Sustainability at the Core: Introducing the “Words of Sustainability” Column

On this basis, in 2024 Angelini Industries introduced the ESG Plan 2024-2026: a path that systematically structures the sustainability commitments and actions carried out by the operating companies, defining concrete and measurable objectives with the aim of creating impact and generating growth and new opportunities.

Angelini Industries' ESG Plan is based on four pillars:

● People

● Patients, Clients & Community

● Ecosystems

● Planet

and two enabling factors, Governance and Innovation, which represent the necessary conditions for making systemic and lasting change possible.

With a time horizon through 2026, the ESG Plan sets out 14 measurable objectives, some of which extend to 2030: a development roadmap that allows clear priorities to be defined, progress to be monitored, and transparency to be ensured for all stakeholders. These are not just declarative commitments, but a concrete path that permeates all the activities of the Gruppo and has already led to a series of initiatives, as highlighted in the 2024 Sustainability Report, including: investments in low environmental impact technologies, with a decarbonization trajectory; use of electricity from 100% certified renewable sources; adoption of LCA and eco-design methodologies to develop increasingly sustainable solutions; constant attention to the younger generations, from a commitment to removing the stigma surrounding mental health to the launch of an Observatory on young people and sustainability.

In line with Angelini Industries' commitment, 'Words of Sustainability' is the new editorial column on angeliniindustries.com, curated by one of the leading media outlets in the sector, ESGNews. It aims to be an opportunity for deeper understanding and clarity around the key terms of sustainability, which are often used, overused, or misunderstood, and are presented through a clear, concise, and practical informational approach. Each article will be dedicated to exploring a significant concept in the current debate on sustainability issues, illustrated with references to regulations and sources, and presenting, with commitments and data in hand, the contribution that Angelini Industries makes in that area. Not by chance, it will explore the meanings and nuances of the key terms in our ESG Plan.

The column opens with an in-depth look at the importance of Purpose, a true beacon for the work of organizations. Purpose is a company's reason why, guiding the way it does business, giving consistency to its actions, and making the results generated over time measurable.

Since caring means first and foremost ensuring a safe working environment, occupational Health and Safety will be the second topic covered in this series. A cornerstone of social sustainability and a highly relevant topic today, which also represents one of the core principles of Angelini Industries.

Further insights will then be dedicated to concepts consistent with the pillars and enablers of Angelini Industries' ESG Plan.

While social responsibility takes shape primarily within the organization, its effects inevitably extend beyond the company's boundaries. It is in this perspective that the concept of Responsible Ecosystems takes on value: not only social responsibility towards suppliers, but a broader concept of sustainable procurement that also includes issues of reducing the environmental impact of the supply chain.

The influence of corporate actions beyond organizational boundaries naturally also includes environmental aspects. For this reason, aware that the climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges of our time, Mitigation measures aimed at reducing the effect of our activities on the environment, and Adaptation measures, i.e., strategies to manage present and future impacts, are of particular value. The former refers to measures such as carbon footprint analysis, while adaptation includes initiatives such as climate risk assessment. Angelini Industries has focused its attention on these issues and is developing its own measurement and action strategy.

Producing effects that go beyond the scope of the company also means generating an Impact on the territories and communities in which the company operates, creating shared value. With this in mind, we are developing and investing in projects that involve local communities, institutions, and new generations. It is on this basis that the ESG Plan translates into concrete actions, capable of addressing the present and looking to the future with awareness.

Major global challenges such as reducing environmental impact and creating positive impacts in the contexts in which the company operates require a systemic approach based on collaboration. Strategic Partnerships are therefore of great value, as they are an essential tool for promoting and accelerating innovation. Working with start-ups, institutions, research centers, and other players allows us to combine different skills and create synergies that are useful for implementing shared innovative projects, thus contributing to the transition to more sustainable and competitive models.

The creation of responsible and synergistic ecosystems is one of the most concrete expressions of Angelini Industries' dynamic and open approach to Innovation, which underpins the Group's ESG strategy. Innovation, in its various forms (from new technologies to emerging start-up business models), offers indispensable tools for developing creative solutions to sustainability challenges, enabling mitigation and adaptation to climate change, as well as improving social conditions.

The change promoted by innovation also affects the cultural sphere. When accompanied by clear social responsibility, technological progress can help address complex issues such as reducing the Stigma associated with mental health, through initiatives dedicated to brain health and mental health, to promote information and awareness on issues central to collective well-being.

Promoting greater awareness means improving people's quality of life and encouraging the construction of a more inclusive society, in which health is considered in all its dimensions.

Finally, in any discussion focused on sustainable development, reference must be made to the so-called New Way of Working: the emergence and spread of organizational models based on flexibility, hybrid working methods, and work-life balance.

What has emerged so far highlights how the topic of sustainability encompasses multiple interconnected and constantly evolving areas, with impacts that manifest themselves in both the short and long term. With Words of Sustainability, we want to explore this world, make it more accessible and understandable, and contribute to the spread of broader knowledge.

Enjoy the read!