Innovation in times of COVID-19
Turning a crisis around opens doors to opportunities. That's why, in a time like the one we're living through, we're seizing the COVID-19 pandemic as a great opportunity to innovate. Now, when we talk about innovation in this critical era, where the health emergency has practically brought the world to a standstill, affecting companies at all levels—small, medium, or large international corporations—we find ourselves on high alert. Faced with this situation, many questions arise. How can we maximize the value we contribute to society? What are your differentiating competencies and how could they be used in new ways, creating competitive advantages? What will the future look like? These are just a few examples. In response to all these questions, at GDI we work as a team, seeking to integrate our clients' needs with the demanding requirements of a resilient environment, with our primary objective being to retain our clients. Understanding this as a significant investment in the future, we sought ways to support you, maintain active communication, listen attentively to your current needs, and pay close attention to feedback on the products and services you've already received, as well as the new ones we're offering. This allowed us to identify the ideal environment to work, renew, and innovate on technological platforms that will enable us to stay at the forefront and achieve greater market share. The evolution of these integrated platforms will allow us to automate most business practices related to the operational and production aspects of our company, facilitating and centralizing information with our strategic partners. At GDI, we've implemented several digital updates for you, our business partners. We at GDI are confident that these innovations will streamline our business relationship with our clients—our strategic partners—and strengthen it for future challenges. Now, let's remember that this crisis will end, all of this will pass. Therefore, let's not lose sight of the bigger picture and keep in mind that, while not everything is under our control, our attitude and our decisions are, and it will be up to us to make something productive out of it or not. At GDI, we aim to emerge stronger from this and be part of the solution.
Latin American companies are committed to sustainability
In a survey of 450 CEOs, 60% said they have a strong affinity for issues such as gender equality, circular economy, climate change, and the workforce of the future. Sustainability and the circular economy, which a few years ago were almost ignored practices, quickly climbed among the priorities of the most prominent companies in Latin America and the world, and came to be among the aspects that receive the most attention today. Furthermore, 45% of business leaders in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico said they already have a sustainability strategy in their organizations; and 22% said they are working on one, placing this issue as a priority agenda among corporations in the region. The CEOs' responses suggest that sustainability is not seen as a "standalone program" but as a cross-cutting or multidisciplinary issue, a way of approaching business. Today it is difficult not to associate a company's profitability and economic development with its sustainability policy. Not only because a sustainable business is one that will be able to sustain itself in the long term, but for several other reasons: customer preference in choosing products and brands, talent attraction, and regulatory compliance. In all these areas, a sustainable company will have advantages over one that is not. In the case of the textile industry, which is the second most polluting industry in the world after the oil industry, achieving a balance between nature and textile production is paramount. The current trend is to develop textiles and materials that come from organic waste. In addition, textile companies are adopting new practices such as considering the life cycle, avoiding animal testing, and aligning their daily operations towards a sustainable lifestyle and collaborating against climate change. In Mexico, textiles are recycled at a rate of only 0.5% per year; on average, each person throws away 3 kg of clothing, of which only 15 grams would be recovered. This is why it is important to innovate with organic fabrics that reduce the pollution rate. At GDI we have sustainable projects that seek to reduce the environmental impact of our company and that of our business partners. Recycled Garments Program: They are made with fabrics manufactured from PET bottles, which is one of the most convenient ways to recycle plastic bottles. Furthermore, at practical levels there is no difference between traditional and recycled polyester. During the recycling process, the fiber is reconstituted at a molecular level, and therefore recycled polyester is just as strong, durable, and has the same properties as virgin polyester. The two polyesters differ in their environmental impact; PET has a much lower environmental impact than traditional polyester. Regenerated Garments Program: They are made with fabrics made from recycled textiles; That is, they are made from regenerated waste from post-consumer cotton garments. Natural fibers such as wool and cotton can be mechanically recycled, but the process decreases the length and quality of the fibers, which is why it is necessary to add virgin fibers. These latter serve as a supplement, since it is not currently possible to include 100% recycled materials in garments. Controlled Garment Destruction Program: With this service, we prevent post-consumer uniforms from having a negative impact on the planet and on our client's corporate image. The intention is to prevent our clients' uniforms from being discarded, polluting the environment, or from falling into the hands of someone outside the company, damaging its corporate image. The program begins with GDI collecting the uniforms or the Client sending them. Afterwards, a process of destroying garments begins, ensuring that the misuse of obsolete uniforms is avoided. Customers are given photographic evidence and a document certifying the destruction of all the garments. The resulting material is reprocessed to generate new by-products, which are used as carpet fabrics, upholstery yarns, among other things.
Innovation and sustainability at GDI
Today more than ever, it is essential to turn our attention to clean technologies, both new and established, that have the capacity to meet the growing demand for energy and contribute to mitigating climate change, as well as the professional development of the protagonists of this transformation. Today, there is a shared commitment to leave the planet better than we found it. Sustainable Development in organizations is the engine of a sustainable future that must ensure social equity, ecology and the environment. Technological advances have allowed us to improve our quality of life. Beyond economic and social resources, technology allows us to achieve sustainable global development. ICT systems and tools enable improved energy efficiency and intelligent energy management. Therefore, most companies only look for efficient products supported by sustainable equipment. Among the most prominent technologies we find: What are the advantages of sustainable development? At GDI Uniforms we create optimal processes to always obtain a high quality result. We always strive to create innovative, high-performance fabrics and accelerate our processes thanks to the new technologies we implement. We are at the forefront of developments and innovations in the textile industry, which includes various factors such as production technologies; coloring techniques; denim, dyes and auxiliaries; finishing treatments; innovative and high-performance fabrics; always analyzing the changes in the textile and clothing industry, respecting environmental sustainability at all times. At GDI we are clear that new advances and technologies will drive a new type of industry where the main characteristics will be interconnection, which will be more collaborative and automated. Since 2019 we have had the Gerber Technology Atria cutter, the most modern and efficient fabric cutter in the world. This cutter is unique in its class, as it incorporates an integrated IoT technology solution that guarantees precision, optimizes productivity, and increases material utilization when cutting fabric. This cutter, in addition to increasing our production capabilities, incorporates innovation into our organization with its comprehensive solution that ranges from design, pattern creation, mark generation and production planning, thus achieving a reduction in material costs of up to 30%, minimizing our environmental impact. Investing in innovation and sustainability brings us many advances, because in addition to improving the ecosystem it allows us to gain competitiveness and thus increase profitability. We are proud to say that we are the only uniform company in the region that has this type of state-of-the-art technology. At GDI we are convinced that by implementing these types of actions the world will be more inclusive and sustainable, improving the quality of life for all people.
What is the ESR distinction?
The ESR Distinction is an award granted annually in Mexico by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (Cemefi) and AliaRSE (Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility). It accredits companies before employees, investors, clients, authorities, and society in general for voluntarily and publicly committing to socially responsible management as part of their culture and business strategy. While the ESR Distinction is not the only tool for recognizing corporate social responsibility strategies in Mexico, it enjoys the greatest recognition at the business, governmental, and academic levels. The distinction is not a CSR certification because it is not an audit process. It is a self-assessment process covering various areas of the company. All legally established companies operating in Mexico, regardless of size or sector, can participate in obtaining the distinction. Benefits: Today, the benefits of being a socially responsible company are numerous. The ESR Distinction is not a one-time commitment; it must be renewed annually to maintain a current culture of corporate responsibility. How to obtain the ESR Distinction? Obtaining the ESR Distinction is based on a self-assessment process, documented by the company and verified by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (Cemefi). It is based on four areas of corporate social responsibility: To learn more about the distinction and how to register, you can visit the website for guidance: https://www.cemefi.org/esr/ At GDI, we have held this ESR Distinction since 2011, and for the past 10 years, the company has been fulfilling its four fundamental pillars by developing a set of initiatives in recycling and waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and the development of garments with recyclable materials. These 10 years attest to our commitment, during which time we have shown our dedication not only internally to our employees but also externally to our clients, suppliers, and, most importantly, the environment. We have fulfilled this commitment and will continue to do so for many more years. It is a commitment, something that distinguishes us, and something we value every day.
Discover some of the socially responsible companies in Mexico
Companies that obtain the socially responsible label are having an increasing impact on the lives of Mexican society. Day by day, the role of Mexican companies is ceasing to be merely economic and they are beginning to have an impact on eradicating the most worrying social problems. This recognition is given to those companies that meet the requirements to be a Socially Responsible Company (ESR). Once companies receive the distinction, they are obliged to renew it every year. This encourages organizations to commit to continuing their social impact work. The 3 most socially responsible Mexican companies in 2020. These socially responsible Mexican companies have met a series of established standards that have made them deserving of this distinction. The work of these organizations is daily and cannot be paused since a part of social development depends on them. Below we will mention the first 3 socially responsible Mexican companies whose positive impact on Mexican society is unmatched. GRUPO BIMBO In 2020, Grupo Bimbo received the ESR distinction for the tenth consecutive year. If that weren't enough, it also won first place for being the company with the best reputation and for the socially responsible activities it carries out. COCA COLA FEMSA is one of the leading Mexican companies in our country, in bottling and marketing of beverages. In 2020, it was awarded the ESR distinction for the sixteenth time for its efforts in the area of sustainability. What distinguishes Coca Cola FEMSA is that its culture and strategy are aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Similarly, it is a company that looks after the integral development of its employees and the communities that participate in the production of its products. CINÉPOLIS Cinépolis is a Mexican cinema chain that throughout its history has distinguished itself by entertaining society while actively supporting it. This company directs its social actions through the Cinépolis Foundation. For the sixteenth time in a row, the company was recognized by CEMEFI with a special award. They earned this for being the company with the best corporate social responsibility practices. This recognition was awarded to him due to his impact in the economic, social and cultural areas. Especially in matters of inclusion, where Cinépolis pursues the goal of demonstrating that cinema is for everyone. The Cinépolis Inclusive Screenings program was the one that earned them this special distinction. With this initiative they manage to bring cinema to people with visual or hearing disabilities. They also reach people with sensory or intellectual disabilities. These are just the first three Mexican companies that list all the others, where you can also find Aeromexico, Nestle, Grupo Modelo, Walmart, among others. GDI is proud to be part of these companies; for 10 consecutive years we have continued our responsible work inside and outside the company. We have fulfilled and will continue to fulfill this distinction for many more years; it is a commitment and something we value. Just as we are proud to have the distinction, we are proud to work with companies that also have it, since we are a team for the country and its well-being. We are pleased to know that more companies are joining this list, showing greater concern for the well-being of their employees and the environment.
An idea that could revolutionize businesses
Over time, companies have embraced the idea that resources should not be used faster than they are replenished and that waste generation should not be excessive. Sustainable innovation is driven by concern for resources and the environment. Sustainable innovation changes our perspective on how we use the Earth's natural resources. With climate change, sustainable innovation becomes, in itself, a reason to support it. Reasons to support sustainable innovation: The Earth demands a change in our consumption and production habits. Sustainable innovation faces the challenge of changing the status quo and creating entirely new business models. Innovation requires collaboration, especially when it comes to sustainable innovation. Meeting standards and finding new ideas will require multidisciplinary teams. Best of all, when developing a sustainable solution, people will seek to unite because sustainability creates a noble and necessary purpose for the world. Consumers are increasingly demanding that companies develop their products and services sustainably. The Business of the Future: A company or venture can benefit in many ways, including: Phases to Achieving Innovation. The first step to becoming a sustainable entrepreneur is complying with your country's and industry-specific environmental regulations. Following these regulations will require changes. Environmental issues are becoming part of a global and business challenge. Addressing these issues will bring multiple benefits to your business. Consumers prefer eco-friendly products and services, and you can capitalize on this trend by being among the first to develop or redesign your product. Creating a new business model goes beyond simply revising your value proposition. An ingenious business model will provide new ways to capture revenue and deliver related services. At GDI, we have explored ways to redesign our products to be more environmentally friendly and incorporate recycled materials. We have also strived to comply with legal regulations to become a sustainable company, implementing various strategies to improve and protect the environment. We want to innovate to improve our service and serve as an example for other companies.
The power of buying
Also known as green purchasing, the term sustainable purchasing refers to the policy of considering social and environmental factors when selecting a supplier, looking beyond price. In this type of acquisition, materials must meet the needs of the company. It is worth noting that consumers are increasingly choosing companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. And in times of technological advancements and social media, they closely monitor companies, even using the internet to express their dissatisfaction with organizational actions they consider unethical, which can negatively affect brand image. BARRIERS AND ADVANTAGES OF SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING It is undeniable that barriers exist to the adoption of sustainable purchasing practices in companies, but these should not be considered an impediment to making these types of purchases and generating advantages for the purchasing company and society in general. Below, we will mention the main obstacles that must be overcome and show how this concept benefits organizations. Barriers to Sustainable Purchasing The main difficulties in implementing a sustainable program are: To overcome these obstacles, the purchasing team must gather information demonstrating the benefits of sustainable procurement for the organization. They must also have a wide range of suppliers who effectively meet the requirements of a sustainable process and uphold the highest standards. Advantages of Sustainable Purchasing Companies worldwide are already investing in the development of sustainable procurement. Beyond the ethical considerations, the benefits drive this choice: Implementing the concept of sustainable procurement requires a strong commitment from procurement professionals. Therefore, at GDI, we seek suppliers with sustainable characteristics so that we can manufacture quality products without harming the planet. We strive to make our garments environmentally friendly, so we seek materials like cotton and linen, working with suppliers who are committed to environmental stewardship. And thanks to that, GDI joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. At GDI, we also produce sustainable uniforms with materials containing a certain percentage of PET, as well as eco-friendly face masks that reduce the use of disposable masks. At GDI, we are convinced that by implementing these kinds of actions, the world will be more inclusive, improving the quality of life for everyone.