Workshop discusses sustainability and innovation in business

A workshop held last March 28 by Texbrasil (Brazilian Fashion Industry Export Program), developed by Abit in partnership with Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), discussed issues of sustainability and innovation allied to business and the importance of obtaining the Certification of Quality and Sustainability of the Textile and Fashion Industry – Selo Qual. The mechanism was specially developed to help companies in the sector to insert best practices of sustainability in their management and product development.

Among the participants was Mara Jager, consultant of PUMA in Brazil. According to her, attitudes of sustainability facilitate the promotion of business partnerships: “serious brands and companies consider a well qualified company as a partner. Their certification shows their concern about basic factors of human relations, the environment and their commitment to carry on honest and professional work”, he says.

Still on the seriousness of business, Mara considers the importance of a certification as Selo Qual at this moment of technological evolution and support to nature. “It is of great importance that a supplier has a qualified audit form which guarantees a seal. Undoubtedly, this type of certification will point to the company where it needs to improve its processes and ensure better performance and reputation in the market”, he concludes.

Demystifying the idea that sustainability is only about “green” in business relations, Marcelo Torres, leader of the workshop, explains: “Entrepreneurs and managers need to realize that besides ‘being green’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ there is a new business environment that is more rigorous, demanding different behaviors of companies, both on the government and society. Being prepared to generate results in this context is what you might call sustainability”.