Saft Embalagens, a company that has been manufacturing paperboard, micro-corrugated, and corrugated cardboard packaging since 1955, is the latest business to be recertified by Origem Sustentável. This is the only ESG program in the world exclusively for certifying producers in the footwear supply chain. The recertification, which included an upgrade from Gold to Diamond level (achieving over 80% of the indicators), was presented at Saft’s headquarters in Parobé, RS.

Miriam da Silveira, the company’s Compliance Analyst, says that Saft has been working intensely on all pillars of ESG for more than two years, and this recognition is a culmination of all their efforts in the field. “We aim to promote our socio-environmental responsibility by involving employees, clients, suppliers, and the local community. Saft’s main objective is to maintain a balance between social, environmental, and governance aspects, delivering effective results and a change in our organizational culture,” she explains.

Environmental and Social Highlights

Among its key achievements, Saft lists the recycling and reuse of raw materials. “We recycle most of our industrial waste. What cannot be reused is disposed of in an environmentally correct manner; nothing goes to landfills,” says Miriam. Additionally, 100% of the energy used at their two units, both in Parobé, comes from renewable sources, purchased through the Free Energy Market. “We are also a Carbon Neutral company, offsetting all of the greenhouse gases we emit in our production,” she adds.

In the social area, Miriam highlights the creation of a toy library with furniture made from recycled cardboard from the production process, which was donated to a local school. The company also created a relaxation area with pallets, previously used in production, for its more than 180 employees. Another project, which will be completed soon, is the creation of a sustainable library, also with cardboard furniture, at the Nova Vida Rehabilitation Clinic in Parobé.

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 guidelines with 104 indicators distributed 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.