Salvatore Ferragamo, a world leader in the luxury goods sector, confirms its deep commitment to social responsibility with the publication of the 2016 Sustainability Report, which now covers the entire Group.
“The creation of sustainable value for the future of the planet and people is a vital and positive challenge for every business,” emphasized Ferruccio Ferragamo, President of the Salvatore Ferragamo Group, presenting the published report. “With this in mind, the enrichment of our people and the area in which we operate is a fundamental aspect of our day-to-day operations and a key priority when we plan the Group’s future initiatives. We have always been committed to upholding the principles of social and environmental sustainability and, after creating a specific section on our website for Corporate Social Responsibility, in 2016 we decided to publish the first Sustainability Report for the entire Group, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative GRI – G4 international guidelines.” Acutely aware that the inspiration behind the Group’s success flows from its passion for artisanal excellence, creativity, innovation and sustainability – conceived as a model of conduct without compromise – once again, in 2016, the Salvatore Ferragamo Group has focused on these values, an invaluable part of the legacy left by its founder.
“Transparency in terms of our economic, social and environmental objectives and activities is an essential to our Group, which, sinceits foundation, has shared a close attachment to the local area, promoting traditional handcraftsmanship and celebrating the local culture and communities, making these core values the hallmarks of itsbusiness,” added Ferruccio Ferragamo. “And all this while devoting special attention to environmental protection, cultural heritage and the spirit of innovation. I am proud to say that 2016 was a year in which we significantly enriched and consolidated corporate responsibility within the Group and that the Sustainability Report bears witness to our deep commitment to every area in which we operate. The report sends a clear signal to all our stakeholders that we intend to continue on the path we have taken, one that motivates us to strive for continuous improvement”. Salvatore Ferragamo has focused its commitment to sustainability on certain macro areas: People; Made in Italy, Products and Relationships with Workers; the Local Area and Culture; and the Environment, which are explored in depth in the Group’s Sustainability Report. Initiatives range from those aimed at the development and professional growth of the Group’s people and the improvement of their wellbeing to its commitment to promoting the local area and preserving artistic heritage, such as the restoration of the famous Fountain of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria, Florence. The Group also actively participates in a number of social projects, highlighting its commitment to local communities Moreover, the Group conducts its business without ever losing sight of its Made in Italy values. In keeping with the founder’s legacy, this is a crucial factor in achieving its sustainability goals. Through research into innovative and environmentally-friendly materials, the Group has continued the tradition of experimenting with sustainable and alternative materials, a practice that has characterised the brand since its inception. Its partnership with Orange Fiber, an all-Italian start-up that makes innovative, vitamin-packed yarns from the by-products of citrus fruit juice, is yet another example of how the Group combines sustainability with Made In Italy creativity.
Primary focus is devoted to environmental protection in the Sustainability Report; a top strategic priority for the Group, which invests substantially and works on projects every day to improve efficiency, increase the use of energy from renewable sources and implement sustainable mobility solutions. “We earned major environmental recognition in 2016, including a LEED Platinum rating for our new building in Osmannoro (image on cover), outside Florence, and ISO 14064 certification for Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, making it the first green corporate museum in Italy,” concluded President Ferruccio Ferragamo. “To extend our commitment in 2017, we will continue to pursue many new projects for the responsible use of resources and continuous improvement in ecological efficiency”.
The Sustainability Report is a prime example of the “responsible passion” that distinguishes the Group’s business activities, a passion that has led to its continuous, steadfast, voluntary and transparent progress towards social responsibility.
The Sustainability Balance 2016 of the Salvatore Ferragamo Group received the Business International Finance Award 2017 in the category ‘Balance, Integrated Reporting, Financial Reporting’. The concurring projects were evaluated, based on qualitative and quantitative criteria, such as: project design, AFC innovation, company participation, results measurability and efficiency.
