ENGLISH
REPORT
Manuel Matos Gil
President
I believe 2021 has been the year of a certain return to normalcy after the disruptions of 2020. There have been issues with raw material costs and supply chain bottle necks, but with the evolution of the year, we have been able to overcome those issues. In terms of our workforce, we have noticed that people have regained the feeling of control over their lives, and that’s very positive for our employees and their motivation. However, we are aware that many people in our team have suffered the consequences of the pandemic, therefore we launched an employee assistance program, IMG for ALL, that will help them cope with everyday’s challenges.
Also, from the market and industrial point of view, we are seeing that the trend for more recycled content and more recyclability of our products, that is, more circularity, is not just a trend, but a request from our stakeholders. This is something we take into very serious consideration. In fact, it is one of the main action lines of our newly created Innovation Task Force, that involves people from different sites and departments.
2021 was the first year of our new sustainability strategy with a clear regenerative approach, to create value and positive impact for planet, people, and business. We decided to become a regenerative company, and this year we initiated that path by implementing a change on our own mindset.
Well, it’s a decision we already made in 2020 and it stems in our company’s purpose, which has always been to provide packaging solutions that close the loop and contribute to a circular economy. In 2021, we reviewed our company values, and introduced regeneration as one of the values. We realised that it isn’t enough to treat the symptoms of the problem we must instead systemic change to our industry.
Our business strategy, and, of course, our sustainability strategy reflects this commitment to regeneration and to creating conditions conducive to life, personal development, environmental restoration, and industry progress. We are strongly committed to generating a positive impact, and that’s what regeneration is about. It’s also the best way to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Well, of course it does affect our products because it means considering concepts such as circularity, recyclability, and adaptability in the conception of our products. As an example of this I would like to mention our 2021 innovations, such as Ecobar™, Ecoseal™ and IR Black, that improve the recyclability of our products.
Also, not only are our products affected by our commitment to regeneration, but our processes are being adapted and innovated to improve our environmental performance and the assessment of our products’ life cycle. This will revert positively in the management of, not only our environmental impacts, but also those of our clients.
Regeneration relies on collaboration, and constant dialogue with our stakeholders, help us develop solutions and implement processes that generate a positive impact. That’s how our regenerative attitude affects our activities.
First, I would like to say that our commitment to generating positive social, economic, and environmental values will continue. There is a strong commitment to renewable energies as demonstrated through the installation of solar parks in our industrial facilities, and that’s something very important in the current context of rising energy costs.
Also, the collaboration with our partners, such as associations, Plastic Pacts, suppliers, and civil society will goon with two main focuses: education for better recycling, and innovations for recyclability. These two aspects are crucial for our success and for the regeneration of our planet.
I would also like to mention that, at the time this interview is taking place, we are living an uncertain geopolitical scenario. Therefore, we must be prepared to face social and humanitarian challenges, as well as supply chain and energy issues. We must keep our radar on to ensure our economic sustainability, and be ready to help those in need, because regeneration means goodness and leadership.
I just would like to thank our team for their magnificent job, especially over the last two years. Our employees are our biggest asset, and their collaboration and engagement are critical for us in becoming a regenerative business. They are a part of something bigger, a company that wants to be a force for good.
