The government finds it important that companies are transparent about their social responsibility activities and policies. Therefore, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy carries out a bi-annual study, known as the Transparency Benchmark. This study is held amongst the largest companies in the Netherlands and aims to measure their transparency in reporting on corporate social responsibility (CSR).

This year, as well as in other odd years, the Transparency Benchmark forms the basis for the Cristal Prize. This prize is awarded to the company that has the best CSR reporting in view of the Transparency Benchmark. In the even years the Cristal Prize goes to the organizations with the most inspiring example of reporting on a specific theme.