In October, C + P was awarded the silver medal for sustainable business practices by the internationally renowned rating agency EcoVadis, placing it among the top 14 per cent of all furniture manufacturers assessed worldwide.

The assessment was preceded by an intensive and demanding review of the areas of ‘environment’, ‘labour and human rights’, “ethics” and ‘procurement’, which was carried out in accordance with internationally recognised sustainability standards (Global Reporting Initiative, United Nations Global Compact, ISO 26000).

In terms of ethics, C + P ranks among the top 6 per cent of the companies assessed, and in terms of environmental friendliness, it ranks among the top 26 per cent. With 60 points, the company also scores well above average in the area of labour and human rights.

For the assessment, C + P had to answer several hundred questions and submit the relevant evidence to EcoVadis. ‘Overall, we spent three months working across all areas of the company to provide the answers and evidence,’ reports Vesna Losert, C + P Manager for Energy, Environment and Quality. She is now delighted with the good result achieved in the comprehensive assessment. ‘It's a good summary of what we do.’

C + P last took part in the sustainability audit four years ago and also received the silver medal. ‘However, with fewer points. And at that time, the standards and criteria were nowhere near as demanding and strict as they are now,’ explains Vesna Losert. In other words, the past four years have already been used to implement continuous improvements.

Looking to the future, the C + P economist notes: ‘With this solid foundation, we can continue to implement the many new suggestions we have received as feedback.’ And perhaps next year there will be seven more points. That would mean winning the gold medal.