EcoVadis: Silver Medal Reconfirmed
After reaching this important milestone last year, Satech has once again earned the Silver Medal in its EcoVadis assessment. This achievement confirms our continued commitment to integrating sustainable practices into our business processes. Pamela Mandelli, Satech’s Process & Quality Manager – who oversaw the data collection and updates for the assessment – shares the progress made.
Pamela, let’s start with the result. This year, Satech has once again ranked among the top 15% of companies assessed by EcoVadis. What does this recognition mean for us?
This result is more than just a number—it’s confirmation that we’re on the right path. Behind this recognition is the daily commitment of people who truly believe in the value of sustainability and strive to apply it across every area of our operations: from product quality and workplace safety to respect for people and the careful selection of materials.
The EcoVadis assessment isn’t just a “certification.” It’s a tool for growth. It challenges us to do better, to benchmark ourselves, and to involve the entire organization in a process of continuous improvement—one that benefits people, the environment, and our overall way of doing business.
Compared to last year, we’ve improved our overall score by 6 points. What strategies and initiatives contributed most to this progress?
«Progress has come on several fronts. We’ve strengthened our internal policies and introduced the Modello 231, Italy’s corporate governance model for ethical and transparent business conduct. At the same time, we’ve taken important steps toward a more responsible Supply Chain by sharing our Code of Conduct with all Satech suppliers».
«Our people have played a major role, too. We focused heavily on training and engagement, particularly through the adoption of the Kaizen approach—a Japanese method based on continuous, incremental improvements that actively involves staff at all levels.
We’ve enhanced our Environmental and Safety Management Systems by conducting on-site inspections throughout the year. These helped us identify areas for improvement and implement more effective solutions for both environmental protection and workers well-being.
And we’ve also introduced some creative ways to encourage positive behavior! For example our Ballot Bins, which are cigarette disposal containers that pose playful questions to be answered by “voting” with your cigarette butt. It’s a fun and visual way to help reduce littering and promote environmental awareness».
One of the areas where we’ve seen the most significant improvement is Sustainable Procurement. What concrete actions have we taken in this regard?
«As mentioned, we’ve introduced a Code of Conduct that is shared with all our suppliers, supported by a system for regularly evaluating and monitoring their performance. We also prioritize partnerships with certified and local suppliers, both to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and to support the local economy».
«When it comes to raw material selection, we’ve established clear criteria that promote a more responsible and sustainable Supply Chain. Specifically, we favor:
- Recyclable materials that can be reintegrated into circular economy processes
- Materials containing a high percentage of recycled content, to minimize the use of virgin resources and reduce overall environmental impact
- Collaborations with suppliers who can provide full transparency and traceability of recycled materials
These actions are part of our broader goal to build a Supply Chain that reflects our values and supports long-term sustainability.
The areas of Environment, Labour Practices, and Human Rights have also seen significant progress. What actions have been taken to strengthen our commitment in these areas?
«On the environmental front, our efforts have focused on three key areas. First, we’ve improved operational efficiency by optimizing production processes and investing in next-generation technologies to reduce energy consumption. Second, we’ve enhanced Materials Management by increasing the use of recycled and recyclable resources—such as steel and packaging—and reducing raw material waste.
The third area involves environmental governance. We’ve implemented a monitoring system for waste, emissions, and discharges, ensuring regulatory compliance through regular audits and aligning our our Management System with ISO 14001 Standards. Additionally, we’ve promoted awareness through initiatives like training sessions on environmental topics and the encouragement of proper waste sorting practices.
When it comes to the social dimension of sustainability, Satech’s commitment has deepened on several fronts. We’ve updated our Management System in compliance with ISO 45001, making tangible investments in workplace safety—enhancing protective equipment, signage, and workstation ergonomics. At the same time, we’ve reinforced our ethical framework by introducing clear policies and formal commitments, with a strong focus on continuous employee training as a key driver of sustainable and inclusive growth».
With this positive assessment behind us, what will be the future priorities to improve further?
«The EcoVadis assessment is just a starting point for us—one that sets the stage for new and ambitious goals. Our aim is to continue improving the score we’ve achieved by strengthening our existing practices and introducing new, forward-looking initiatives.
Some examples include: formalizing specific policies on key issues such as human rights and responsible procurement; implementing tools to more accurately measure our environmental impact; and setting clear, measurable environmental objectives for the medium term. Just as important will be engaging our people even more—through expanded training programs and new initiatives that encourage active participation from everyone.
It’s undoubtedly a challenging journey, but one we approach with both enthusiasm and determination».
Finally, what message would you like to share with colleagues and stakeholders about the importance of our commitment to sustainability?
«I’d like to reiterate what I said at the beginning: our commitment to sustainability is more than just a responsible choice – it’s a shared vision. Every milestone we reach is the result of the concrete contributions made by those who choose to work each day with care, respect, and awareness».
