Continuing its journey of sustainability and ESG, Artecola, a multi-Latin chemical company with 77 years of operation, received recertification at the highest level of the Origem Sustentável program—the Diamond level (achieving more than 80% of the indicators). The certification was presented on May 5 at the company’s headquarters in Campo Bom, RS, and was attended by the boards of both Artecola and the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal).

On the occasion, the company’s CEO, Evandro Kunst, emphasized the importance of the Origem Sustentável certification. “There is no similar program in the industry that evaluates corporate sustainability with the same depth as Origem Sustentável. I’m not just talking about the footwear sector, but all industrial segments. It’s a certification that very thoroughly assesses the aspects that truly define sustainable action,” he commented.

Presenting sustainability across all its pillars—environmental, social, economic, and cultural—Artecola works on various initiatives that reduce the impact of its operations. In the environmental area, one example is the use of materials from recycled sources as raw materials. The company transforms both its own waste and waste from other industrial sectors into new products. In addition, Artecola also declares itself “Carbon Neutral,” having mapped its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and calculated its carbon sequestration.

On the social pillar, highlights include fair practices, health and safety, employee development, diversity, and relationships with consumers and the community. In its community relations, Artecola promotes campaigns, supports social initiatives, and encourages volunteerism among its employees. The company is also involved in actions of the Francisco Xavier Kunst Foundation – FFXK, which it founded. One of the most well-known projects is “Novos Horizontes” (New Horizons), which for more than 25 years has partnered with the Pescar Foundation to assist socially vulnerable youth by offering training in administrative services.

The Company

Artecola produces sustainable adhesive solutions and thermoformable sheets for industrial, professional, and domestic use in various sectors, including agriculture, automotive, paper and packaging, furniture, footwear, civil construction, and carpentry. In total, the company provides more than 700 direct jobs. It ranks second in the Dom Cabral Foundation’s FDC Internationalization Trajectories of Brazilian Companies ranking. With eight industrial plants in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina, it operates in more than 20 countries.

The Program

Created by Assintecal in partnership with the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in 2013, Origem Sustentável is based on the best international sustainability practices. It follows the guidelines of 104 indicators across five dimensions: economic, environmental, social, cultural, and sustainability management. The certified categories are: Diamond (+80% of indicators achieved); Gold (+60%); Silver (+40%); and Bronze (+20%). Audits are conducted by independent bodies such as SENAI, SGS, ABNT, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, and DNV. Currently, more than 110 companies in the footwear supply chain are certified or in the process of certification. Renewals happen every two years. More information is available on the website www.origemsustentavel.org.br.