Sustainability

We are aware of the impact our portfolio companies have on Society and believe the proper management of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors in our investments increases a company’s ability to generate sustainable value for all stakeholders (employees, shareholders, clients, suppliers, …)

Objectives

ENVIRONMENT

Minimize the negative impact and increase positive effects on the environment
Encourage the efficient use of natural resources and protect the environment
Sustain a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change

SOCIAL

Treat all employees equally and respect their dignity, wellbeing and diversity
Assure safe and secure working conditions for employees and third parties
Safeguard the health and safety of all individuals involved
Take an active role in developing numerous career paths and guiding personnel in their careers

GOVERNANCE

Guarantee honesty, integrity, fairness, diligence and respect in all commercial transactions
Promote international best practices in corporate governance

Implementation

ESG criteria are integrated within all Wise Equity processes, from initial valuations through to disinvestment:

of investments are subject to an ESG pre-assessment

of portfolio companies are monitored annually on ESG performance

of portfolio companies improve on ESG measures from the time of investment

of the Investment Team periodically participates in ESG courses

Based on a portfolio company’s characteristics and sector, an ESG action plan is agreed with each company’s management and implemented over the investment horizon

CASE STUDIES

Alpitour

Renewal of Neos’ aircraft fleet with the B787: reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20% and the acoustic impact by 60%
Progressive reduction in single-use plastics on Neos aircraft
Elimination of plastics and reduction in water consumption at the VOI Hotels chain: 1.1 million plastic pieces eliminated in 2019
GSTC certification at VOI Hotels in Italy to reduce electricity consumption
Organic and KM 0 menus, with areas dedicated to local products, in all hotels managed in Italy
Introduction of smart working for employees in central offices – even before the Covid-19 health emergency
Gender equality: 60% of employees are female
Activities (especially for children) at the structures pay particular attention to respecting the environment: local marine flora and fauna, recycling
Partnership with Giunti Scuola to bring sustainability culture to elementary schools: reached over 75 thousand schoolchildren

Imprima

Completion of a new plant fully dedicated to digital printing that, today, allows the reuse of 30% of the water consumed in washing. The aim is to further improve water reuse to a minimum target of 60% through a full implementation of a water recycling system
Consumption reduced through a more efficient industrial set-up: consumption of electricity reduced by 30%, waste by 40% and CO2 emissions by 10%
Support in the COVID-19 health emergency by producing washable filter masks for civilian use: fitted-out plants in Italy and Morocco to produce up to 600,000 pieces per day
Obtained all the principal sector certifications:
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 – Exclusive use of fabric product suppliers that are certified as NOT using harmful substances
- OCS/GOTS – Fabrics sourced from companies that are sustainable from an environmental and social standpoint
- FSC – Products sourced with proper and sustainable forest management
- EcoVero – Use of eco-sustainable viscous fibers
- Member of the “Better Cotton Initiative” association (a program for sustainable cotton production)
- … in addition to having passed numerous audits conducted by leading clothing retailers
Gender equality: 33% of the leadership team is represented by women
Implementation of a Car Policy with one hybrid model per category

NTC

Annual publication of Value Report and Corporate Presentation with principal annual activities (including ESG)
Gender equality: 60% of leadership team and 64% of employees are female
Average of 77 hours of job training for all employees
Company Welfare and Wellbeing initiatives launched (Counseling, Safe driving, Pilates courses for posture)
Introduced procedures for ESG, GDPR, Model 231, Code of Ethics, Climate Survey and Customer Surveys
Obtained ISO 13485 certification, with audits of suppliers and clients for compliance with GMP/GCP/ICH guidelines
Launched charitable activity at Asilo Mariuccia in Milan: free specialist eye examinations for children in need

Tapì

Deep restructuring of Mexican operations with an investment plan unprecedented in the company’s history aimed not only at increasing efficiency and effectiveness, but also at improving working conditions and the company’s environmental impact. Results: reduction in water consumption (-80%), reduction in scrap (-80%), workplace accident reduction (-30%)
Launched a continuous improvement program for the Italian operations. Results: reduced consumption of electricity (-30%) and gas (-75%)
Developed products inspired by recyclability and circular economy, for example:
- Modular closures that can be disassembled into plastic and wood components for recycling
- Closure heads made from grape waste created in the distillation process for alcoholic beverages and parts recycled from barrels used for alcohol aging
Launched childhood cancer charity activity for the benefit of AMANC, Asociación Mexicana de Ayuda a Niños con Cáncer
Supporting the Banco de Tapitas initiative (collection and recycling of plastic closures to finance the fight against infantile tumors and simultaneously keep the planet clean)
Introduced procedures for periodic GDPR, Model 231, Code of Ethics and Customer surveys
Obtained the following certifications:
- In 2017, ISO9001:2015 in Rossano (Italy)
- In 2018, ISO9001:2015 in Massanzago (Italy)
- In 2019, ISO9001:2015 in Mexico and Argentina; SEDEX in Massanzago (Italy)
- In 2020, ECOVADIS in Rossano and Massanzago (Italy)