177-178;
242;
243
G1-1
Business conduct policies and corporate culture
244-245
G1-2
Management of relationships with suppliers
243-244
G1-3
Prevention and detection of corruption and bribery
244-245;
246-247;
248
Metrics and targets
G1-4
Confirmed incidents of corruption and bribery
248
G1-6
Payment practices
248
PostNL Annual Report 2025
255
Datapoints deriving from other EU legislation
This table, compiled based on Appendix B in ESRS 2, shows the list of datapoints that derive from other EU legislation. We include a reference to where the related disclosures are located in the
sustainability statements, or indicate when the datapoint is assessed as 'not material to us', 'phased-in option applied', or 'not applicable'.
Disclosure
requirement
Data-
point
Description
SFDR
reference
Pillar 3
reference
Bench-
mark
regulation
reference
EU
Climate
Law
reference
Reference including page number(s)
ESRS 2 GOV-1
21 (d)
Board's gender diversity
x
x
ESRS 2 GOV-1
21 (e)
Percentage of board members who are independent
x
ESRS 2 GOV-4
30
Statement on due diligence
x
ESRS 2 SBM-1
40 (d) i
Involvement in activities related to fossil fuel activities
x
x
x
Not applicable as PostNL does not have revenue from coal/oil/gas
ESRS 2 SBM-1
40 (d) ii
Involvement in activities related to chemical production
x
x
Not applicable as PostNL does not operate in chemicals productions
ESRS 2 SBM-1
40 (d) iii
Involvement in activities related to controversial weapons
x
x
Not applicable as PostNL does not operate in controversial weapons
ESRS 2 SBM-1
40 (d)
iv
Involvement in activities related to cultivation and
production of tobacco
x
Not applicable as PostNL does not operate in the cultivation and production of
tobacco
ESRS E1-1
14
Transition plan to reach climate neutrality by 2050
x
ESRS E1-1
16 (g)
Undertakings excluded from Paris-aligned Benchmarks
x
x
ESRS E1-4
34
GHG emission reduction targets
x
x
x
ESRS E1-5
38
Energy consumption from fossil sources disaggregated by
sources (only high climate impact sectors)
x
ESRS E1-5
37
Energy consumption and mix
x
ESRS E1-5
40-43
Energy intensity associated with activities in high climate
impact sectors
x
ESRS E1-6
44
Gross Scope 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions
x
x
x
ESRS E1-6
53-55
Gross GHG emissions intensity
x
x
x
ESRS E1-7
56
GHG removals and carbon credits
x
Not applicable as PostNL does not use GHG removals and does not finance
mitigation projects through carbon credits as part of its climate strategy
ESRS E1-9
66
Exposure of the benchmark portfolio to climate-related
physical risks
x
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-in disclosure
requirements
ESRS E1-9
66 (a);
66 (c)
Disaggregation of monetary amounts by acute and
chronic physical risk
Location of significant assets at material physical risk
paragraph
x
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-in disclosure
requirements
PostNL Annual Report 2025
256
Disclosure
requirement
Data-
point
Description
SFDR
reference
Pillar 3
reference
Bench-
mark
regulation
reference
EU
Climate
Law
reference
Reference including page number(s)
ESRS E1-9
67 (c)
Breakdown of the carrying value of its real estate assets
by energy-efficiency classes
x
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-in disclosure
requirements
ESRS E1-9
69
Degree of exposure of the portfolio to climate-related
opportunities
x
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-in disclosure
requirements
ESRS E2-4
28
Amount of each pollutant listed in Annex II of the E-PRTR
Regulation (European Pollutant Release and Transfer
Register) emitted to air, water and soil
x
ESRS E3-1
9
Water and marine resources
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E3-1
13
Dedicated policy
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E3-1
14
Sustainable oceans and seas
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E3-4
28 (c)
Total water recycled and reused
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E3-4
29
Total water consumption in m3 per net revenue on own
operations
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS 2-IRO1-E4
16 (a) i
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS 2-IRO1-E4
16 (b)
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS 2-IRO1-E4
16 (c)
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E4-2
24 (b)
Sustainable land / agriculture practices or policies
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E4-2
24 (c)
Sustainable oceans / seas practices or policies
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E4-2
24 (d)
Policies to address deforestation
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS E5-5
37 (d)
Non-recycled waste
x
ESRS E5-5
39
Hazardous waste and radioactive waste
x
ESRS 2-SBM3-S1
14 (f)
Risk of incidents of forced labour
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS 2-SBM3-S1
14 (g)
Risk of incidents of child labour
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S1-1
20
Human rights policy commitments
x
ESRS S1-1
21
Due diligence policies on issues addressed by the
fundamental International Labour Organisation
Conventions 1 to 8
x
ESRS S1-1
22
Processes and measures for preventing trafficking in
human beings
x
ESRS S1-1
23
Workplace accident prevention policy or management
system
x
ESRS S1-3
32 (c)
Grievance/complaints handling mechanisms
x
PostNL Annual Report 2025
257
Disclosure
requirement
Data-
point
Description
SFDR
reference
Pillar 3
reference
Bench-
mark
regulation
reference
EU
Climate
Law
reference
Reference including page number(s)
ESRS S1-14
88 (b)
and (c)
Number of fatalities and number and rate of work-related
accidents
x
x
ESRS S1-14
88 (e)
Number of days lost to injuries, accidents, fatalities or
illness
x
Phased-in option applied in line with ESRS 1 Appendix C: List of phased-in disclosure
requirements
ESRS S1-16
97 (a)
Unadjusted gender pay gap
x
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S1-16
97 (b)
Excessive CEO pay ratio
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S1-17
103 (a)
Incidents of discrimination
x
ESRS S1-17
104 (a)
Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and
OECD
x
x
ESRS 2-SBM3-S2
11 (b)
Significant risk of child labour or forced labour in the
value chain
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S2-1
17
Human rights policy commitments
x
ESRS S2-1
18
Policies related to value-chain workers
x
ESRS S2-1
19
Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights
principles and OECD guidelines
x
x
ESRS S2-1
19
Due diligence policies on issues addressed by the
fundamental International Labor Organisation
Conventions 1 to 8
x
ESRS S2-4
36
Human rights issues and incidents connected to its
upstream and downstream value chain
x
ESRS S3-1
16
Human rights policy commitments
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S3-1
17
Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights, ILO
principles or and OECD guidelines
x
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S3-4
36
Human rights issues and incidents
x
Not material to us based on DMA outcome
ESRS S4-1
16
Policies related to consumers and end-users
x
ESRS S4-1
17
Non-respect of UNGPs on Business and Human Rights and
OECD guidelines
x
x
ESRS S4-4
35
Human rights issues and incidents
x
ESRS G1-1
10 (b)
United Nations Convention against Corruption
x
ESRS G1-1
10 (d)
Protection of whistleblowers
x
Not applicable as PostNL has policies on the protection of whistleblowers in place,
244-245
ESRS G1-4
24 (a)
Fines for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws
x
x
ESRS G1-4
24 (b)
Standards of anti-corruption and anti-bribery
x
Other
information
PostNL Annual Report 2025
259
Section 1: Appropriation of profit
Extract from the articles of association on appropriation
of profit
Under PostNL’s articles of association, the dividend specified in article 31, paragraph 1 will first
be paid on the preference shares B if outstanding. Subject to the approval of PostNL’s
Supervisory Board, the Board of Management will determine thereafter which part of the profit
remaining after payment of dividend on any preference shares B will be appropriated to the
reserves (article 31, paragraph 2). The remaining profit after the appropriation to reserves
shall be at the disposal of the General Meeting of Shareholders (article 31, paragraph 3). No
dividend shall be paid on shares held by PostNL in its own capital (article 31, paragraph 6).
Preference shares B were not issued in 2025.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
260
Section 2: Independent auditor's report
To: the General Meeting of Shareholders and the Supervisory Board of PostNL N.V.
Report on the audit of the financial statements 2025
included in the Annual Report
Our opinion
In our opinion:
the accompanying consolidated primary statements give a true and fair view of the financial
position of PostNL N.V. (hereafter: ‘PostNL’ or ‘the Company’) as at 31 December 2025 and
of its result and its cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with IFRS Accounting
Standards as endorsed by the European Union (EU-IFRS) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the
Dutch Civil Code.
the accompanying corporate financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial
position of PostNL as at 31 December 2025 and of its result for the year then ended in
accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
What we have audited
We have audited the financial statements 2025 of PostNL based in The Hague, The
Netherlands. The financial statements include the consolidated financial statements and the
corporate financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements comprise:
1. the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2025;
2. the following consolidated statements for 2025: profit or loss, comprehensive income,
changes in equity and cash flows; and
3. the notes comprising material accounting policy information and other explanatory
information.
The corporate financial statements comprise:
1. the corporate statement of financial position as at 31 December 2025;
2. the corporate statement of profit and loss for 2025; and
3. the notes comprising a summary of the accounting policies and other explanatory
information.
Basis for our opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standards on
Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the ‘Our
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ section of our report.
We are independent of PostNL in accordance with the ‘Verordening inzake de
onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assurance-opdrachten’ (ViO, Code of Ethics for
Professional Accountants, a regulation with respect to independence) and other relevant
independence regulations in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we have complied with the
‘Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA, Dutch Code of Ethics).
We designed our audit procedures in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a
whole and in forming our opinion thereon. The information in respect of going concern, fraud
and non-compliance with laws and regulations, climate and the key audit matters was
addressed in this context, and we do not provide a separate opinion or conclusion on these
matters.
We believe the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a
basis for our opinion.
Information in support of our opinion
Summary
Materiality
Materiality of €17 million (2024: €17 million)
0.5% of revenue
Group audit
Performed substantive procedures for 84% of revenue
Performed substantive procedures for 92% of total assets
PostNL Annual Report 2025
261
Risk of material misstatements related to Fraud, NOCLAR, Going concern and Climate risks
Fraud risks: presumed risk of management override of controls, presumed risk of revenue recognition
terminal dues and deferred revenues from unused stamps, fraud risks on valuation of goodwill of 
CGU Mail in the Netherlands and claim provision quality of postal delivery identified and further
described in the section ‘Audit response to the risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws and
regulations’.
Non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR) risks: identified risk of material misstatements
with respect to the exposure related to not being able to meet the quality of postal delivery
requirement in the Dutch Postal law. Further described in the section ‘Audit response to the risk of
fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations’.
Going concern risks: no going concern risks identified, described in the section ‘Audit response to
going concern’.
Climate risks: no material impact of climate related risks on the current financial statements as per
the requirements of EU-IFRS identified. We have described our approach in the section ‘Audit
response to climate-related risks’.
Key audit matters
Revenue related accruals (terminal dues and deferred revenues from unused stamps)
Valuation of goodwill of the CGU Mail in the Netherlands
Claim provision quality of postal delivery
Materiality
Based on our professional judgement we determined the materiality for the financial
statements as a whole at €17 million (2024: €17 million). The materiality is determined with
reference to revenues (0.5%). We consider revenues as the most appropriate benchmark
because it is the most appropriate earnings-based measure which is relatively stable in
comparison to operating income and profit before income taxes. We have also taken into
account misstatements and/or possible misstatements that in our opinion are material for the
users of the financial statements for qualitative reasons.
We agreed with the Supervisory Board that misstatements identified during our audit in excess
of €0.8 million would be reported to them, as well as smaller misstatements that in our view
must be reported on qualitative grounds.
Scope of the group audit
PostNL is at the head of a group of components (hereafter “Group”). The financial information
of this Group is included in the financial statements of PostNL.
We performed risk assessment procedures throughout our audit to determine which of the
Group’s components are likely to include risks of material misstatement to the Group financial
statements. To appropriately respond to those assessed risks, we planned and performed
further audit procedures, either at component level or centrally. We identified 25 components
associated with a risk of material misstatement. We as group auditor audit 24 components
ourselves. For Spring Hong Kong Ltd. we used KPMG auditors from Hong Kong (component
auditor). We set component performance materiality levels considering the component’s size
and risk profile.
We have performed substantive procedures for 84% of Group revenues (2024: 84%) and 92%
of Group total assets (2024: 91%). At group level, we assessed the aggregation risk in the
remaining financial information and concluded that there is less than reasonable possibility of
a material misstatement. The individual components in the remaining financial information are
each below 2% of revenues.
In supervising and directing our component auditor, we:
Held risk assessment discussions with the component auditor to obtain their input to identify
matters relevant to the group audit.
Issued group audit instructions to component auditor on the scope, nature and timing of
their work, and received written communication about the results of the work they
performed.
Held meetings with our component auditor to discuss relevant developments, understand
and evaluate their work and attended closing meeting with local management.
Inspected the work performed by the component auditor and evaluated the
appropriateness of audit procedures performed and conclusions drawn.
We consider that the scope of our group audit forms an appropriate basis for our audit
opinion. Through performing the procedures mentioned above we obtained sufficient and
appropriate audit evidence about the Group’s financial information to provide an opinion on
the financial statements as a whole.
Audit response to the risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws
and regulations
In chapter 7 ‘Risk management’ of the Annual Report the Board of Management describes its
compliance risk assessment and in chapter 10 ‘Corporate governance’ its regulatory
compliance management and fraud risk management.
As part of our audit, we have gained insights into the Company and its business environment
and assessed the design and implementation of the Company’s risk management in relation to
fraud and non-compliance. Our procedures included, among other things, assessing the
Company’s code of conduct, whistleblowing procedures, incident registers, claims & litigation
and integrity reports as prepared by PostNL Integrity Committee and PostNL Audit & Security.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
262
Furthermore, we performed relevant inquiries with Board of Management, those charged with
governance and other relevant functions, such as Audit & Security, Corporate Legal, obtained
legal letters and involved forensic specialists in our audit procedures. We have also
incorporated an element of unpredictability in our audit, as part of our year-end procedures
we included one additional unannounced component within the Parcels segment to perform
procedures related to revenues. We have gained an understanding of the activities undertaken
by this entity and performed a test of detail to verify the accuracy of the revenues.
As a result from our risk assessment, we identified the following laws and regulations as those
most likely to have a material effect on the financial statements in case of non-compliance:
(Inter)National Postal legislation (USO regulation) including 2009 Dutch Postal Act. The Dutch
Postal market is regulated via the ACM and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Competition legislation with oversight by the ACM.
Social and labour legislation and health and safety legislation reflecting PostNL’s significant
work force and outsourced work.
Data protection and privacy laws such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Antibribery, trade sanctions and corruption.
Environmental laws.
Our procedures did only (as reported below) result in the identification of a reportable risk of
material misstatement in respect of non-compliance with the mail quality requirement of Dutch
Postal Act 2009.
Apart from the presumed fraud risk on revenue recognition terminal dues and deferred
revenue from unused stamps, we assessed the presumed fraud risk on revenue recognition on
other recorded revenues as not significant, because the individual transactions are single type
of simple revenues transactions.
Based on the above and on the auditing standards, we identified the following fraud and non-
compliance risks that are relevant to our audit, including the relevant presumed risks laid
down in the auditing standards, and responded as follows:
Management override of controls (a presumed fraud risk)
Risk:
Fraud risk related to management override and alteration of (financial)
results to meet external expectations, to maintain/increase current
stock price and to meet bonus targets. Management is in a unique
position to manipulate accounting records and prepare fraudulent
financial statements by overriding controls that otherwise appear to be
operating effectively such as estimates related to revenue recognition
terminal dues and deferred revenues from unused stamps.
Our response:
We evaluated the design and the implementation of internal controls
that mitigate fraud risks, such as processes related to journal entries
and estimates.
As part of the fraud risk assessment, we performed a data analysis of
high-risk journal entries related to amongst others post-closing entries
impacting the results. We evaluated the critical accounting estimates
and judgements included in the financial statements under chapter 1.3
for bias by the Company’s management, including retrospective reviews
of prior years’ estimates. Where we identified instances of unexpected
journal entries or other risks through our data analytic results, we
performed additional audit procedures to address each identified risk,
including testing of transactions back to source information.
Revenue recognition terminal dues and deferred from unused stamps (a presumed fraud risk)
Risk:
The judgement and assumptions in the determination of the terminal
dues revenue related accruals due to uncertainties around the
negotiation results and uncertainty around the timing of fulfilling the
performance obligation for the revenue from stamps may represent a
risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
Our response:
We refer to the key audit matter ‘Revenue related accruals (terminal
dues and deferred revenues from unused stamps)’ for the description of
the audit procedures responsive to this fraud risk.
Valuation of goodwill CGU Mail in the Netherlands
Risk:
We identified a fraud risk related to the valuation of goodwill of CGU
Mail in the Netherlands given the declining market for Mail in the
Netherlands and the significant management judgement and estimates,
including its reliance on multi-year financial projections.
Our response:
We refer to the key audit matter ‘Valuation of goodwill of CGU Mail in
the Netherlands’ for the description of the audit procedures responsive
to this fraud risk.
Exposure mail quality requirements of Dutch Postal Act 2009
Risk:
PostNL has not met the prescribed quality of postal delivery for multiple
years and as a result is non-compliant with the Dutch postal law. We
identified a risk of material misstatement with respect to the exposure
to fines related to not being able to meet the prescribed quality of
postal delivery.
Our response:
We refer to the key audit matter ‘Claim provisions quality of postal
delivery’ for the description of the audit procedures responsive to this
fraud risk.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
263
Our evaluation of procedures performed related to fraud and non-compliance with laws and
regulations resulted in key audit matters in relation to revenue related accruals (terminal dues
and deferred revenues from unused stamps), valuation of CGU goodwill of the Mail in the
Netherlands and claim provisions quality of postal delivery.
We communicated our risk assessment, audit responses and results to the Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board.
Our audit procedures did not reveal other indications and/or reasonable suspicion of fraud
and non-compliance that are considered material for our audit.
Audit response to going concern
The Board of Management has performed its going concern assessment and has not identified
any going concern risks. To evaluate the Board of Management’s assessment, we have
performed, among other things, the following procedures:
we considered whether the Board of Management’s assessment of the going concern risks
includes all relevant information of which we are aware as a result of our audit;
we analysed the Company’s financial position as at year-end and compared it to the
previous financial year in terms of indicators that could identify going concern risks; and
we considered whether the loss from continuing operations and the negative free cash flow
for the year ended at 31 December 2025 and the geopolitical and economic developments
(including (labor)cost increases, volume decline Mail and the ongoing political discussion on
change in the Dutch postal law requirements) indicate a going concern risk, taken into
consideration the cash and committed financing arrangements, including the undrawn
committed facilities, in place.
The outcome of our risk assessment procedures did not give reason to perform additional
audit procedures on management’s going concern assessment.
Audit response to climate-related risks
The Company has set out its targets relating to climate change in chapter 2.1.2 ‘Our strategy’
of the sustainability statements in the Annual Report. PostNL is committed to net-zero carbon
emissions by 2040 and to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its own
operations as well as outsourced activities. By 2030, the target is to achieve emission-free
delivery in the last mile, which is from the final sorting centre to the consumer or designated
pick-up point.
Management has assessed, against the background of the Company’s business and operations,
in detail how climate-related risks and opportunities and the Company’s own targets could
have a significant impact on its business or could impose the need to adapt its strategy and
operations. Management has considered the impact of both transition and physical risks on the
financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, more
specifically in relation to valuation of non-current assets, cost increase and demand for the
Company's services as described in chapter 7 ‘Risk management’ of the Annual Report.
The Company has disclosed in Section 1 ‘General disclosures’ in the sustainability statements
that it has prepared its sustainability statements in accordance with the European
Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Management prepared the financial statements,
including considering whether the implications from climate-related risks, targets and the
current and anticipated financial effects relating to sustainability matters as disclosed in
section 2 ‘Environmental disclosures’ of the sustainability statements have been appropriately
accounted for and disclosed.
We have read, and considered as part of our risk assessment, these sustainability statements,
which includes information over material sustainability matters relating to material impacts,
risks and opportunities relating to climate change. As part of this, we have read and
considered the information reported over the connectivity of the sustainability statements with
the financial statements.
Considering the risk assessment work performed, we did not identify a risk of material
misstatement specific to climate change and thus no further audit response was considered
necessary.
Our key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most
significance in our audit of the financial statements. We have communicated the key audit
matters to the Supervisory Board. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive reflection of
all matters discussed. The key audit matters are consistent with last year.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
264
Revenue related accruals (terminal dues and deferred revenues from unused stamps)
Description
Our response
Our observation
Terminal dues
As disclosed in note 3.1.4 to the financial statements, PostNL has outstanding
positions with mainly international postal operators for services provided for or
received totaling €156 million (2024: €180 million) in accrued liabilities and totaling
€28 million (2024: €47 million) in prepayments and accrued income. The revenue
related accruals are significant to our audit due to the amounts and judgement
involved. This position involves a certain level of management judgement in
calculating positions, the outcome of negotiations with the counterparties on prices
and volume seen those are not yet finalized as per balance sheet date. The actual
settled amounts may differ from management’s estimate as a result of negotiations.
Further reference is made to the accounting policy around revenue related accruals
in note 1.4. This both relates to prices and quantities, which are considered the main
significant assumptions of the estimate.
Considering this process is sensitive for management override of controls, this is
considered a risk of fraud.
Deferred revenues from unused stamps
As disclosed in note 3.1.3 to the financial statements, PostNL has an outstanding
position deferred revenues from unused stamps for totalling €25 million (2024: €26
million). Revenue is being recognized at a point in time, the performance obligation
with the customer is generally settled upon delivery of the mail, not at the point
stamps are sold to customers. There can be a considerable delay between the sale
of a stamp and the settlement of the performance obligation as stamps held by
customers remain valid indefinitely. This position involves a certain level of
management judgement in the estimation of how many stamps will be redeemed.
Considering this process is sensitive for management override of controls, this is
considered a risk of fraud.
Terminal dues
We have performed the following procedures:
evaluated the process and models used by management in its estimate and
performed walkthroughs of the revenue classes of transactions and evaluated the
design and implementation of the relevant controls;
performed retrospective review of estimates made by management in the past;
inquired with management regarding developments in mail volumes, development
in terminal dues and progress of settlement negotiations and performed analytical
procedures on terminal due positions and development of mail volumes and
evaluated whether the assumptions are reasonable;
performed test of details to verify accuracy of prices and quantities by
reconciliation to supporting documentation including contractual agreements and
performed test of details on manual adjustments; and
assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policies and the adequacy of the
financial statements disclosures in note 3.1.4 to the financial statements.
Deferred revenues from unused stamps
We have performed the following procedures:
evaluated the process and models used by management in its estimate and
performed walkthroughs of the calculation of deferred revenues from unused
stamps and evaluated the design and implementation of the relevant controls;
challenged management on the appropriateness of the method model in place
used to develop the estimate, this includes assessing if alternative methods should
have been considered;
performed a recalculation of the deferred revenues from unused stamps position
using the input data and assumptions as included in the method model to
determine if the method model has been applied appropriately;
performed test of details to verify if the individual data elements used to develop
the deferred revenues from unused stamps position are both accurate and
complete;
performed a sensitivity analysis to consider the impact of reasonable possible
changes in either the input data or assumptions; and
assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policies and the adequacy of the
financial statements disclosures in note 3.1.3 to the financial statements.
We consider that management’s
assumptions related to the accruals for
terminal dues and deferred revenues
from unused stamps are within the
reasonable range. Further we assessed
that the disclosures are appropriate.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
265
Valuation of goodwill of CGU Mail in the Netherlands
Description
Our response
Our observation
As at 31 December 2025 the value of the goodwill associated to CGU Mail in the
Netherlands amounted to €103 million (2024: €143 million). Management has
recognized an impairment of €40 million (2024: €0 million). At each reporting date,
the Company performs a mandatory impairment test. The model used to calculate
the recoverable amount is complex and subject to significant management
judgement and estimation.
Further reference is made to note 3.3 to the financial statements in which the
accounting policies and assumptions and related changes and sensitivities are
disclosed.
Our audit approach included amongst others the following procedures in which we
involved our valuation specialists:
gained an understanding of the goodwill impairment testing process, including
controls over the data and assumptions used in the analysis and evaluated the
control design and implementation in this area;
evaluated whether the model management used is in line with IAS36 Impairment of
assets;
evaluated whether the key assumptions used in the cash flow projections are
realistic and achievable and consistent with the external (for information on
discount rates and implied growth rates driving operating income) and/or internal
environment. This included challenging management if the underlying drivers, with
specific audit consideration for the impact of volume developments and
regulatory developments, are incorporated in management’s projections;
reconciliation of the carrying values allocated to the CGU and assessing that the
allocated carrying values are in accordance with IAS36;
evaluated the reasonableness of prior period estimates and assumptions made by
management with a retrospective review. We evaluated whether management’s
assessment included all relevant information that has come to our attention in the
audit, assessed the reasonableness of management’s forecasts and verified the
reliability and relevance of data used;
evaluated the reasonability of the overall outcome;
evaluated the recording of the €40 million impairment of goodwill in CGU Mail in
the Netherlands for the year ended 31 December 2025; and
evaluated the adequacy of the financial statement disclosures including an
assessment whether the most relevant sensitivities are disclosed to indicate the
impact of a change in assumptions.
The headroom at year-end is limited and
is sensitive to key assumptions used in
the valuation as included in note 3.3. We
concur with the valuation of the goodwill
as at 31 December 2025 and assessed
that the disclosures for goodwill are
appropriate.
Claims provisions quality of postal delivery
Description
Our response
Our observation
As disclosed in note 3.5 to the financial statements, PostNL has exposure to fines
related to not being able to meet the by Dutch Postal law prescribed quality of postal
delivery. The exposure relates to multiple years and contains a high degree of
uncertainty and management estimation. The provision is part of the provision of
claims and indemnities totalling €26 million (2024: €24 million).
We have performed the following procedures:
evaluated the process and model used by management in its estimate and
evaluated the design and implementation of the relevant controls;
performed retrospective review of estimates made by management in the past;
inspected the correspondence with the regulator and the ruling from the Dutch
Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal related to the annulment of the fine for the
year 2019 and inquired with management and key personnel involved, including
legal and Public Affairs, regarding developments;
challenged management on the appropriateness of the assumptions such as the
loss of value to consumers, the recidivism and severity factors used in the model;
reconciled the input data in the model to underlying supporting information and
recalculated the quality percentages based on the Dutch Postal law requirements;
perform a sensitivity analysis to consider the impact of reasonable possible
changes in the assumptions; and
assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policies and the adequacy of the
financial statements disclosures in note 3.5 to the financial statements.
We consider the claim provisions quality
of postal delivery reasonable and
appropriately disclosed.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
266
Report on the other information included in the Annual
Report
In addition to the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, the Annual Report
contains other information.
Based on the following procedures performed, we conclude that the other information:
is consistent with the financial statements and does not contain material misstatements; and
contains the information as required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the
management report and other information.
We have read the other information. Based on our knowledge and understanding obtained
through our audit of the financial statements or otherwise, we have considered whether the
other information contains material misstatements.
By performing these procedures, we comply with the requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 of the
Dutch Civil Code and the Dutch Standard 720. The scope of the procedures performed is less
than the scope of those performed in our audit of the financial statements.
The Board of Management is responsible for the preparation of the other information,
including the information as required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements and
ESEF
Engagement
We were initially appointed by the annual general meeting of shareholders as auditor of
PostNL on 19 April 2021, as of the audit for the year 2022 and have operated as statutory
auditor ever since that financial year.
No prohibited non-audit services
We have not provided prohibited non-audit services as referred to in Article 5(1) of the EU
Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audits of public-interest entities.
European Single Electronic Format (ESEF)
PostNL has prepared its Annual Report in ESEF. The requirements for this are set out in the
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 with regard to regulatory technical standards on the
specification of a single electronic reporting format (hereinafter: the RTS on ESEF).
In our opinion the Annual Report prepared in XHTML format, including the (partly) marked-up
consolidated financial statements as included in the reporting package by PostNL, complies in
all material respects with the RTS on ESEF.
The Board of Management is responsible for preparing the Annual Report including the
financial statements in accordance with the RTS on ESEF, whereby the Board of Management
combines the various components into one single reporting package.
Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance for our opinion whether the Annual Report
in this reporting package complies with the RTS on ESEF. We performed our examination in
accordance with Dutch law, including Dutch Standard 3950N ’Assurance-opdrachten inzake
het voldoen aan de criteria voor het opstellen van een digitaal
verantwoordingsdocument’ (assurance engagements relating to compliance with criteria for
digital reporting). Our examination included among others:
Obtaining an understanding of the entity's financial reporting process, including the
preparation of the reporting package;
Identifying and assessing the risks that the Annual Report does not comply in all material
respects with the RTS on ESEF and designing and performing further assurance procedures
responsive to those risks to provide a basis for our opinion, including:
Obtaining the reporting package and performing validations to determine whether the
reporting package containing the Inline XBRL instance document and the XBRL extension
taxonomy files have been prepared in accordance with the technical specifications as
included in the RTS on ESEF;
Examining the information related to the consolidated financial statements in the reporting
package to determine whether all required mark-ups have been applied and whether
these are in accordance with the RTS on ESEF.
Description of responsibilities regarding the financial
statements
Responsibilities of the Board of Management and the Supervisory
Board for the financial statements
The Board of Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the
financial statements in accordance with EU-IFRS and Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
Furthermore, the Board of Management is responsible for such internal control as
management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
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267
In that respect the Board of Management, under supervision of the Supervisory Board, is
responsible for the prevention and detection of fraud and non-compliance with laws and
regulations, including determining measures to resolve the consequences of it and to prevent
recurrence.
As part of the preparation of the financial statements, the Board of Management is responsible
for assessing the PostNL’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on the financial
reporting frameworks mentioned, the Board of Management should prepare the financial
statements using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Management
either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative
but to do so. The Board of Management should disclose events and circumstances that may
cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in the financial
statements.
The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting
process.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objective is to plan and perform the audit engagement in a manner that allows us to obtain
sufficient and appropriate audit evidence for our opinion.
Our audit has been performed with a high, but not absolute, level of assurance, which means
we may not detect all material errors and fraud during our audit.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in
the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of
users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The materiality affects the nature,
timing and extent of our audit procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified
misstatements on our opinion.
We have exercised professional judgement and have maintained professional scepticism
throughout the audit, in accordance with Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical requirements
and independence requirements. Our audit included among others:
identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements,
whether due to fraud or error, designing and performing audit procedures responsive to
those risks, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is
higher than the risk resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control;
obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control;
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Board of Management;
concluding on the appropriateness of the Board of Management’s use of the going concern
basis of accounting, and based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material
uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty
exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in
the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our
conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report.
However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a
going concern;
evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements,
including the disclosures; and
evaluating whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We are responsible for planning and performing the group audit to obtain sufficient
appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business units
within the group as a basis for forming an opinion on the financial statements. We are also
responsible for the direction, supervision and review of the audit work performed for
purposes of the group audit. We bear the full responsibility for the auditor’s report.
We communicate with the Supervisory Board regarding, among other matters, the planned
scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant findings in
internal control that we identify during our audit. In this respect we also submit an additional
report to the audit committee in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation on specific
requirements regarding statutory audits of public-interest entities. The information included in
this additional report is consistent with our audit opinion in this auditor’s report.
We provide the Supervisory Board with a statement that we have complied with relevant
ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships
and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where
applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with the Supervisory Board, we determine the key audit
matters: those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements.
We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public
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268
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, not communicating the
matter is in the public interest.
The Hague, the Netherlands, 23 February 2026
KPMG Accountants N.V.
R.R.J. Smeets RA
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269
Section 3: Limited assurance report of the independent auditor
on the sustainability statements 2025
To: the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of PostNL N.V.
Our conclusion
We have performed a limited assurance engagement on the sustainability statements in the
Annual Report 2025 including the information incorporated in the sustainability statements by
reference (hereafter: the sustainability statements) for 2025 of PostNL N.V. based in The
Hague, The Netherlands (hereinafter: PostNL or the Company).
Based on the procedures performed and the assurance evidence obtained, nothing has come
to our attention that causes us to believe that the sustainability statements are not, in all
material respects:
prepared in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as
adopted by the European Commission and in accordance with the double materiality
assessment process carried out by the Company to identify the information reported
pursuant to the ESRS; and
compliant with the reporting requirements provided for in Article 8 of Regulation (EU)
2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation).
Basis for our conclusion
We performed our limited assurance engagement on the sustainability information in
accordance with Dutch law, including Dutch Standard 3810N ‘Assurance-opdrachten inzake
duurzaamheidsverslaggeving’ (Assurance engagements relating to sustainability reporting)
which is a specified Dutch standard that is based on the International Standard on Assurance
Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised) ’Assurance engagements other than audits or reviews of
historical financial information’. Our responsibilities under this standard are further described
in the section ‘Our responsibilities for the assurance engagement on the sustainability
information’ of our report.
We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ‘Verordening inzake de
onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assurance-opdrachten’ (ViO, Code of Ethics for
Professional Accountants, a regulation with respect to independence). Furthermore, we have
complied with the ‘Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA, Dutch Code of
Ethics for Professional Accountants).
We believe the assurance evidence we have been obtained is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our conclusion.
Inherent limitations in preparing the sustainability
statements
The sustainability statements may not include every impact, risk and opportunity or additional
entity-specific disclosure that each individual stakeholder (group) may consider important in its
own particular assessment.
In reporting forward-looking information in accordance with the ESRS, the Board of
Management of the Company is required to prepare the forward-looking information on the
basis of disclosed assumptions about events that may occur in the future and possible future
actions by the Company. The actual outcome is likely to be different since anticipated events
frequently do not occur as expected. Forward-looking information relates to events and
actions that have not yet occurred and may never occur.
Responsibilities of the Board of Management and
Supervisory Board for the sustainability statements
The Board of Management is responsible for the preparation of the sustainability statements in
accordance with the ESRS, including the double materiality assessment process carried out by
the Company as the basis for the sustainability statements and disclosure of material impacts,
risks and opportunities in accordance with the ESRS. As part of the preparation of the
sustainability statements, management is responsible for compliance with the reporting
requirements provided for in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation). The
Board of Management is also responsible for selecting and applying additional entity-specific
disclosures to enable users to understand the Company’s sustainability-related impacts, risks
or opportunities and for determining that these additional entity-specific disclosures are
suitable in the circumstances and in accordance with the ESRS.
Furthermore, the Board of Management is responsible for such internal control as it
determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the sustainability statements that is free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
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270
The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the sustainability reporting process
including the double materiality assessment process carried out by the Company.
Our responsibilities for the assurance engagement on the
sustainability statements
Our responsibility is to plan and perform the assurance engagement in a manner that allows us
to obtain sufficient and appropriate assurance evidence for our conclusion.
Our assurance engagement is aimed at obtaining a limited level of assurance that the
sustainability statements is free from material misstatements. The procedures vary in nature
and timing from, and are less in extent, than for a reasonable assurance engagement.
Consequently, the level of assurance obtained in a limited assurance engagement is
substantially lower than the assurance that would have obtained had a reasonable assurance
engagement been performed.
We apply the quality management requirements pursuant to the Nadere voorschriften
kwaliteitsmanagement (NV KM, regulations for quality management) and accordingly maintain a
comprehensive system of quality management including documented policies and procedures
regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and applicable legal
and regulatory requirements.
The references to external sources or websites in the sustainability information are not part of
the sustainability information as included in the scope of our assurance engagement.
Our limited assurance engagement included among others:
Performing inquiries and an analysis of the external environment and obtaining an
understanding of relevant sustainability themes and issues, the characteristics of the
Company, its activities and the value chain and its key intangible resources in order to
assess the double materiality assessment process carried out by the Company as the basis
for the sustainability statements and disclosure of all material sustainability-related impacts,
risks and opportunities in accordance with the ESRS.
Obtaining through inquiries a general understanding of the internal control environment, the
company’s processes for gathering and reporting entity-related and value chain information,
the information systems and the company’s risk assessment process relevant to the
preparation of the sustainability statements and for identifying the company’s activities,
determining eligible and aligned economic activities and prepare the disclosures provided
for in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation), without obtaining
assurance evidence about the implementation, or testing the operating effectiveness, of
controls.
Assessing the double materiality assessment process carried out by the company and
identifying and assessing areas of the sustainability statements, including the disclosures
provided for in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation) where
misleading or unbalanced information or material misstatements, whether due to fraud or
error, are likely to arise (‘selected disclosures’). We designed and performed further
assurance procedures aimed at assessing that the sustainability statements is free from
material misstatements responsive to this risk analysis.
Considering whether the description of the double materiality assessment process in the
sustainability statements made by the Board of Management reflects the process carried
out by the Company.
Performing analytical review procedures on quantitative information in the sustainability
statements, including consideration of data and trends.
Assessing whether the Company’s methods for developing estimates are appropriate and
have been consistently applied for selected disclosures. We considered data and trends,
however, our procedures did not include testing the data on which the estimates are based
or separately developing our own estimates against which to evaluate management’s
estimates.
Analysing, on a limited sample basis, relevant internal and external documentation available
to the Company (including publicly available information or information from actors
throughout its value chain) for selected disclosures.
Reading the other information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies, if
any, with the sustainability statements.
Considering whether:
the disclosures provided to address the reporting requirements provided for in Article 8 of
Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation) for each of the environmental objectives,
reconcile with the underlying records of the company and are consistent or coherent with
the sustainability statements;
the disclosures provided to address the reporting requirements provided for in Article 8 of
Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation) appear reasonable, in particular whether
the eligible economic activities meet the cumulative conditions to qualify as aligned and
whether the technical screening criteria are met; and
the key performance indicators disclosures have been defined and calculated in
compliance with the reporting requirements provided for in Article 8 of Regulation (EU)
2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation), including the format in which the activities are
presented;
Considering the overall presentation, structure and the fundamental qualitative
characteristics of information (relevance and faithful representation: complete, neutral and
accurate) reported in the sustainability statements, including the reporting requirements
provided for in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomy Regulation); and
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271
Considering, based on our limited assurance procedures and evaluation of the assurance
evidence obtained, whether the sustainability statements as a whole, are free from material
misstatements and prepared in accordance with the ESRS.
The Hague, 23 February 2026
KPMG Accountants N.V.
R.R.J. Smeets RA
Appendices
In the appendices we present additional material that
complements the main chapters of this report. These
supporting sections provide clarity, context and insight
into specific topics, helping readers navigate key themes
and outcomes.
Only the most relevant and useful information has been
included to ensure readability. Together, the appendices
offer a concise reference for deeper understanding.
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273
1 Data extrapolation sustainability statements
This table provides an overview of data extrapolation in the sustainability statements. Only line
items that include extrapolation are shown, including a reference to where the related
disclosures are located in the sustainability statements (see 'Notes') and the basis for
extrapolation.
We strive to report sustainability performance data based on actuals as much as possible. We
may use extrapolation of results of large entities to determine the performance of smaller
entities. This reduces the administrative tasks for smaller entities. We only use this method in
cases where the extrapolations are reasonably predictable.
Note that we can only report upon the extrapolation of data in scope, if any unavailability of
data we disclose upon this in the respective metric disclosure in the sustainability statements.
PostNL Data extrapolation sustainability statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Notes
Extrapolation
Basis for
Extrapolation
Environmental disclosures
Climate change
Kilometres own fleet
2.2.2.1 & 2.3.2.1
8%
Fuel
Energy consumption buildings -
electricity
2.2.2.2
17%
Energy consumption buildings - gas
2.2.2.2
25%
Employee commuting
2.2.2.1
5
Headcount
Resource use and circular economy
Total weight of technical and biological
products
2.4.2.1
12%
Spend
Total amount of waste generated
2.4.2.2
4%
FTE
Social disclosures
Own workforce
Workforce by region
3.2.2.1
3%
Headcount
Workforce by age group
3.2.2.3
3%
Headcount
Workforce by gender
3.2.2.1
3%
Headcount
Senior management by gender
3.2.2.3
2%
Headcount
Workforce by other dimensions
3.2.2.1
3%
Headcount
Million hours worked
3.2.2.2
4%
FTE
Number of work-related accidents
3.2.2.2
4%
FTE
Absenteeism
3.2.2.2
4%
FTE
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274
2 Glossary and definitions
Absenteeism
The absenteeism percentage follows the definition of the Central
Bureau for Statistics (CBS) in the Netherlands. It is calculated through
the weighted days of absence divided by the total contractual
working days. In this definition, we correct for part-time employees.
ACM
Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets.
Action
We implement our policies through actions, which also help address
our material impacts, risks and opportunities.
Agentic
Refers to digital systems that can act autonomously on behalf of
users, such as by searching, selecting or recommending products and
services based on predefined goals, preferences or data, with limited
human intervention, potentially changing how consumers discover,
compare and purchase products in e-commerce.
APL
An APL (automated parcel locker) is a locker where consumers can
pick up and send parcels at a time that is convenient for them.
Auditor
A chartered accountant (register accountant) or other auditor
referred to in section 393 of book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code or an
organisation in which such auditors work together.
B2B
B2B (business-to-business) involves one business selling products or
services to another business rather than directly to consumers.
B2C
B2C (business-to-consumer) involves one business selling products or
services directly to consumers.
Biological materials
Biological materials resource inflows are the renewable inputs from
nature—like plants, animals, and microorganisms— that enter a
company's value chain for production. These include raw materials,
packaging, water and equipment and are important for tracking
sustainability and supporting the transition towards a circular
economy, by ensuring these organic resources can safely return
nutrients to the biosphere.
BREEAM
The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental
Assessment Method) is a leading certification for the sustainability of
a building's design, construction, and operation. It assesses a project's
environmental impact across a range of factors, including
management, energy, water, waste, pollution, health and wellbeing,
and ecology, and assigns a rating to provide a measure of its
sustainable performance.
Business customer
SME or large business that acquires, consumes or uses our goods and
services.
Business ethics
Moral principles serving as guidelines for business conduct of PostNL
and the stakeholders we do business with. This includes aspects such
as reliability, fair trade, respect and diversity, customer focus,
neutrality and social responsibility.
Business travel
Business travel refers to all business-related travel for work. PostNL
reports the resulting CO2e emissions under the emission categories
employee commuting and own transport, company cars (upstream
leased assets), and business travel, where the business travel
category only involves travel by air by staff.
CDP
The Carbon Disclosure Project is a not-for-profit charity that offers a
global disclosure platform for investors, companies, cities, states, and
regions to disclose their environmental impact.
Circular economy
Economic system based on closed loops, aimed at eliminating waste
and the continual use of resources. Closed loops relate to reuse,
sharing, repair, refurbishment, re- manufacturing and recycling.
Consequently, the use of resource inputs and the creation of waste,
pollution and carbon emissions will be minimised.
cNPS
The competitor NPS is a customer loyalty metric, based on
assessments of an independent research company that measures the
likelihood of customers and consumers to recommend PostNL
compared to our competitors.
Collaboration barometer
An annual survey instrument used by PostNL to monitor satisfaction,
working relationships and collaboration with delivery partners. The
collaboration barometer provides insights into strengths,
improvement areas and the impact of operational and process
changes, which supports continuous improvement and informed
engagement with delivery partners across the value chain.
CO2 efficiency
The CO2 efficiency is the term used to express the relative impact of
CO2e. In relation to the key performance indicators, this means the
total direct and indirect (scope 1 and scope 2) CO2e emissions from
our operations divided by the total number of kilometres transported
from our own operations. The efficiency number is the grammes of
CO2e per kilometre transported.
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275
CO2e / CO2 equivalent
A CO2, carbon dioxide, equivalent (CO2e) is a unit of measurement
that is used to standardise the climate effects of various greenhouse
gases.
Consumer
Individual who acquires, consumes or uses goods and services for
personal use, either for themselves or for others, and not for resale,
commercial or trade, business, craft or profession purposes.
Corporate governance
The OECD defines corporate governance as the system by which
corporations are directed and controlled. The corporate governance
structure specifies the distribution of rights and responsibilities
among different participants, such as the board, managers,
shareholders and other stakeholders, and defines the rules and
procedures for making decisions. In doing so, it also provides the
structure by which company objectives are set and the means of
attaining those objectives and monitoring performance.
COSO ERM 2017
2017 Enterprise Risk Management – Integrated Framework of the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
CSRD
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a directive
which aims to ensure greater transparency and comparability in
sustainability reporting.
Customer
An individual or organisation that acquires, consumes, or uses goods
and services for resale, commercial or trade, business, craft or
profession purposes.
Cyber and physical security
Application of technologies, processes and controls to protect our
systems, networks, processes, data as well as assets and people from
unauthorised cyber and/or other attacks aimed for exploitation.
Data protection and privacy
The process of protecting PostNL's data and that of its stakeholders
against inappropriate use. As data is becoming increasingly important
in doing business, data protection and privacy involves striking the
right balance between individual privacy rights and allowing data to
be used for business purposes.
Decarbonisation levers
Decarbonisation levers are the specific strategies and actions
companies use to reduce their GHG emissions and meet climate
targets, encompassing energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel
switching, electrification, product/service changes, and supply chain
decarbonisation, as part of a credible climate transition plan.
Delivery quality Mail in the Netherlands
Percent of consignments that are delivered within the time frame set
for the service in question. An independent research firm measures
the time between posting and delivering by sending a representative
amount of test letters throughout the year and calculates the time
needed for delivery.
Delivery quality Parcels in the Netherlands
Delivery of a consignment within the time frame set for the service in
question. The performance is measured from the first sorting scan in
sorting centres until the day of the first delivery attempt. Collection
and cross-docking (including temporary storage) is excluded. The
scoping in relation to delivery days excludes pre-defined peak
moments. The consignments in scope include those to be delivered by
our parcel delivery services and at first attempt in the Netherlands.
Therefore, the scope excludes returns (freepost), international parcels
and letterbox packages.
Digitalisation
This refers to the digital transformation of society in which digital
information and communication play an increasingly important role in
all facets of life. This is different from digitisation, which refers to the
transformation of analogue information into digital information. This
process is necessary for the processing, modelling, and storage of
data.
Do No Significant Harm
The DNSH principle entails assessing whether an investment in an
economic activity that contributes substantially to an environmental
or social objective does not significantly harm any environmental or
social objectives.
Double materiality assessment (DMA)
Double materiality is an analysis used to assess the materiality of
sustainability matters. It has two dimensions: impact materiality and
financial materiality. A sustainability matter meets the criterion of
double materiality if it is material from the impact perspective or the
financial perspective or both.
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices are the first global indices to
track the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven
companies worldwide. They provide asset managers and other
stakeholders with reliable and objective benchmarks for managing
sustainability portfolios.
E-tailers
E-tailing is the sale of goods and services over the internet, which can
include B2B or B2C sales.
EcoVadis
EcoVadis is an international organisation that assesses companies on
their sustainability performance and corporate social responsibility
with a focus on sustainable procurement.
Electronic identification (e-ID)
Electronic identification (e-ID) is one of the tools to ensure secure
access to online services and to carry out electronic transactions in a
safer way.
Emission-free delivery
Emission-free delivery means the delivery of goods without CO2e
emissions. In relation to the key performance indicator, emission-free
delivery means the delivery of letters and parcels, both by PostNL
and by our delivery partners, from the last sorting activity before
distribution to the final destination (last-mile) in the Benelux without
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276
CO2e emissions. This also includes the collection of mail and parcels,
but excludes transport by large trucks.
Employee engagement
Employee engagement refers to the share of employees (employed by
PostNL for three months or more) who, based on the responses in the
employee engagement survey are classified as ‘engaged’, 'motivated'
or ‘engaged and motivated’ in relation to their job at PostNL. An
‘engaged employee’ is one who feels connected to the company and
is enthusiastic about their work. A 'motivated' employee additionally
actively aims to improve the company and its reputation. The survey
is conducted three times a year.
End-user
An end-user refers to the consumer of a good or service.
Energy efficiency
The ratio of output of our operational and other processes, to the
input of energy in our business.
ESRS
European Sustainability Reporting Standards
Full-time equivalents (FTEs)
FTEs refer to the total number of hours worked by employees with a
direct and active employment agreement, divided by the local number
of contract hours (e.g. 37 hours per week).
Gender Pay Gap
The unadjusted pay gap is the gross hourly wage of women divided by
the gross hourly wage of men. The adjusted pay gap is the gross
hourly wage of women divided by the gross hourly wage of men, in
the same Collective Labour Agreement (CLA), salary scale and age-
group. Each group is weighted by the total number of employees in
each group.
General data protection regulation (GDPR)
The GDPR is an EU regulation (Algemene Verordening
Gegevensbescherming - AGV in Dutch) aiming to protect all EU
citizens from privacy and data breaches in today’s data-driven world.
More can be found on https://eugdpr.org/the-regulation/
General Meeting of Shareholders
The meeting of shareholders and other persons entitled to attend
meetings.
GHG emissions
The emissions of CO2 can be calculated with help of the GHG
(greenhouse gas) protocol. We also include other emissions such as
methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). In this terminology, scope 1
covers all the emission streams directly attributable to an
organisation's own activities. Scope 2 covers the indirect emissions
related to energy consumption of a company. Scope 3 covers all the
other remaining emissions streams, for example outsourced
transport.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) was established in 1998
to develop internationally-accepted accounting and reporting
standards for greenhouse gas emissions of companies.
Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a form of advertising or marketing spin in which
green PR and green marketing are deceptively used to persuade the
public that an organisation's products, aims, and policies are
environmentally friendly.
Grievance mechanisms
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) as
“any routinized, State-based or non-State-based, judicial or non-
judicial process through which grievances concerning business-
related human rights abuse can be raised and remedy can be sought.”
Guarantees of Origin
A Guarantee of Origin (GO) is a digital certificate proving 1 MWh of
energy (electricity, gas, heating/cooling) came from a specific
renewable source, detailing its origin, technology, location, and
production time, allowing consumers and businesses to verify green
energy claims and support renewable investments, separate from the
actual energy trade. These certificates are traded and then
"retired" (cancelled) to prevent double-counting, ensuring
transparency in the green energy market.
Happy flow
Within e-commerce delivery, a 'happy flow' refers to a seamless and
smooth experience for both customers and consumers from the
moment the consumer places an order until the package is
successfully delivered.
Headcount
Headcount refers to the number of employees with a direct and
active employment agreement.
HVO100
HVO100 stands for 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, also known as
renewable diesel, which is a fossil free type of fuel made from waste
materials such as vegetable oils, used cooking oil and residues.
HVO100 out-of-tank solution
The HVO100 out-of-tank solution is a book & claim method where a
certain amount of litres HVO100 is purchased and injected in the
European fuel networks and used by third parties. Only the
purchasing party can claim the gross CO2 reduction associated from
using these carbon insets.
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards.
IFRS-EU
IFRS, as endorsed by the European Union.
Impact
When PostNL has or could have an effect on the environment and
people via our own operations or our value chain, the effect is called
an impact. An impact can be actual or potential, negative or positive,
intended or unintended, and reversible or irreversible. They can arise
over short-, medium- or long-term.
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IRO
IRO is an abbreviation of impact, risk and opportunity.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
The ISO is a network of national standards institutes from 146
countries working in partnership with international organisations,
governments, industry, business and consumer representatives. The
ISO is the source of ISO 9000 standards for quality management, ISO
14000 standards for environmental management and other
international standards for business, government and society. For
further information, see www.iso.org.
ISO 14001 (environmental management)
The ISO 14001 standards are international standards for controlling
environmental aspects and improving environmental performance,
minimising harmful effects on the environment and achieving
continual improvements in environmental performance.
ISO 27005
The ISO 27005 is the international standard that describes how to
conduct an information security risk assessment in accordance with
the requirements of ISO 27001.
ISO 37001
ISO 37001 is applicable only to bribery. It sets out requirements and
provides guidance for a management system designed to help an
organisation to prevent, detect and respond to bribery and comply
with anti-bribery laws and voluntary commitments applicable to its
activities.
ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management)
ISO 45001 is a standard for occupational health and safety
management systems. It is intended to help organisations control
occupational health and safety risks and was developed in response
to widespread demand for a recognised standard for certification and
assessment. ISO 45001 was created through the collaboration of
several of the world’s leading national standards bodies, certification
organisations and consultancies.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is a globally recognised standard for quality management.
Its requirements define how to establish, implement, maintain, and
continually improve a quality management system (QMS).
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
KPIs are measurements that focus on achieving outcomes critical to the
current and future success of an organisation. These indicators should
deal with matters that are linked to the organisation’s mission and
vision, and are quantified and influenced where possible.
Key affected stakeholders
Key affected stakeholders are those individuals or groups whose
interests are affected or could be affected either positively or
negatively by our own operation or because of our value chain.
Labour practices
Favourable work and labour conditions include sound collective
labour agreements, fair compensation, equal pay, facilitating personal
development, stimulating collaboration and making improvements
based on feedback.
Last-mile
The last part of the journey of a consignment to the receiving
customer. This starts from the last distribution sorting moment and
ends at the final destination. This may include transshipments to a
depot as an intermediate step before final delivery.
Long term horizon
Actions or impacts that materialize over a period of five years or
longer.
Management positions
Management positions refer to people who hold a leadership position,
of which we identify three types: Operational, middle and senior
management. Operational management is defined as employees with
leadership functions in junior positions. Senior management refers to
employees with leadership functions in senior positions, including
Board of Management. Middle management refers to positions
between operational and senior management.
Materiality
Information is material if errors, omissions or incorrect presentation
can influence the evaluation or decisions of users of the information.
Medium term horizon
Actions or impacts that unfold between one year and just under five
years.
Metric
Our metrics are indicators with which we measure and report on the
effectiveness of our policies and targets.
Minimum Safeguards
These safeguards require compliance with minimum human and
labour rights standards, preventing activities that breach key social
principles to ensure that sustainable activities are backed by
responsible business conduct.
Net promoter score (NPS)
NPS is a customer loyalty metric that measures the likelihood of
customers recommending a company, product, or service to others
by asking them to rate, on a scale of 0 to 10, how likely they are to
recommend the business.
NOx
NOx (NO and NO2) refers to nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides are
produced during combustion, especially at high temperatures.
Number of supervisory positions
According to Dutch law, the number of supervisory positions that
managing and Supervisory Board members may hold in certain
companies is limited (article 2:132a of the Dutch Civil Code for
managing board members and article 2:142a of the Dutch Civil Code
for Supervisory Board members). Since 1 January 2013 a person is
prohibited from being appointed member of the Supervisory Board of
more than five so-called large entities (including PostNL), whereby a
chair position counts twice. Existing positions are exempt, but if they
exceed five, they must be reconsidered at the moment of
(re)appointment. Board members holding more than the maximum
number of positions on 1 January 2013 are not obliged to resign from
PostNL Annual Report 2025
278
these positions, but positions must be reconsidered at the time of
reappointment.
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Opportunity
When financial effects arising from environmental, social of
governance matters positively affect our financial position and
financial performance, the effect is called an opportunity.
Out-of-home network
Our out-of-home (OOH) network includes parcel lockers and retail
locations where consumers can drop off/pick up parcels. We are
growing the number of these locations as we give consumers greater
choice over where and when they can collect their parcel.
Own workforce
All employees with whom PostNL signed a direct and active labour
agreement.
Parcel
Goods to be transported by a distribution company, weighing up to
approximately 30 kg.
PayChecked
PayChecked is a quality standard that companies use to demonstrate
that they pay their employees as agreed in the collective labour
agreement and that their personnel and payroll administration is in
order.
PM10
Particulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM), such
as fine particles and soot, are tiny subdivisions of solid matter
suspended in a gas or liquid. The notation PM10 is used to describe
particles of 10 micrometres or less.
PM2.5
Particulates, alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM), such
as fine particles and soot, are tiny subdivisions of solid matter
suspended in a gas or liquid. The notation PM2.5 is used to describe
particles of 2.5 micrometres or less.
Policy
A policy is a set or framework of general objectives and management
principles that we use for decision-making. With a policy, we
implement our strategy and management decisions related to a
material sustainability matter.
Pollution to air
The presence of chemical substances in the atmosphere at levels
which are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or
cause damage to the climate or to materials. The activities and
actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final
disposal.
PostNL (Group)
PostNL N.V. and its Group companies.
PostNL N.V.
A public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the
Netherlands, listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, with its
statutory seat in The Hague, the Netherlands, and its registered office
at Waldorpstraat 3, 2521 CA The Hague, the Netherlands, until 31
May 2011 named TNT N.V.
Quality of services
Performance of our core and supporting processes measured against
quantitative and qualitative customer expectations.
Recordable accident
A work-related incident during working hours, sustained by an
employee, that results in any of the following: death, loss of
consciousness, days of absence, limited ability to work or change of
role, medical treatment beyond first aid, diagnosis of a significant
injury or illness by a doctor.
Reptrak score
The independent RepTrak Company calculates our reputation score
based on a representative sample of Dutch society, reflecting the
opinions of the Informed General Public - individuals aged 18+ who
are familiar with our organisation, including customers and
employees. Products & Services, Conduct and Citizenship are the
most important drivers of PostNL’s reputation in 2025, since they
carry the most weight in determining the reputation.
Resource inflows
Resource inflows are all products and materials entering a company's
operations and upstream value chain, including raw materials, parts,
packaging, water, and even capital goods (like machinery), focusing on
their types, quantities, and circularity (e.g., % recycled, sustainably
sourced) to enable better circular economy reporting and resource
management.
Resource outflows
Resource outflows are "resources that leave the organisation's
infrastructure," primarily referring to the products, materials, and
waste exiting a company's production process, with a focus on their
circularity, management, and environmental impact, rather than just
disposal. This includes how products are designed for end-of-life
(recycling, reuse) and detailed reporting on hazardous/non-hazardous
waste streams.
Retail location
A retail location is a location where goods or services are sold
directly to consumers. In the context of PostNL for the Annual Report,
this includes retail shops, business points, parcel points and post
offices. A PostNL location in a retail shops is also referred to as retail
point.
Return on invested capital
We use capital investments to develop our business, such as new
sorting centres or IT systems. These investments are aimed at
generating value for PostNL and our stakeholders. We monitor the
return on invested capital to evaluate and improve the effectiveness
of our capital allocation to value generating investments.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
279
Risk
When financial effects arising from environmental, social of
governance matters negatively affect our financial position and
financial performance, the effect is called a risk.
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) defines and promotes best
practice in emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with
climate science.
Shareholder return
The profit or loss from net share price change plus any dividends
received over a given period.
Short term horizon
Actions or impacts that occur within less than one year
Significant reportable instance of non-compliance
For the purpose of the Annual Report, a significant instance of non-
compliance is defined as an instance where PostNL is formally
sanctioned of (alleged) non-compliance by a competent authority in
the form of fines or non-monetary sanctions which result in financial
or business impact at a level above the internally applied thresholds
for internal reporting of such cases to senior management.
Small and medium-sized enterprises
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are businesses whose
personnel and/or revenue numbers fall below certain limits.
Spring GDS (Global Delivery Solutions)
Our international e-commerce shipping and logistics business,
specialising in cross-border parcel delivery for business customers.
Spring GDS forms part of the PostNL Group and offers tracked,
untracked and signed delivery services, as well as return solutions for
parcels up to 20 kg. It provides global reach by leveraging local
delivery networks, with a strong focus on sustainable, carbon-neutral
solutions.
Tank-to-wheel
A factor used to calculate the direct emissions from fuel use or
energy.
Target
Our targets are goals linked to our actions and hence to our material
impacts, risks and opportunities.
Technical materials
Technical material resource inflows are the products, parts, and
physical assets (like machinery, equipment, buildings, packaging) that
flow into a company's operations and value chain focusing on
manufactured items like metals, plastics, electronics, and other non-
natural resources used for production, maintenance, and packaging,
crucial for circular economy reporting. They encompass raw
materials, semi-finished goods, and even entire products entering the
business system, tracked for sustainability, efficiency, and resource
management.
Turnover share
Employee turnover share is the percentage of workers who leave a
company over a year, calculated by dividing the number of
employees who left by the total headcount of the prior year.
UPU
The Universal Postal Union is a specialised agency of the UN and is the
primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players
worldwide.
USO
The Dutch Postal Act 2009 requires PostNL as the universal service
obligation (USO) provider to provide nationwide services and to
perform a daily delivery round from Tuesday till Saturday, except on
public holidays. There is also a requirement to deliver urgent medical
items and funeral notifications on Mondays. At least 95 percent of all
standard single rated domestic letters under the USO posted the day
before must be delivered by the next day. Furthermore, PostNL is
required to maintain a network of letterboxes and post offices for
access by the general public. The Postal Regulation 2009 covers
detailed tariff regulation, cost and revenue accounting, financial
administration and reporting.
USP
The designation as universal service provider obliges PostNL to
collect and deliver domestic mail and parcels five days a week
(mourning cards and medical post six days a week), and to provide for
cross-border mail and parcels according to the Universal Postal Union
(UPU) rules.
Value chain
Our value chain encompasses all our upstream and downstream
activities, resources and relationships.
Well-to-tank
A factor used to calculate the indirect emission from production and
transport of fuel or energy.
Well-to-wheel
A factor in which well-to-tank and tank-to-wheel are combined.
Workers in the value chain
All persons who are on the payroll of PostNL, either upstream or
downstream in our value chain.
Zero-emission
Zero-emission refers to regulatory requirements and vehicle
technologies under which no exhaust emissions are produced. This
includes designated zero-emission zones, where only vehicles with
zero exhaust emissions are permitted, and vehicles that produce no
direct emissions of CO₂, NOₓ or particulate matter during operation. In
our logistics operations, this refers to fully electric vehicles.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
280
3 UN Global Compact reference table
PostNL Global compact principles
UN Global Compact principle
Reference
Pages
1. Support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
72, 76-78;
219-222;
222-225
2. Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses
72, 76-78;
219-222;
222-225
3. Uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to
collective bargaining
72, 76-78;
219-222;
222-225
4. Uphold the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
216-217;
218;
222-225;
235
5. Uphold the effective abolition of child labour
216-217;
218;
222-225;
235
6. Uphold the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and
occupation
72;
224;
227-229
7. Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
189-193
8. Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
189-193
9. Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly
technologies
189-193
10. Work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery
72, 76-78;
244-245;
246-247;
248
PostNL Annual Report 2025
281
4 List of group entities
This list presents all legal entities included in the consolidation of the financial statements and the sustainability statements of the PostNL Group as at 31 December 2025. Legal entities liquidated
and/or dissolved by merger during 2025 are not included.
PostNL List of group entities
Constituent group entities
(Ultimate) ownership information
Type of main activities
Geographic scope of activities
PostNL NV
Listed company
Holding and board of management activities
The Netherlands
PostNL Holding BV
PostNL NV
Holding and head office activities
The Netherlands
PostNL European Holdings BV
PostNL NV
Holding activities
The Netherlands
PostNL Data Solutions BV
PostNL NV
Data related services
The Netherlands
Koninklijke PostNL BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on mail
The Netherlands
PostNL Cross Border Solutions BV
PostNL NV
International logistical services
The Netherlands
PostNL Customer Excellence BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on mail
The Netherlands
PostNL Pakketten Benelux BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL Transport Services BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL Transport BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL TGN BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL E-Commerce Services BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL Finance BV
PostNL NV
Finance and treasury activities
The Netherlands
Logistics Solutions BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL Extra@Home BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL Health & Secure BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
PostNL Real Estate BV
PostNL NV
Real estate and facility services
The Netherlands
DM Productions BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
Traxity BV
PostNL NV
Holding activities and activities in the area of innovation and development
The Netherlands
Cheap Cargo BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
The Netherlands
Sandd BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on mail
The Netherlands
G3 Worldwide Mail NV
PostNL NV
International logistical services
The Netherlands
MyParcel.com BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on mail
The Netherlands
Prime Vision BV
60% PostNL NV, 40% FDI Deelnemingen BV
Technology and robotics solutions for logistics and e-commerce
The Netherlands
Mikropakket Belgium NV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
G3 Worldwide (Belgium) NV
PostNL NV
Dormant
Belgium
PostNL Pakketten België NV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
PostNL Cargo België BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
PostNL Extra@Home Belgium BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
PostNL Annual Report 2025
282
Constituent group entities
(Ultimate) ownership information
Type of main activities
Geographic scope of activities
PostNL Pharma & Care Belgium BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
MyParcel Belgium BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
Cheap Cargo Belgium BV
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Belgium
G3 Worldwide (Canada) Inc.
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Canada
G3 Worldwide Mail (Switzerland) AG
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Switzerland
G3 Worldwide Mail (Czech Republic) s.r.o.
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Czech Republic
G3 Worldwide Mail (Germany) GmbH
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Germany
International Mail (Spain) SL
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Spain
G3 Worldwide (France) SAS
PostNL NV
International logistical services
France
G3 Worldwide Mail (UK) Limited
PostNL NV
International logistical services
United Kingdom
G3 Worldwide Hong Kong Limited
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Hong Kong
G3 Worldwide Hungary Kft
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Hungary
G3 Worldwide Mail (Italy) Srl
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Italy
MyParcel Italy Srl
PostNL NV
Logistical services focused on e-commerce
Italy
G3 Worldwide Mail (Poland) Sp. Z.o.o.
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Poland
G3 Worldwide Global Development Pte. Ltd
PostNL NV
International logistical services
Singapore
Prime Vision Technology US Inc.
60% PostNL NV, 40% FDI Deelnemingen BV
Technology and robotics solutions for logistics and e-commerce
United States
This list presents PostNL's investments in joint ventures and associates, which are non-consolidated entities.
PostNL Other entities
Entity
(Ultimate) ownership information
Country
De Innovatie Studio BV
50.00%
Netherlands
Fintech Foundry BV
21.90%
Netherlands
NexusNova BV
50.00%
Netherlands
OK Betalen BV
21.90%
Netherlands
OK IP BV
21.90%
Netherlands
OK IT BV
21.90%
Netherlands
Telecontact International BV
50.00%
Netherlands
VersTrade Nederland BV
25.00%
Netherlands
Ilres S.A.
40.82%
Luxemburg
PostNL Annual Report 2025
283
5 Five-year financial performance
All numbers presented in this appendix are the reported numbers in the respective Annual Reports of 2021 until 2025, unless restated in a later year. Revenues and normalised EBIT have been
restated for adjusted segment reporting relating to the transfer of PostNL Real Estate from Mail in the Netherlands to Parcels in 2025.
PostNL Five-year performance in € million, unless indicated otherwise
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Revenue
Parcels
2,386
2,190
2,284
2,393
2,457
Mail in the Netherlands
1,657
1,470
1,348
1,313
1,315
PostNL Other/Eliminations
(576)
(515)
(466)
(454)
(448)
PostNL
3,466
3,144
3,165
3,252
3,324
Normalised EBIT
Parcels
251
77
69
65
61
Mail in the Netherlands
139
87
28
3
2
PostNL Other
(81)
(80)
(5)
(16)
(10)
PostNL
308
84
92
53
53
Normalised EBIT margin
Parcels
10.5%
3.5%
3.0%
2.7%
2.5%
Mail in the Netherlands
8.4%
5.9%
2.1%
0.2%
0.2%
PostNL
8.9%
2.7%
2.9%
1.6%
1.6%
Operating income
324
(1,291)
84
37
11
Profit for the year
258
(993)
56
18
(17)
Profit for the year (2022 adjusted) 1
258
14
56
18
(17)
Normalised comprehensive income
285
90
52
38
21
Free cash flow
288
40
52
12
(25)
Adjusted net debt
(203)
(467)
(462)
(474)
(501)
Consolidated equity
426
177
198
202
176
Earnings per share (in € cents)
50.9
2.8
11.3
3.4
(3.2)
Leverage ratio (adjusted net debt/EBITDA)
0.44
1.92
1.70
1.95
1.99
Return on invested capital
16.4%
4.1%
5.3%
3.4%
4.7%
1
2022 excluding change in pension accounting classification
PostNL Annual Report 2025
284
6 Five-year sustainability performance
All numbers presented in this appendix are the reported numbers in the respective Annual Reports of 2021 until 2025, unless restated in a later year.
PostNL Environmental performance as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Climate change
CO2 efficiency (scope 1 and 2 emissions in grammes CO2 e per kilometre) 1
203
152
136
128
108
Share of emission-free delivery of mail and parcels in the last-mile1
20%
22%
24%
28%
33%
Scope 1 GHG emissions (tonnes CO2 e) 2
41,081
not comparable
25,797
23,925
19,986
Scope 2 GHG emissions location-based (tonnes CO2 e)
30,328
not comparable
27,176
18,857
17,126
Scope 2 GHG emissions market-based (tonnes CO2e)
171
not comparable
189
80
94
Scope 3 GHG emissions (tonnes CO2 e)
338,651
not comparable
290,645
266,336
247,254
Total gross location-based per net revenue (tonnes CO2 e per million Euro) 2
not comparable
108.57
95.05
85.55
Total gross market-based per net revenue (tonnes CO2e per million Euro) 2
not comparable
100.04
89.28
80.43
Total energy consumption (MWh)
284,465
275,466
266,085
236,262
218,791
Total energy per net revenue (MWh per million Euro)
82
88
84
73
66
Pollution
Total NOx emissions (kilogrammes)
39,966
38,275
30,839
21,530
18,638
Total PM10 emissions (kilogrammes)
7,522
7,615
7,471
6,613
6,025
Total PM2.5 emissions (kilogrammes)
4,396
4,444
4,324
3,802
3,450
Resource use and circular economy
Total weight of technical and biological products (tonnes)
not reported
not reported
not reported
3.715
6,668
Total amount of waste generated (tonnes)
3,936
3,012
4,444
6,402
8,113
1 Key Performance indicator (entity-specific)
2 Scope 1 figures restated, for further details please refer to E1 Climate change mitigation
PostNL Annual Report 2025
285
PostNL Social performance as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Own workforce
Total number of employees (headcount)
37,365
35,647
33,488
32,405
31,531
ISO 45001 certification (share of total headcount working in certified sites)
94%
96%
96%
97%
96%
Number of fatalities as a result of work-related injuries and work-related ill health
not comparable
not comparable
not comparable
0
0
Rate of recordable work-related accidents per million hours worked
not reported
not reported
not reported
16
28
Rate of road traffic accidents with third party death per million kilometres travelled
not reported
not reported
not reported
0.9
0.0
Absenteeism (share of total working days) 1
7.0%
8.6%
8.9%
8.5%
8.5%
Share of female employees in senior management
29%
31%
33%
35%
35%
Turnover share
17%
19%
28%
17%
11%
New hires total (share of total headcount)
28%
21%
21%
25%
24%
Total number of incidents of discrimination and complaints
not reported
not reported
not reported
364
339
Total amount paid of fines, penalties and compensation (Euros)
not reported
not reported
not reported
0
0
Share of engaged employees1
not comparable
not comparable
68%
67%
69%
Consumers & end-users
Net Promotor Score1
not reported
not reported
Average No. 1
position in relevant
markets
Average No. 1
position in relevant
markets
Average No. 1
position in relevant
markets
Parcel volume growth 1
14%
(10.2)%
0.5%
7.2%
1.2%
Delivery quality Parcels in NL 1
98%
98%
97%
97%
97%
Delivery quality Mail in NL (preliminary) 1
94%
91%
89%
86%
86%
1 Key Performance indicator (entity-specific)
PostNL Governance performance as indicated
For the year ended 31 December
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Business conduct
Average time (days) to pay an invoice
not reported
not reported
not reported
29
29
Number of legal proceedings currently outstanding for late payments
not reported
not reported
not reported
0
0
Number of convictions for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws
not reported
not reported
not reported
0
0
Amount of fines for violation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws (Euros)
not reported
not reported
not reported
0
0
PostNL Annual Report 2025
286
7 Our value creation model
We make use of a range of resources to carry out our
business model and convert these into outputs, creating value
for the company and our stakeholders. The capital categories
are aligned with the International Integrated Reporting
Framework of the International Integrated Reporting Council
(IIRC). All capitals are interrelated and business activities
often require the use of a mix of capital. We aim to allocate
our resources based on these capitals effectively by
maximising their potential value and minimising their negative
impacts as part of our continuous drive to improve.
Social and relationship capital
We have deep roots in society, and through our operations
connect with millions of people and organisations on a daily
basis. The relationship we have with our stakeholders,
especially customers, consumers and end-users, our people,
business partners, investors and financial markets, external
bodies, media, opinions leaders and society, and other
market players influences our ability to create value over
time. We strive to build strong relationships by engaging on
relevant topics and collaboration based on stakeholder
needs.
Human capital
PostNL is a people company. Our human capital refers to the
expertise of our people, which is used to provide customer,
social, environmental, and financial value. Intellectual capital
is the knowledge and skills that are present within PostNL that
we use to create value across society. Our people execute
our strategy and ensure the delivery of our services. This
includes our own employees and people working for us
through collaboration with logistics partners. They help us
create, maintain and improve our state-of-the-art networks,
smart processes and management systems.
Intellectual capital
By operating and developing an inclusive organisation, we aim
to help our people to grow, while providing favourable labour
conditions, including a safe and healthy work environment.
The collective knowledge and experience of PostNL, our
intellectual capital, has been built over the course of more
than two centuries and is one of our greatest assets. As part
of our digital transformation, we are investing in the digital
DNA and expertise of our people. At the same time, effective
collaboration with our logistics partners is crucial for our
success and we continually look for ways to improve our
labour practices, particularly in the area of social laws and
regulations.
Manufactured capital
Manufactured capital are those goods and assets that enable
us to carry out our role as an e-commerce and postal service
provider, such as vehicles, buildings and machinery. We
select these goods and assets based on our specific needs
and available more sustainable options.
Natural capital
Natural capital is the energy we use to provide our services.
We are switching to renewable fuels and e-vehicles to reduce
our environmental impact, and phasing out fossil fuels as
quickly as is feasible. We use solar energy to generate
electricity, while we are reducing our consumption of natural
gas in operating our buildings. Fossil fuels produce
greenhouse gases (GHG) and air-polluting emissions that
contribute to climate change and impact air quality.
Financial capital
Shareholders and other relevant players in capital markets,
such as bondholders and banks, provide PostNL with funds
used to invest in our assets and operations. We use this
financial capital to operate and grow our business and
generate sustainable growth and cash flow, thereby creating
long-term value for us and our stakeholders.
Sustainable development goals
We continue to embed the UN Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) across our strategy and value chain, as they
support our aim of making a positive contribution to people,
the environment, and society. By linking our material topics
to the SDGs, we provide a clear framework to measure our
contribution to global sustainability challenges and align our
policies with international targets. The three SDGs on which
we can make a real difference are:
SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth: safe working
conditions, equal opportunities, personal development and
respect for human rights
SDG 12 – responsible consumption and production:
sustainable working and reporting transparency
SDG 13 – climate action: CO2 reduction and embedding,
climate measures in policy and strategy.
For a further explanation of these three SDGs, please see
section Basis for preparation in the General disclosures of the
Sustainability statements.
PostNL Annual Report 2025
287
POSTNL-AR2025-Value-creation-model-+-kader.png
Social & Relationship
Customers & consumers and end
users
Business partners
Investors and financial market
Government bodies
Media
Opinion leaders and society
Other market players
Social & Relationship
Customers & consumers (end-
users) loyalty
Compliance
Social licence to operate
Collective labour agreements
Reputation / Esteemed
brand
NPS
Instances of
noncompliance
SDG-8.png
SDG-12.png
SDG-13.png
Human
Shared purpose
Autonomy
Learning & Development
Code of Conduct
Physical and mental healthy and
safe working conditions
Human
Future proof workforce
Diverse, Inclusive workforce
Engaged people
Skilled employees
Recordable accidents
Employee engagement
Absenteeism
Manufactured
Buildings, facilities and vehicles
Transport infrastructure
Other goods
Manufactured
Delivered mail volumes
Delivered parcel volumes
Volume developments
Delivery quality
Parcels in NL
Delivery quality Mail in NL
Land-use
Intellectual
Digital technology
Network & processes
(IT) management systems
Logistical & digital expertise
Intellectual
Data security & privacy
Smart software & route
optimalisation
Data breaches
IT expenses
Natural
Solar energy
Natural gas
Fuels and electricity
Natural
Greenhouse gas emissions
Air polluting emissions
Packaging and waste
CO 2 efficiency
Share of emission-free
delivery
Climate change
Air pollution
Financial
Equity
Debt
Financial
Wages paid
Shareholder returns
Interest paid
Tax paid
Revenue
Normalised EBIT
Free cash flow
Adjusted net debt
Dividend per share
E-commerce:
Manage for
Sustainable
Growth
Mail:
Manage for
value
Strategic markers
PostNL Annual Report 2025
288
Notes
PostNL Annual Report 2025
289
We look forward to receive feedback on this report
Please send us your comments by e-mail to
Corporatecommunications@postnl.nl
or by sending a letter to:
PostNL Annual Report team
P.O. Box 30250
2500 GG The Hague
The Netherlands
PostNL N.V.
Telephone +31 88 868 61 61
Chamber of Commerce Haaglanden number 27168968
Visiting address
Waldorpstraat 3
2521 CA The Hague
The Netherlands
©PostNL 2026
Design & Realisation
TD Cascade, Amsterdam
Photography
David Stevens: cover, page 1, 2, 10, 23, 26, 29, 258, 272
Wendy van Bree: page 1, 35, 170
DSPH: page 1, 108
Sander Stoepker: page 7
Milan Vermeulen: page 26
Martin Hols, via Ground Breakers: page 29
Britt van Genechten: page 35
Leon van den Broek: page 57
The electric vehicles in our fleet, fleet, such as electric trucks, are distinguished by a green leaf
symbol to signify their eco-friendly status.
Print coordination
HH Global
image (35).png