Girbau's latest sustainability report highlights significant achievements and a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact on both people and the planet. This comprehensive document showcases the company's advancements across various areas - environmental management, societal contributions, and innovations, among others- emphasizing our dedication to creating value and a positive impact on both people and the planet.
Environmental Initiatives and Achievements
Girbau is paving the way for a more sustainable future with solutions designed to make laundries more sustainable. Innovations like Sortech, the Genius washers or the EDD dryers, among others, enhance operational efficiency and significantly contribute to environmental sustainability in the laundry. These products, designed with energy-efficient features, demonstrate our commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
Additionally, the introduction of a high efficiency microparticle filter sets a new standard in the commercial machine sector by effectively removing 90% of particles larger than 50 microns from process water.
Our dedication to energy and water efficiency is evident in new advanced technological solutions, with a special focus on circularity, like the awarded FIX Project, where Elisava worked with Girbau LAB to collect and treat the waste released during industrial wash cycles. In exploring circular economy projects, we’ve also collaborated with major brands like IKEA to reuse post-consumer filled textiles, converting them into recycled polyester that may be reused to produce new duvets and pillows.
Regarding our operations, 2023 marked a year of unprecedented success and sustainability. While achieving our highest revenue and production levels, we managed to record our lowest carbon emissions to date. Over the past three years, Girbau has achieved a 27% reduction in carbon emissions (scopes 1 and 2), with an ambitious goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
Other significant reductions include a 14% decrease in waste usage, thanks to innovations such as the new coating line at our plant in Vic and incorporating ecodesign criteria in our design and production phases, to eliminate single-use packaging and to achieve the goal of zero waste. In this regard, we have also significantly lowered the need for new raw materials, a 25% less, optimizing production processes. One example is that, since 2023, compressed air is now used as “gas” in the fiber laser cutting machine, which entails significant reductions in nitrogen and shipments of this product from the supplier.
Accordingly, the adoption of energy-efficient machinery and processes helped decrease overall energy use in operations, reaching a 22% drop in energy consumption, through several measures like the new painting tunnel and the installation of 16 destratification fans in our Vic plant, to make the climate control system more efficient.
Social & People Impact
Girbau's dedication to creating value for society is demonstrated through the Girbau Private Foundation, which supports a range of social, cultural, and environmental projects. One notable initiative is the Aula Digital, developed in partnership with the Vic Municipal Council, which promotes STEM education and has positively impacted nearly 1,000 students in 2023.
The health and safety of our teams comes first:
We foster employee growth through cross-functional teams, labor inclusion, leadership development programs, and personal development plans, ensuring that their workforce is well-prepared to meet future challenges.
Our 2023 Sustainability Report showcases a year of substantial progress and unwavering dedication to sustainability. Girbau’s innovative solutions, community-focused initiatives, and environmental stewardship set a high standard for the industry, as we continue to lead by example.