During spring 2020, Florim acquired Benefit Corporation status. From a legal standpoint, it was a momentous development, leading the company to integrate an additional purpose into its articles of association – one that goes beyond its traditional economic goals. In doing so, Florim made its mission, which has always focused on creating value for people and the communities in which it operates, as well as regenerating the environment, official, safeguarding it for the long term.
“We make it our mission to regenerate the environment and create value not only for shareholders but also for the people and communities in which the company operates,” said Claudio Lucchese, Florim chairman, who strongly advocated for the important step. “Benefit Corporations represent the evolution of the notion of a company because they integrate in their business model, together with profit targets, an explicit commitment to operate responsibly and sustainably, protecting the interests of stakeholders and the environment.”
Florim‘s transition to a Benefit Corporation was the formalization of a course that it has pursued for many years. Measures have included the company’s strategy to minimize environmental impact and support employees and the local area were part of the way the company did business before the concept of “sustainability” became widespread.
“The way that we do business is changing, and I believe that today companies must take serious steps to reconcile economic goals with the interests of people and the environment,” said Lucchese. “This is the only way that we can conceive of a sustainable future.”