FLM Têxtil and University of Minho have partnered up to develop and implement solutions to make the company’s operations more sustainable and socially responsible, in order to satisfy requirements of the GRS Certification.
This partnership comes at the right time, as pollution levels have been growing at high rates for a long time already (Shaddick et al., 2020) and Nations and Communities from all over the world have started to implement measures to reduce damage done to the environment and ecosystems. However, we do not feel like governments are doing enough. Therefore, individual and collective initiatives by the community are extremely valuable and give us hope that we will actually be able to leave a better planet for future generations, which would be a huge accomplishment giving the worldwide reality we are facing.
Sustainability has been a growing concern in Society over the last few years. However, it probably has not reached its peak yet. Environmental sustainability is, in its most fundamental form, conserving and preserving nature. Still, according to recent studies, it is estimated that, yearly, between 4,8 million and 12,7 million tons of plastic end up in the Ocean (Jambeck et al., 2015) and an astonishing 91% of plastic is not recycled, which is terrible to think about when we know that plastic takes approximately 400 years to degrade (Laura Parker, 2019). We are NOT doing a good job at taking care of our home planet, so raising awareness among the population should be a primary concern for every single one of us. Even though Human behavior and activities have already caused a lot of harm, Nature is able to find marvelous ways to regenerate itself even in the worst conditions, so it is never late to start doing the right thing.
Nevertheless, it is safe to say that there are good reasons to stay optimistic for a greener future. Groundbreaking deals between Nations, technological and scientific advancements and population awareness are helping us to become more sustainable. Renewable energy sources, for instance, have become a lot cheaper in recent years.
Being a part of one of the teams working with FLM Têxtil has been a great honor. The feeling we get at contributing for a better world and a better future is really dignifying. Also, as Management students, partnering with such a responsible textile company and having the opportunity to visit its facilities and exchange ideas with its management team is a valuable experience for our personal and professional growth. We hope that this project inspires you as much as it has inspired us.
by, Tiago Ferreira
