The Innovalors cycle consolidates with the second session dedicated to the market perspective of sustainable products
The Innovalors cycle, organized by the Associació Catalana per al Foment de l’Economia del Bé Comú (ACFEBC), continues with its second session focusing on the market perspective of sustainable products. Aiming to facilitate a space for dialogue on values and common good in the business sector, the Innovalors sessions promote a new exchange model among companies.
This session addressed the consumer’s perception of innovation and sustainability. Xavier Baraza, the director of Economics and Business Studies at UOC, emphasized the importance of integrating values into the business economy. The keynote speaker, Jordi Oliver, discussed consumer perceptions of sustainable services and products, highlighting the increasing trend towards sustainability in various industries.
The subsequent panel discussion featured experts from diverse backgrounds (representatives from BASF, La Fageda, EADA, Secartys, academic world and public administration). Topics included the expanded producer responsibility, innovation challenges in recycling, and the role of businesses in social inclusion. The dialogue touched upon issues such as the need for education to support consumer awareness and the potential role of regulations in promoting sustainability.
The main conclusions of the day: In the challenges of the producer-consumer dialogue regarding sustainability perception, the producer bears an expanded responsibility as they must innovate to drive sustainability. Purpose-driven companies innovate with consideration for values. The public administration needs to make an effort to increase incentives for businesses. On the other hand, it is essential to overcome the barriers between consumers and producers, assisting consumers with transparency, education, more stringent regulations, and appropriate metrics. It has been emphasized that the younger demographic is the most demanding group within the population.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Innovalors awards, with the Fundació FEDAC receiving recognition for its outstanding practices in solidarity and financial resource management. The closing remarks by Paco Álvarez, President of the Spanish Federation of the Economy for the Common Good, underscored the significance of sustainability linked to the triple impact and praised the event’s contribution to promoting the common good economic model.
