Endutex Brasil, a manufacturer of high-quality synthetic laminates for the footwear, furniture, and automotive sectors, has received an upgrade to its Origem Sustentável ESG recertification. The recognition, at the highest possible level—Diamond (with more than 80% of indicators met)—was presented on May 29 at the company’s main headquarters in Três Coroas, RS. The event was attended by the boards of both Endutex Brasil and the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal).

On the occasion, Endutex Brasil’s General Director, Vasco Silva, emphasized the importance of being among the elite group of companies certified by the world’s only ESG certification program for the footwear supply chain. “It’s a source of pride and a responsibility to maintain this certification, which is also a request from some of our main clients who seek to align with their suppliers in sustainability, compliance, and governance,” he said. According to him, Origem Sustentável plays a role in further developing ESG practices in the sector by standardizing production processes aligned with sustainability.

Environmental Highlights

Among Endutex Brasil’s standout points, the external auditors noted several environmental achievements: the use of 100% renewable energy acquired through the free market, zero industrial waste sent to landfills, and the increasing use of recycled and plant-based/organic materials in production processes. “In recent years, we have increased the use of recycled and recyclable materials in our value chain. We use materials from FSC-certified suppliers in our production, ensuring the traceability and sustainability of the raw materials. Additionally, we manufacture products that contain recycled polyester in their structure,” Silva said. He added that, for the coming years, the goal is to increase the use of recycled materials in production. The most recent data, presented in the company’s Sustainability Report, indicates that in 2023, 987 tons of waste were generated, with 273.6 tons recycled, 70.8 tons reused, and 222 tons sent for co-processing (blending).

Also on the environmental front, Endutex Brasil has its own closed-circuit wastewater treatment plant, which allows for the reuse of water for washing industrial packaging.

Social Initiatives

In the social pillar, a key highlight is that 100% of employees have access to a comprehensive set of benefits, including Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Health Plan, University Discounts, Dental Plan, and an on-site cafeteria.

The Company

With approximately 260 employees, Endutex Brasil is a key part of the Portuguese multinational Endutex, with manufacturing units in Três Coroas and Sapiranga, RS. Initially, its main activity was waterproofing fabrics with just one machine. In addition to its Brazilian branch, the company has factories in Germany, Spain, the United States, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Currently, the company produces more than 5 million meters of synthetic laminates per year.

The Program

Created by Assintecal in partnership with the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in 2013, Origem Sustentável is based on international best practices for sustainability, following 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. For more information, visit the website.