Introduction
In Latin America, sustainability has transitioned from an aspirational discourse to a concrete market requirement. According to various regional studies, 90% of companies are already engaged in sustainability initiatives. However, the alarming statistic is that 57% are not prepared to meet formal sustainability standards. The gap lies not in willingness, but in the ability to measure, execute, and demonstrate results.
The Sustainability Challenge: Risk and Opportunity
For business leaders, this challenge presents both a risk and an opportunity. The lack of clear metrics, practical tools, and technical knowledge often hinders the effective adoption of sustainable practices, especially in areas traditionally not considered strategic, such as hygiene spaces within companies.
Focus4 Sustainability: Translating Sustainability into Operational Decisions
In this context, initiatives like Focus4 Sustainability, driven by the Tork® brand, aim to translate sustainability into tangible and understandable operational decisions for organizations. The approach is based on a key premise: sustainability should not be perceived as an additional cost, but as a lever for efficiency and savings.
Measurement: The Cornerstone of Sustainability
One of the central aspects is measurement. Through tools like the Data Tool, companies can quantify specific impacts in consumption reduction, operational savings, and emission reduction. This is particularly relevant as ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reports gain weight among investors, customers, and authorities, according to Paulina Barragán, Brand and Sustainability Manager at Tork ·Essity.
Impact of Small Changes
Data shows that even minor changes can generate significant impacts. In Mexico, companies that have adopted efficient dispensing systems have reported up to 25% reduction in serviette consumption and up to 40% reduction in paper towel or toilet paper use. This translates into less waste, lower input costs, and measurable operational savings. These adjustments also contribute to improving hygiene, directly linked to employee and user well-being.
Life Cycle Approach: Reducing Environmental Footprint
From an environmental perspective, the life cycle approach is crucial. Using recycled materials—such as soap bottles made with 30% recycled plastic—reduces the demand for virgin plastics and advances towards circular economy schemes. For companies, this means not only reducing their environmental footprint but also having verifiable information to support their public commitments, added the spokesperson.
Brand Perception: The Direct Impact of Sustainability
Sustainability directly impacts brand perception. Over 90% of Latin American consumers expect companies to adopt responsible practices.
Those that can demonstrate concrete results strengthen their reputation, generate greater trust, and become more attractive to young talent.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of sustainability initiatives in Latin America? Ninety percent of companies are engaged in sustainability initiatives, though 57% aren’t prepared to meet formal standards.
- How can businesses effectively adopt sustainable practices? Initiatives like Focus4 Sustainability translate sustainability into tangible operational decisions, emphasizing efficiency and savings rather than additional costs.
- What role does measurement play in sustainability? Measurement, through tools like the Data Tool, allows companies to quantify specific impacts in consumption reduction, operational savings, and emission reduction.
- How do small changes in hygiene practices impact businesses? Efficient dispensing systems have led to up to 25% reduction in serviette consumption and up to 40% reduction in paper towel or toilet paper use, resulting in less waste, lower input costs, and measurable operational savings.
- How does the life cycle approach contribute to sustainability? Using recycled materials reduces demand for virgin plastics and advances towards circular economy schemes, helping companies reduce their environmental footprint.
- Why is sustainability important for brand perception? Over 90% of Latin American consumers expect companies to adopt responsible practices, and those demonstrating concrete results strengthen their reputation and become more attractive to young talent.
