Choosing to draw up a Sustainability Report is a challenge and expresses the willingness of Iris Ceramica Group to constantly measure its performance in order improve itself according to the three dimensions of sustainability (ESG): environmental, social and governance, which also includes economic aspects. This fourth edition of the Sustainability Report comes half-way through the multi-year objectives that the organization has set itself and which are listed below. A full analysis can be found online at www.irisceramicagroup.com
The Iris Ceramica Group’s commitment is to consolidate the actions already taken in recent years for the gradual reduction of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere with a view to achieving “Zero Emissions” (already achieved in the elimination of volatile organic compounds-VOCs), seeking solutions that are able to mitigate the Group's impact on the environment. The construction of the first ceramic factory in the world powered by green hydrogen will make a tangible and lasting contribution to reducing climate change.
The Group intends to continue to support associations committed to the protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems. Research work on climate change will also continue in the Sassuolo ceramic district.
The aim is to continue to develop the growth and investment plan in renewable sources, as for example in the case of electricity, 60% of which is now purchased from renewable sources. This demonstrates how significant progress has been made towards an increasingly responsible production model through partnerships with certified suppliers.
With the goal of developing the circular economy, we intend to continue with research and development aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the product throughout its life cycle and designing new solutions for service innovation and process reorganization.
The Group intends to continue investing in the development of materials and the adoption of circular economy methods, gaining specific certifications such as EPD (continuously updated Environmental Product Declaration) or LCA (particularly by achieving the Cradle2Cradle certification), life cycle analysis for assessment of the associated environmental loads through the analysis of energy and materials consumed, waste generated, logistics and transport, as well as waste and emissions released.
Through its Foundation, the Group promotes the values of environmental sustainability, solidarity and cultural training on which to build the civil society of the future, in line with the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda. The projects supported encourage ethical and responsible thinking and are aimed at the local area and communities.
The goal is to continue and improve this action and to develop our own project proposals in which to also involve our own stakeholders.
Constantly investing in the innovation process inherent in the company philosophy by increasing research and technology which, despite the difficult international economic and political, will prove to be valuable allies in defining new strategies for positive adaptation to the changing global context. A particularly challenging goal is to build the first ceramic factory in the world powered by green hydrogen, a project conceived in 2021, which will be built during the course of 2022.
Continuing to develop the ethical identity values linked to the activities of Iris Ceramica Group.
During 2021, the Group’s code of ethics was adopted and the anti-corruption code of conduct was drawn up for the Italian parent company, GranitiFiandre Spa, which aims to achieve the legality rating and to adopt a supplier code of conduct by the end of 2022.
Reporting on its sustainability and the corresponding value chain, with a view to achieving continuous improvement with the involvement of all stakeholders, starting with suppliers.
During 2021, regular meetings with the main stakeholders continued to update the materiality analysis and in-depth focus groups were organized with internal stakeholders, communities, institutions and suppliers.
For the future, the Group intends to continue planning incentive actions to improve the business climate and promote a sense of belonging, participation, inclusion and well-being among individuals.