Environmental care is gaining ground on the agenda of companies

Sustainability and attention to the environment are already part of the corporate agenda. For self-awareness and because it is a growing global demand from society and consumers. is approx a problem that worries 8 out of 10 Argentines and all the big companies – 100% – have plans that cover it recycling, harmonious relationship with the community, responsible use of energy and the means to produce and work.

All this was discussed this Thursday in the talk organized by Clarione and this is part of the cycle “The world to come” where the meaning of being was discussed “environmental manager”, led by Economics editor Silvia Naishtat. The debates have the main support of OSDE, Telecom and DESA; and the sponsorship of Afarte and the support of L’Oréal and Aeropuertos Argentina 2000.

The specialist consultant Javier Corcuera participated; Marina Petrina, Director of Corporate Affairs, Involvement and Sustainability of L’Oréal; Carolina dal Bó, Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 Sustainability Manager, and Ignacio Noel, Morixe Director.

Green practices involve the private sector but also the state, Corcuera says. “The laws that are applied in Argentina – such as the one on packaging – They are based on tax increases. In other countries, the responsibility lies with the producer and not the state“, he said. The recycling of packaging is one of the many ways that go in this direction.

In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainable development as development that “meets our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own”. Hence the “Triple Impact” concept was born. These trends are spreading to almost all areassuch as the beauty, tourism and food industries.

“L’oréal has 27 indicators to assess the level of sustainability, which includes the reduction of carbon emissions, the use of renewable energy (such as wind), recyclable material, consumption of water and ingredients to make products,” says Petrina . The French multinational, leader in the sector, applies the same rules in all the markets in which it is present, including Argentina.

Reuse of packaging or compliance with environmental protection regulations is assumed to increase costs. Noel makes it clear that this is not always the case. “Sometimes – underlines the entrepreneur – involve small adjustments in production processes“He also adds that the concept of sustainability goes beyond the question, the social and economic impact. “It’s not a disinterested or selfless look on the part of companiesbut rather it refers to the possibility of lasting over time “, he concludes.

Care for the environment, sustainability and a healthy diet are current and concrete needs of the new generations. Ecological activism has global references and this has an impact on business conduct. In many countries, especially developed ones, there are regulations that limit the importation of products without the relative certifications.

In this regard, explains Corcuera, this mainly affects companies that have a presence on international markets, that is, that have an export matrix. “These decisions force them to adapt to global trends, because the market requires it. The problem is when a company works only in the country, because the Argentine company has not yet incorporated this class of concepts, “he lists.

The tourism industry, says Dal Bó, was a favorite target of ecological activism. “Some groups had questioned the travel business, but the pandemic showed us another reality, because the sector was totally paralyzed. For example, that tourism generates 10% of the jobs in the world“said the executive.

Tourism has a strong impact on the economy of countries and localities with natural and social attractions. “This includes a hotel owner and a small soap manufacturer, for example,” says Dal Bó. And he adds that in the post-pandemic “he forced us to rethink how to travel and so it re-emerged the idea of ​​responsible and sustainable tourism. Because refusing travel is not an option “. Questions about tourism have to do with the possible damage to destinations and their communities.

The choice of green policies expands in tune with the global demands for environmental care and the adoption of healthy practices in every way. “Today there is no company that does not have a vision of sustainability and of producing the lowest possible environmental impact,” says Petrina. Noel completes: “We are reviewing the entire value chain (including with suppliers) to analyze all alternatives to be sustainable.”

Corcuera is reluctant to talk about cost-effective green practices. “Out of 10 liters of water made potable in the country, 6 do not reach its destination due to poor piping conditions. So being green is not expensive, because being efficient is essential“, concludes the consultant.