The CEO and president of Corticeira Amorim, António Rios de Amorim, was elected “SDG Pioneer 2024 – Portugal” – a pioneer in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in the “Large Companies” category, a distinction awarded by Pacto Global United Nations (UN Global Compact), an initiative of the United Nations (UN) to encourage companies to adopt corporate social responsibility and sustainability policies.
In 2023, Corticeira Amorim consolidated its leading position in environmental sustainability, with emphasis on the 9.1% reduction in energy consumption, the increase to 68.3% in the use of controlled renewable energy and the decrease of 8. 8% in CO2 emissions.
“Being recognized as an SDG Pioneer validates and strengthens our vision, highlighting our role in creating a relevant positive impact on our people (SDGs 3, 4 and 5), communities and the planet, namely generating employment opportunities and professional development, promoting local development (SDG 8) and preserving natural and cultural heritage (SDG 11), and contributing to the regeneration of the Montado (SDG 13), part of a biodiversity hotspot and which plays an important role, among others, in global regulation climate, fire prevention, hydrological regulation and soil protection”, says António Rios de Amorim, leader of the largest cork processing group in the world.
The “SDG Pioneers” is an annual initiative of the UN Global Compact, which recognizes, worldwide, leaders who promote a positive approach in their companies based on the 17 SDGs, defining ambitious environmental, social and governance goals.
António Rios de Amorim was distinguished after a selection process carried out by a multi-stakeholder panel, composed of representatives from the UN Global Compact Network Portugal, other United Nations entities, IOM - International Organization for Migration, AdP – Águas de Portugal and Nova SBE - Nova School of Business & Economics.
In addition to recognition for his work at national level, as SDG Pioneer 2024 – Portugal, António Rios de Amorim will also be considered in the Global Round, which will identify the Global Pioneers UN Global Compact, in September 2024.
In 2018, he led the launch of the “Sustainable by Nature” program, aligned with 12 SDGs, which guide Corticeira Amorim’s actions in areas such as ethics and integrity, value chain, cork forests, climate change, circular economy, products, development, safety , health, well-being, community and innovation.
In addition, the company also reinforced its commitments in the social dimension, continuously implementing an action plan to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, and reinforced its integration practices among new generations, with emphasis on the launch of the Program Young@Cork, which promotes the integration of young people, as well as the development, training and retention of young staff.
