Innovation

With the production of sustainable cleaning products, Florex offers consumers the option of adopting new, eco-friendly products that will fulfill their cleaning goals, while doing good to the environment and to society. Their supply chain follows a circular economy model, trying to present the the best quality of products while taking advantage of all their resources, and reintroducing them in their production chain. Through these practices, they are promoting a more responsible consumption and production, making a positive impact in society.

An obstacle that Florex has encountered is the plastic containers that they must use in order to offer their products. In order to mitigate the impact of plastic on the environment, and in accordance with their circular economy model, they are now receiving the empty containers of their products to give them a second use. They have currently implemented a recycling culture within the company, and they are expanding that vision towards consumers, in order to promote a more responsible production and consumption.

Florex is always searching for the best ingredients that can satisfy the consumers' demands on cleaning products, but they are also very conscious about the impact that such substances can have on the environment. Therefore, through laboratories, they are constantly testing alternative elements than can be more sustainable and that fulfill the biodegradability that they wish to accomplish. For them, it is very important that the products that they offer are not going to harm the environment, especially the water supply and sanitation. One of the most damaging chemicals that other industries use is triclosan which has been tested positive for affecting plant life in a very harmful way. Therefore Florex does not use this chemical and tries to implement other alternatives derived from other natural resources.

Inspiration

Silvia Chaves, current CEO of Florex, commented in the interview that "this job is an opportunity to do good to the environment and to the society as a whole". What motivates her is the chance to make a change in the world by doing the impossible, possible, which is doing a 180 degree turn in the production of cleaning products and making them as sustainable as possible.

As well, she told us that "her 'strategic role' allows her to have a wider view of the whole company in order to see its strengths and weaknesses and so this allows her to know what should be modified in order to have better results, from the economic, social and environmental point of view".

Finally, Mrs. Chaves pointed out that everyday in Florex they encounter with a different challenge, as there is always something to improve and so the feeling of knowing that maybe today she can do some good to change someone's life, drives her to continue with this innovative firm.

Overall impact

One of the effects that this innovation has over the firm is the fact that it allowed Florex to be competitive in a big industry that forces you to be always innovative and follow different strategies in order to survive. They have been able to differentiate themselves from competitors because of their vision and values, giving them the opportunity to expand. As Silvia Chavez claims, they "have been able to grow, reaching up to 1000 workers and more than 300 products, increasing profits."

Their impact has been outstanding. While generating employment for many people, they have been able to include minority groups into the company, such as people with disabilities, pregnant women, and those under risk of social exclusion. Through these practices, they have educated such workers, offered them an opportunity to learn more about sustainable practices, and most importantly, provided them with a stable job that allows them to grow individually. Florex gives the opportunity for minorities to be part of something bigger than themselves. Also, they have a strong culture one that considers that one pillar should be to develop local talent and the good management of human talent. They do this by organizing activities of internal learning, those that will ensure professional and personal development.

Business benefit

Overall, this innovation has given Florex the opportunity to grow while fulfilling their goal of promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Through the creation of this firm, they have provided new jobs, invested in innovation, and generate revenue.

Florex has distinguished themselves for their sustainability, and are creating a community that is loyal to them and to their products, sharing their vision of making a better world. They have achieved to involve and inspire the young generation into believing their cause and purpose of being more sustainable. Florex has built up a reputation not only from their sustainable vision, but also because of the quality of their products.

Following their sustainable practices, they are making a strong investment on solar panels. In the short run they may be expensive but in the long run the outcomes will be beneficial for them, not only from the firms' economic perspective, but also for the environment, alluding to a win-win situation. Small actions like this make Florex be more close to their goal of becoming a circular company, achieving a balance between economic and environmental gains.

Social and environmental benefit

The most notorious impact of Florex is to the environment as their products use clean ingredients that are biodegradable, and they also have in mind that their priority should be the well-being of the environment. Regarding sustainable practices, the company publishes a sustainability report annually showing the positive impact that Florex has on the economy, the society, and the environment. They claim accountability with these reports, making this information 100% available for all stakeholders interested in knowing the performance of the company.

However, they also want to have a social impact and they reach this by allowing women to have a real opportunity that will grant them financial stability and personal development. Given that in Costa Rica the gender gap is very pronounced, this company seeks to work on making the country more equal.

They are very aware that those that consume or hire their products and services are polluting less, making an environmental impact. With these sustainable practices, they are educating society to promote the consumption of eco-friendly products and services. Overall, Florex is contributing to achieve the SDGs, seeking for a balance between economic, environmental and social outcomes that will benefit us all.

Interview

Silvia Chaves, President and Co-founder