Keep this story going! Share below!
The company's business, Grupo Gráfico, began as a printing company offering editorial and commercial publishing services, but expanded into digital solutions such as website and digital content creation. What sets this company apart is its focus on sustainability and social well-being through the implementation of eco-friendly practices, such as the use of sustainable materials and clean energy. The company's solution contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing environmental impact through the use of materials such as "stone paper," which protects forests and has a low ecological impact. Additionally, they implement water-saving and solar energy practices, which help minimize their carbon footprint.
Grupo Gráfico's innovation focuses on the implementation of sustainable materials and processes that not only benefit the environment but also seek to improve the quality of life of its employees and collaborators. This approach began in the early 2010s, when the company decided to adopt clean energy sources, such as solar energy, to reduce its environmental impact. In terms of production, they adopted the use of stone paper, a material that does not come from trees, but from natural resources such as limestone. This material is not only eco-friendly but also disintegrates naturally in the earth after 10 years, making it an ideal choice for labeling and packaging.
With these actions, the company not only contributes to the SDG related to life on earth (SDG 15), it also contributes to the SDG related to responsible consumption (SDG 12). This innovation is also applied to the social aspects of the business, promoting a work culture that seeks the comprehensive well-being of its employees, based on respect and human dignity. Thanks to this holistic approach, the company demonstrates that it is possible to conduct business responsibly and sustainably, integrating both social and environmental aspects into its strategies.
During the interview, the company leader explained that what inspired him to implement sustainable practices in his business was his direct witness to climate change and environmental degradation. Seeing the effects of climate change and how pollution was affecting the ecosystem, he realized that as an entrepreneur, he had a responsibility to act. He cited one of his main drivers as the desire to leave a more habitable world for future generations, especially for young people and children.
He expressed: "What motivates me are young people, children, and we want to leave them a more orderly, more habitable world, in better condition than we received it or made it." He further mentioned that implementing these strategies is not only a matter of corporate responsibility, but also of human conscience. A sense of the common good and a humanistic approach prompted him to implement these changes within his business, which was also reflected in internal labor relations, promoting a more supportive and humane work environment.
In the short term, the benefits of adopting sustainable practices were reflected through increased cohesion and trust among employees. According to the company's leader, this contributed to a significant improvement in the work environment, where employees felt more committed and motivated to collaborate. In the interview, he mentioned: "The main benefit is that the social fabric is rebuilt and strengthened, and more honest, more fraternal, and more successful relationships are achieved." This synergy generated among employees allowed results to be achieved more quickly, improving productivity.
In the long term, the company has started to see economic benefits and the reflection of its prestige in the market, especially among international clients who value sustainable practices. This prestige has also motivated other companies to follow Grupo Gráfico's example, creating a multiplier effect in their industry. In the long run, the company expects these practices to expand, allowing it to continue to contribute to social and ecological well-being.
The implementation of sustainable practices has had a direct impact on employee well-being, especially on the leader's relationship with his team. A work culture based on mutual trust and human dignity has been fostered, leading to greater employee loyalty and commitment. On a financial level, the benefits have also been clear: the company has experienced increased revenue, partly due to the prestige gained by implementing environmentally responsible practices.
The company's leader emphasized that, rather than seeking maximum short-term profitability, its goal is to strike a balance that values both economic benefits and the common good. This has allowed it to strengthen long-lasting relationships with important clients such as Aeroméxico and other key market players, who are also committed to sustainability. This has opened up new opportunities for the company, not only in expanding its markets but also in creating new eco-friendly products and services that respond to the growing demand for greener and more responsible solutions.
Stone paper is an innovative material that has benefited the company in ticket printing. It provides several benefits. One example is that it is a material that doesn't require logging.
Unlike conventional paper, stone paper doesn't use wood-based materials. As a result, it reduces deforestation. Stone paper also saves water. Traditional paper manufacturing requires many liters of water, while stone paper consumes almost no water. In addition it is biodegradable and recyclable, degrading with sunlight in approximately one year.
Stone paper is also water-resistant, preventing tickets from being easily damaged. This is a major benefit, as its durability reduces the need to reprint and replace damaged tickets, which lowers costs for the company.
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
Espacio Creativo Grupo Gráfico, S.A. de C.V. ECGG is a printing company that provides graphic design services for brochures. The company also offers corporate, institutional, and social stationery, digital design for electronic applications, and website and advertising design to promote products.