Why is it important for businesses to adopt a sustainable approach?
Each company is part of an increasingly globalized system. And the resources it uses, particularly the natural ones, belong to a single heritage that we must commit ourselves to protecting: our planet.
Becoming a sustainable company is no longer an option, it is a necessity.
The strong interest and consequent raising awareness about the issue of environmental protection is increasingly leading more and more companies to define new business models and corporate values focused on sustainability.
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN?
When we talk about sustainability, we are talking about an environmentally friendly and socially responsible production and consumption system, through which food safety and minimal environmental impact can be ensured. How to achieve that? Waste reduction, production optimization throught the latest technologies, natural resources and clean energy are certainly useful means for this purpose.
It requires a concrete commitment not only to reduce the impact on the planet, but also to ensure the social and economic well-being of people.
Therefore, sustainable production is the result of three main elements:
– Environmental sustainability;
– Economic sustainability;
– Social sustainability;
To be sustainable, a company must respect the environment, protect the rights of people involved directly (employees and customers) and indirectly (inhabitants of the territory) and economically support everything.
Environmental sustainability is based on the assumption that a company’s consumption of resources must be directly proportional to their ability of regenerating.
Economic sustainability is intended as the ability to be environmentally sustainable by avoiding that the resulting higher costs fall on customers.
Social sustainability concerns the relationship between the company and the territory, as the company has the moral duty to promote initiatives of aggregation and social cohesion.
WHY IS A SUSTAINABLE COMPANY A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS?
Sustainability is synonymous with responsibility.
Being a company engaged in a path of sustainable development has become a factor of success not only in the present, but also in the future. Not only an advantage for reputation but also a tool to increase efficiency and innovation in the activities and production processes, to reduce waste and costs due to the more rational use of resources.
Having a corporate strategy focused on sustainable practices and initiatives means creating long-term value. And caring about the environment, people and territory generates a positive sentiment in consumers’ minds, with significant effects in terms of a better reputation and significant impacts on customers who are led to buy and repeat the purchase over time.
It is no coincidence that, according to the European Commission, in recent years sustainable companies have achieved a higher than average profitability, as well as purchasing choices by consumers which have recorded much greater predisposition towards sustainable products.
Therefore, converting your business to a more sustainable perspective is functional to maintaining a high competitive standard and consistent with the needs of modern market.
A challenge that generates wealth and opportunities.
The Head of Logistics at Alfrus, Michele Sisto, strongly supports this vision, affirming some essential points.
“Everyone shall be involved in this transition but economic operators, specifically, have an important role as the main actors in this change process. At Alfrus, we have long recognized the importance of a change in the course of our operations. And for the last ten years, sustainability has become one of the leitmotifs of our corporate philosophy.
From consumers’ point of view, the strenght of the impact that responsability and environmental protection have as founding values of a brand is undeniable. It is no coincidence that, in recent times, the most positive feedback received from our customers concerned the new partnership with the Californian company Pomona Farming, leading reality in the implementation of integrated agriculture and sustainable approach.
In collaboration with Pomona Farming, we have undertaken even more initiatives aimed at climate solutions and reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions. Today, we work in synergy to have an increasingly positive impact on the world we live in”.
In light of all this, it is now undeniable that sustainability corresponds with an absolute index of resilience, competitiveness, ethics and progress for every business.
The way to a healthier future and planet is a green road. And, at Alfrus, we want to follow it, doing the best we can, every day.
30 January 2023
