Corporate responsibility in the SME sector (pdf) (1.1
Corporate responsibility in the SME sector (pdf) (1.1
Corporate responsibility in the SME sector (pdf) (1.1
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<strong>Corporate</strong> <strong>responsibility</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>SME</strong> <strong>sector</strong><br />
Best Practices
This brochure, created <strong>in</strong> 2009, was commissioned by <strong>the</strong><br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry of Employment and <strong>the</strong> Economy. The Centre for<br />
Responsible Bus<strong>in</strong>ess at <strong>the</strong> Turku School of Economics was<br />
responsible for draft<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> content, <strong>in</strong> co-operation with<br />
various collaborative partners. This brochure <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
examples of enterprises and projects that exercise<br />
corporate <strong>responsibility</strong>. Such examples will assist <strong>SME</strong>s<br />
<strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir own <strong>responsibility</strong>-based activities.<br />
We wish to thank all of <strong>the</strong> enterprises <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> this<br />
brochure and all collaborative partners <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> this<br />
project. The concept is based on a brochure created <strong>in</strong><br />
2007 as part of <strong>the</strong> European Commission Programme<br />
‘Ma<strong>in</strong>stream<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Corporate</strong> Social Responsibility (CSR)<br />
Among <strong>SME</strong>s’.<br />
Contact <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry of Employment<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Economy<br />
Labour and Trade Department<br />
www.tem.fi/enterprises<br />
University of Turku<br />
Centre for Responsible Bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
cereb@tse.fi<br />
2 3
What?<br />
<strong>Corporate</strong> <strong>responsibility</strong> refers to <strong>the</strong> balanced development and<br />
management of environmental, social and economic factors <strong>in</strong> enterprises,<br />
<strong>in</strong> co-operation with stakeholders. The various dimensions of<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong> are closely <strong>in</strong>tegrated. In <strong>the</strong> case of responsible and<br />
consistent manag<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> enterprise focused on long-term goals,<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong> supports bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities. Each enterprise def<strong>in</strong>es<br />
<strong>the</strong> most suitable focus po<strong>in</strong>ts and implementation methods for its<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities.<br />
<strong>Corporate</strong> <strong>responsibility</strong> is a strategic method by which all <strong>SME</strong>s can<br />
enhance <strong>the</strong>ir competitiveness, meet <strong>the</strong> challenges of susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
development and develop <strong>the</strong>ir bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities. <strong>Corporate</strong> <strong>responsibility</strong><br />
creates w<strong>in</strong>-w<strong>in</strong> situations, <strong>in</strong> which everyone benefits.<br />
The characteristics of corporate <strong>responsibility</strong> <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
actions that benefit employees, stakeholders and <strong>the</strong> environment<br />
voluntary actions exceed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> requirements of legislation<br />
and agreements<br />
openness and transparency of bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g simultaneously account of economic, social and<br />
environmental <strong>responsibility</strong><br />
consistent activities ra<strong>the</strong>r than ad hoc actions<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g a part of <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess strategy, not separate actions.<br />
<strong>Corporate</strong> <strong>responsibility</strong> is referred to us<strong>in</strong>g various terms, such as<br />
responsible bus<strong>in</strong>ess, corporate citizenship, responsible entrepreneurship<br />
and susta<strong>in</strong>able development. In most cases, <strong>the</strong>se refer to <strong>the</strong><br />
same concept.<br />
<strong>SME</strong>s often function responsibly, but do<br />
not know how to use <strong>the</strong> potential of<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong> to <strong>the</strong>ir advantage!<br />
Why?<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> concepts of corporate <strong>responsibility</strong> and corporate social<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong> are ma<strong>in</strong>ly used <strong>in</strong> reference to large companies and<br />
corporations, also <strong>SME</strong>s can use <strong>responsibility</strong> as a strategic means<br />
of improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir competitiveness.<br />
Enterprises wish to act responsibly for various reasons. A key motivation<br />
is improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir long-term profitability and operat<strong>in</strong>g conditions.<br />
Responsibility can have a positive impact on <strong>the</strong><br />
competitiveness of <strong>SME</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g ways<br />
new bus<strong>in</strong>ess ideas and broader markets<br />
better products and production processes result <strong>in</strong> improved<br />
customer satisfaction and loyalty<br />
employees are more motivated and committed, which <strong>in</strong> turn<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases creativity and <strong>in</strong>novativeness with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> enterprise<br />
expenses are reduced and profitability <strong>in</strong>creases, as both human<br />
and production resources are used more efficiently<br />
a better position <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> job market assists <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> competition for<br />
skilled workers<br />
improved opportunities for network<strong>in</strong>g with, for example, bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
partners and authorities<br />
positive publicity and visibility<br />
improved public image provides better opportunities, for example,<br />
to arrange f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased revenue on account of all of <strong>the</strong> above-mentioned factors.<br />
The benefits of corporate <strong>responsibility</strong> also<br />
apply <strong>in</strong> reverse: if you do not act responsibly,<br />
you may lose your reputation and <strong>the</strong> trust<br />
of <strong>the</strong> markets.<br />
4 5
Responsibility can take <strong>the</strong> form of various practical actions, which<br />
are not necessarily complicated or expensive.<br />
<strong>SME</strong>s behav<strong>in</strong>g responsibly are active <strong>in</strong> one or more of <strong>the</strong> areas of<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong> named below. These areas are not separate, but closely<br />
<strong>in</strong>terconnected and mutually supportive.<br />
Customers<br />
and <strong>the</strong><br />
markets<br />
Environment<br />
Responsible<br />
enterprise<br />
Products,<br />
services and<br />
<strong>the</strong> supply<br />
cha<strong>in</strong><br />
Personnel<br />
Society,<br />
<strong>the</strong> local<br />
community<br />
Enterprises can beg<strong>in</strong> to develop <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>responsibility</strong> with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
areas <strong>the</strong>y <strong>the</strong>mselves have chosen. Later on, <strong>the</strong>y can gradually<br />
extend <strong>the</strong>ir responsible actions, and make <strong>the</strong>m more comprehensive<br />
and systematic.<br />
Many <strong>SME</strong>s do not focus on merely one area of <strong>responsibility</strong>, but have<br />
taken a more comprehensive approach. By this way, <strong>responsibility</strong><br />
becomes part of <strong>the</strong>ir bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities and concept.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g pages give a more detailed description of each area<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> figure.<br />
<strong>SME</strong>s exercise <strong>responsibility</strong> through <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g steps:<br />
1. Discuss <strong>the</strong> values and bus<strong>in</strong>ess practices of <strong>the</strong> enterprise.<br />
2. Write down <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess pr<strong>in</strong>ciples: what do we want to do?<br />
3. Discuss <strong>responsibility</strong> with <strong>the</strong> stakeholders: what are <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
expectations? What type of co-operation is possible?<br />
4. Add <strong>responsibility</strong> to <strong>the</strong> everyday activities of <strong>the</strong> enterprise.<br />
5. Measure <strong>responsibility</strong> for <strong>the</strong> purposes of future improvements.<br />
6. Communicate about progress<strong>in</strong>g <strong>responsibility</strong>.<br />
7. Conduct assessments periodically and make <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />
improvements.<br />
Decide what to do,<br />
and do as you decided.<br />
6 7
Personnel<br />
Responsible actions of <strong>SME</strong>s related to personnel may <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
employee tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and skills development<br />
staff participation <strong>in</strong> decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g towards improved occupational health and safety,<br />
and improv<strong>in</strong>g work<strong>in</strong>g conditions<br />
support<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> balance between work and personal life<br />
promot<strong>in</strong>g unbiased and equal opportunities, diversity and<br />
tolerance<br />
fair and just wages that act as an <strong>in</strong>centive to employees, or o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
types of benefits, such as pension systems and staff well-be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
vouchers.<br />
Examples<br />
Smartum Oy has created vouchers for exercise services (Liikuntaseteli),<br />
and cultural services (Kulttuuriseteli). In 2007, Smartum won Excellence<br />
F<strong>in</strong>land’s Innovation of <strong>the</strong> Year Award <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>SME</strong> category, <strong>in</strong> recognition<br />
of <strong>the</strong> enterprise’s creative <strong>in</strong>novations exploit<strong>in</strong>g an exist<strong>in</strong>g network<br />
of services. The vouchers encourage employees to take care of to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
well-be<strong>in</strong>g. In <strong>the</strong> same year, <strong>the</strong> enterprise also won <strong>the</strong> Ethical Leader<br />
2007 Award. www.smartum.fi<br />
Oy P<strong>in</strong>ifer Ltd manufactures eco-friendly vegetable oil-based<br />
bio-lubricants, and <strong>the</strong> associated products, services and equipment.<br />
Bio-lubricants are non-toxic and biodegradable. The enterprise is<br />
committed to reduc<strong>in</strong>g its energy consumption and production of<br />
waste, and strives to <strong>in</strong>crease its level of recycl<strong>in</strong>g. P<strong>in</strong>ifer also strives<br />
to communicate openly and take <strong>in</strong>to account <strong>the</strong> occupational health,<br />
job satisfaction and safety of its personnel. Responsibility has helped<br />
develop employees’ skills and environmental awareness, while<br />
improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> quality of its bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities and public image.<br />
These factors have been assessed through, for example, customer<br />
satisfaction surveys, which have clearly shown that issues related<br />
to <strong>the</strong> environment, occupational safety and quality are important<br />
to <strong>the</strong> enterprise’s customers. www.p<strong>in</strong>ifer.fi<br />
The owners of Berner Ltd want <strong>the</strong>ir staff to become committed to<br />
<strong>the</strong> enterprise. The enterprise has been distribut<strong>in</strong>g ten per cent of its<br />
profits as annual bonuses to staff members s<strong>in</strong>ce 1946. Bonuses for<br />
employees have been <strong>in</strong> proportion to <strong>the</strong>ir salary. Dur<strong>in</strong>g excellent<br />
years, staff members have been awarded bonuses equivalent to<br />
3.5 months of salary. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> enterprise’s goal is to establish<br />
long-term partnerships with a variety of stakeholders.<br />
http://eng.berner.fi/<br />
Great Place to Work Institute F<strong>in</strong>land conducts an annual survey<br />
to identify <strong>the</strong> best workplaces <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land and publishes <strong>the</strong> results.<br />
Organisations <strong>in</strong>cluded on <strong>the</strong> list are entitled to use <strong>the</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land’s Best<br />
Workplaces logo for a year. The best workplaces are ma<strong>in</strong>ly selected<br />
on <strong>the</strong> basis of <strong>the</strong> organisations’ employee op<strong>in</strong>ions, as well as <strong>the</strong><br />
f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of a workplace management assessment tool. The list has a<br />
separate category for <strong>SME</strong>s. In 2008, <strong>the</strong> number one enterprise <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>SME</strong> category was Reaktor Innovations. The enterprise has been<br />
particularly successful <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g long-term responsible management<br />
practices. In practice this means, for example, flexibility and support<strong>in</strong>g<br />
employees <strong>in</strong> various life situations.<br />
www.greatplacetowork.com<br />
www.reaktor.fi<br />
Competent, active and <strong>in</strong>volved staff forms <strong>the</strong> basis of our competitiveness.<br />
8 9
Society and <strong>the</strong> local community<br />
Responsible actions of <strong>SME</strong>s related to society and <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community may <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial well-be<strong>in</strong>g, jobs and opportunities to<br />
improve skills<br />
co-operat<strong>in</strong>g with educational <strong>in</strong>stitutions, and offer<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong>ee<br />
positions<br />
promot<strong>in</strong>g diversity<br />
contribut<strong>in</strong>g to society <strong>in</strong> a wider sense, such as help<strong>in</strong>g people<br />
<strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g countries, or reduc<strong>in</strong>g poverty<br />
responsible <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>teract<strong>in</strong>g and co-operat<strong>in</strong>g with, for example, <strong>the</strong> public <strong>sector</strong>,<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r enterprises and NGOs<br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g people’s liv<strong>in</strong>g environments through various<br />
campaigns<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g donations and provid<strong>in</strong>g support <strong>in</strong> non-f<strong>in</strong>ancial ways,<br />
such as provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> enterprise’s products or services to selected<br />
organisations and events.<br />
Examples<br />
Kalevala Jewelry donates part of <strong>the</strong> proceeds from its jewellery<br />
collection ‘Gravity’ designed by Kaisaleena Mäkelä, to <strong>the</strong> Women’s<br />
Bank. The Women’s Bank supports women’s entrepreneurship <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g countries and provides women with opportunities to earn<br />
a liv<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong>mselves and <strong>the</strong>ir families. It also helps to improve <strong>the</strong><br />
well-be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> local community <strong>in</strong> general. Previously, Kalevala<br />
Jewelry donated part of <strong>the</strong> proceeds of <strong>the</strong> ‘Africa’ jewellery collection<br />
to a project provid<strong>in</strong>g basic education to young girls <strong>in</strong> Ghana.<br />
The Women’s Bank is a fund coord<strong>in</strong>ated by F<strong>in</strong>n Church Aid.<br />
www.kalevalakoru.com<br />
Co-operation is <strong>the</strong> power!<br />
Manpower Inclusive is a recruitment and human resource enterprise,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> status of a social enterprise. The enterprise promotes<br />
diversity and equality <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> work places. Manpower Inclusive strives<br />
to improve <strong>the</strong> employability of job seekers who are <strong>in</strong> a weak position<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> job market, through participation <strong>in</strong> a variety of programmes.<br />
Target groups <strong>in</strong>clude people with disabilities and job seekers with<br />
only partial work<strong>in</strong>g capacity. Manpower Inclusive is an affiliate of<br />
Manpower Inc. www.manpower.fi<br />
NOIR, a fashion <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>SME</strong> <strong>in</strong> Denmark, fights aga<strong>in</strong>st poverty and<br />
strives to improve liv<strong>in</strong>g conditions <strong>in</strong> Africa through responsible bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
practices. NOIR manufactures and sells high-end fashion <strong>in</strong>tended<br />
to appeal to consumers’ social consciences. One per cent of <strong>the</strong> proceeds<br />
from NOIR’s clo<strong>the</strong>s sales is donated to cotton plantation workers<br />
<strong>in</strong> Africa. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> NOIR Foundation provides medic<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
micro loans to less developed areas of Africa. www.noir.dk<br />
The Baltic Sea Challenge, <strong>in</strong>itiated by <strong>the</strong> Cities of Hels<strong>in</strong>ki and<br />
Turku, is <strong>in</strong>tended to have a positive impact on <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong> Baltic<br />
Sea’s mar<strong>in</strong>e environment. The challenge aims to <strong>in</strong>volve enterprises <strong>in</strong><br />
voluntary actions to improve <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong> Baltic Sea. This is because<br />
enterprises have a significant impact on <strong>the</strong> condition of <strong>the</strong> mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
environment, for example, through <strong>the</strong>ir logistical solutions, consumption<br />
of raw materials, energy use and personnel. Enterprises participat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenge will create action plans that <strong>in</strong>clude a list of<br />
concrete actions for improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong>ir local waters and <strong>the</strong><br />
Baltic Sea. Many similar challenges and <strong>in</strong>itiatives related to various<br />
issues are underway <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land. www.itamerihaaste.net/<strong>in</strong>_english<br />
10 11
Products, services and <strong>the</strong> supply cha<strong>in</strong><br />
Responsible actions of <strong>SME</strong>s related to products,<br />
services and <strong>the</strong> supply cha<strong>in</strong> may <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
development of products and services that meet <strong>the</strong> expectations<br />
of <strong>the</strong> customer for susta<strong>in</strong>able development<br />
transparency of production processes and services, and availability<br />
of <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong> of products and services<br />
exercis<strong>in</strong>g voluntary environmental, social and economic<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong>, and follow<strong>in</strong>g ethical guidel<strong>in</strong>es and standards<br />
throughout all phases of <strong>the</strong> supply cha<strong>in</strong><br />
responsible actions throughout <strong>the</strong> subcontractor cha<strong>in</strong><br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uous and sufficient R&D activity as anticipation for<br />
future needs<br />
<strong>in</strong>novative solutions for develop<strong>in</strong>g environmentally and socially<br />
responsible products and services<br />
<strong>the</strong> ability to describe <strong>the</strong> aspects of <strong>responsibility</strong> <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> enterprise’s bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities to <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> supplier.<br />
Examples<br />
Lappset Group is a manufacturer of playground equipment. Its mission<br />
is to provide people of all ages with <strong>the</strong> opportunity to live healthier<br />
and happier lives through play. Play<strong>in</strong>g comb<strong>in</strong>es exercise and fun.<br />
One of Lappset’s products is SmartUs. This encourages children to<br />
exercise and supports learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a way that appeals to today’s<br />
children. SmartUs is an <strong>in</strong>teractive learn<strong>in</strong>g environment that<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>es playground equipment with video game technology.<br />
www.lappset.com<br />
Helkama Velox Oy manufactures bicycles <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land. A bicycle is a<br />
‘green’ mode of transport <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with susta<strong>in</strong>able development, s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
its nonexistent carbon dioxide emissions. The bicycle production<br />
processes of <strong>the</strong> enterprise’s factory <strong>in</strong> Hanko do not generate any<br />
emissions <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> soil, water or air. Helkama Oy also strives to manufacture<br />
durable bicycles with long lifecycles. www.helkamavelox.fi<br />
Enterprises may <strong>in</strong>corpotate <strong>responsibility</strong><br />
and <strong>the</strong> promotion of susta<strong>in</strong>able develop-<br />
ment as part of <strong>the</strong>ir profitable and<br />
competitive bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities.<br />
Ekolådan <strong>in</strong> Sweden sells biodynamic and organic products<br />
delivered directly to consumers’ doors us<strong>in</strong>g an energy-efficient<br />
delivery system. The enterprise’s production processes have also<br />
been developed to be as environmentally friendly as possible.<br />
Ekolådan’s primary service <strong>in</strong>novation lies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> role played by<br />
consumers as <strong>in</strong>vestors. The enterprise has purchased farms with<br />
consumer <strong>in</strong>vestment funds, which supports its vision of br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
consumers and products closer toge<strong>the</strong>r. www.ekoladan.se<br />
In 2001, F<strong>in</strong>nish enterprises <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrial and trade <strong>sector</strong> established<br />
a network agree<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of social <strong>responsibility</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> import<strong>in</strong>g. The aim is to ensure that consumer products<br />
have been manufactured <strong>in</strong> socially and ethically acceptable production<br />
conditions. Enterprises participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> network are committed<br />
to comply with <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of <strong>responsibility</strong> <strong>in</strong> import<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The network currently <strong>in</strong>cludes around 20 enterprises, about half<br />
of which are <strong>SME</strong>s. These enterprises benefit from <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of<br />
<strong>responsibility</strong> <strong>in</strong> import<strong>in</strong>g, and also receive support <strong>in</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
global challenge related to <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>s of retail products.<br />
www.keskuskauppakamari.fi<br />
12 13
Customers and <strong>the</strong> markets<br />
Responsible actions of <strong>SME</strong>s related to markets or customers<br />
may <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> quality and safety of products and services,<br />
and mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m more environmentally friendly<br />
pay<strong>in</strong>g due attention to consumer protection and <strong>the</strong> accuracy of<br />
consumer <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
<strong>in</strong>form<strong>in</strong>g openly about product and service features to customers<br />
fair and transparent pric<strong>in</strong>g<br />
voluntary services, such as recycl<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
efficient customer feedback system<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g care of payments to suppliers and bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners on time<br />
comply<strong>in</strong>g with ethical pr<strong>in</strong>ciples <strong>in</strong> advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
avoid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> grey economy and corruption<br />
report<strong>in</strong>g on corporate <strong>responsibility</strong>.<br />
Examples<br />
Eko-Expert Oy has developed a technological solution for recycl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
blown-<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>sulation, which would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be disposed of as landfill,<br />
from renovation or demolition sites. This technology reduces Eko-<br />
Expert’s customer companies’ transportation and waste management<br />
costs. An Environmental Award was given to <strong>the</strong> enterprise by <strong>the</strong><br />
Association for Environmental Management <strong>in</strong> 2006.<br />
www.eko-expert.com<br />
The tourism enterprise Moom<strong>in</strong>world Ltd was established <strong>in</strong><br />
Naantali <strong>in</strong> 1993. The enterprise’s core values <strong>in</strong>clude environmental<br />
awareness, safety, family-orientation, non-violence, friendl<strong>in</strong>ess, and<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g adventurous and educational. For <strong>in</strong>stance, <strong>the</strong> use of alcohol<br />
and smok<strong>in</strong>g are prohibited <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Moom<strong>in</strong>land <strong>the</strong>me park. In 2004,<br />
Moom<strong>in</strong>world was listed among <strong>the</strong> 25 European model companies<br />
that adhere to ethical, social and environmental values. In <strong>the</strong> autumn<br />
of 2008, <strong>the</strong> enterprise was awarded under <strong>the</strong> <strong>SME</strong> category of <strong>the</strong><br />
annual competition on CSR report<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land.<br />
www.muumimaailma.fi<br />
14 15
A small kitchen manufactur<strong>in</strong>g enterprise <strong>in</strong> Germany, Die Möbelmacher<br />
GmbH, organises free cookery courses for its customers,<br />
aimed at familiaris<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong> kitchens <strong>the</strong> firm manufactures<br />
and a healthy diet. The enterprise has taken <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiative by participat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> varied forms of co-operation. Once a year, local manufac-<br />
turers get toge<strong>the</strong>r for a ‘regional day’ to share experiences and<br />
discuss <strong>the</strong>ir approaches to susta<strong>in</strong>able bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities. In recent<br />
years, this co-operation has made a significant contribution to<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> enterprise’s turnover. www.diemoebelmacher.de<br />
Fair Unlimited <strong>in</strong> Sweden is a B2B enterprise that sells corporate<br />
gifts bear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Fair Trade certification mark. Its product selection<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes clo<strong>the</strong>s, food products, confectionary, snacks, footballs,<br />
and gift boxes and bags. All of its products have been manufactured<br />
through small-scale production <strong>in</strong> locations all over <strong>the</strong> world. This<br />
means that <strong>the</strong> enterprise cannot set tight requirements for <strong>the</strong><br />
producers <strong>in</strong> terms of price, quality and delivery times. Because Fair<br />
Unlimited co-operates directly with Fair Trade suppliers, it must<br />
adhere to <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational Fair Trade standards of <strong>the</strong> Fairtrade<br />
Labell<strong>in</strong>g Organisations International. www.fairunlimited.se<br />
Productive, efficient, and at <strong>the</strong><br />
same time environmentally friendly.<br />
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Environment<br />
Environmentally friendly actions of <strong>SME</strong>s may <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g systematic account of environmental issues <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
activities<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novative and environmentally friendly products and<br />
production processes<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g account of <strong>the</strong> environmental impacts of products and<br />
services throughout <strong>the</strong>ir whole lifecycle<br />
encourag<strong>in</strong>g customers, personnel and bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners to adopt<br />
environmentally friendly practices<br />
reduc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> use of materials, energy and water, and mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir use more efficient<br />
reduc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> production of waste, and reus<strong>in</strong>g and recycl<strong>in</strong>g waste<br />
components<br />
conduct<strong>in</strong>g suppliers’ environmental assessments<br />
favour<strong>in</strong>g environmentally friendly products and services <strong>in</strong> all<br />
acquisitions.<br />
Examples<br />
For L<strong>in</strong>dström Oy, reduc<strong>in</strong>g its environmental load is an essential part<br />
of bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities. Material efficiency is <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> modular bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
operation system <strong>the</strong> enterprise uses <strong>in</strong> all countries <strong>in</strong> which it operates.<br />
The enterprise’s textiles are serviced 20 to 200 times dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
lifecycle, depend<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong>ir purpose. For example, a roller towel that has<br />
been washed over a hundred times is equivalent to around 24,000 disposable<br />
paper towels. A used roller towel from a dispenser equals two kilos<br />
of solid waste, whereas <strong>the</strong> correspond<strong>in</strong>g number of disposable paper<br />
towels generates 80 kilos of waste. www.l<strong>in</strong>dstromgroup.com<br />
Kiilto Oy is a chemical <strong>in</strong>dustry enterprise. Its ma<strong>in</strong> product is adhesives.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>land’s largest solar power plant is located on <strong>the</strong> roof of Kiilto’s<br />
production plant <strong>in</strong> Lempäälä, with 332 solar panels. These panels<br />
produce around 60,500 kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to around<br />
one per cent of Kiilto’s own energy consumption. The enterprise has<br />
<strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> environmental <strong>responsibility</strong> <strong>in</strong> both its own development<br />
and that of its products. www.kiilto.com<br />
Piiloset by F<strong>in</strong>nsusp Oy <strong>in</strong> Lieto has developed and manufactured,<br />
for example, a variety of contact lens care products s<strong>in</strong>ce 1978. Their<br />
contact lens care solutions are environmentally friendly. The enterprise’s<br />
R&D efforts have produced BioSoak – <strong>the</strong> only care solution <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world<br />
that conta<strong>in</strong>s a biodegradable detergent that is not harmful to liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organisms <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment. The enterprise’s production process<br />
is also designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, for<br />
example, <strong>in</strong> terms of recycl<strong>in</strong>g carton and plastic dur<strong>in</strong>g different phases<br />
of production processes. Piiloset by F<strong>in</strong>nsusp Oy is a prime example of<br />
an enterprise that takes comprehensive account of various environmental<br />
issues. It is <strong>the</strong> first enterprise <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land’s optical <strong>in</strong>dustry to be<br />
awarded <strong>the</strong> ISO 9001:2000 certificate. www.piiloset.fi<br />
Farm-Fill Umwelt<strong>in</strong>novations- und Vertriebs GmbH is a small toy<br />
resale enterprise <strong>in</strong> Austria. The enterprise’s ma<strong>in</strong> product is PlayMais<br />
toys. Toys are manufactured us<strong>in</strong>g renewable resources, such as maize,<br />
and no fertilizers or pesticides are used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> cultivation process. As<br />
children play with PlayMais toys, <strong>the</strong>y can learn about organic products<br />
and develop <strong>the</strong>ir creativity. www.farmfill.at<br />
One man’s waste is ano<strong>the</strong>r man’s resource!<br />
18 19
Additional <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
Organisation Internet address Ma<strong>in</strong> content<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry of Employment<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Economy (TEM)<br />
F<strong>in</strong>nish Bus<strong>in</strong>ess &<br />
Society (FiBS)<br />
www.tem.fi/enterprises The website <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on corporate<br />
social <strong>responsibility</strong>.<br />
www.fibsry.fi/fibs-is-anetwork-for-responsiblebus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
European Commission www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/<br />
csr/campaign/documentation/<br />
<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
Small Bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
Journey<br />
A network of enterprises,<br />
partly funded by <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>istry of<br />
Employment and <strong>the</strong> Economy,<br />
that promotes economically,<br />
socially and environmentally<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able bus<strong>in</strong>ess activities<br />
<strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>land.<br />
European Commission website<br />
on CSR <strong>in</strong>cludes, for example,<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on CSR for <strong>SME</strong>s.<br />
www.smallbus<strong>in</strong>essjourney.com Instructions for <strong>SME</strong>s <strong>in</strong> English:<br />
how to improve profitability<br />
through responsible bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
practices<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry of Employment and <strong>the</strong> Economy<br />
P.O. Box 32, FI-00023 GOVERNMENT, F<strong>in</strong>land<br />
Tel. +358 10 60 6000<br />
Fax +358 9 1606 2166<br />
www.tem.fi/enterprises Layout: Pro<strong>in</strong>no Design Oy