Hungarian SMEs were also included among the “Sustainability Heroes” of the Generali Group’s EnterPRIZE application

By: STA Date: 2022. 10. 26. 13:58

This year, the Generali Group launched its successful SME sustainability competition, EnterPRIZE, for the second time, in which it recognizes those pioneering European SMEs that stand out with their performance and initiatives, their environmental protection, sustainable business solutions and their social responsibility. The small and medium-sized enterprises of the nine countries joining the initiative could apply in the categories of employee welfare, environmental protection, and responsibility towards micro-communities.

(Photo: Pixabay)

On October 26, 2022, the EnterPRIZE awards were presented in a large-scale ceremony in Brussels, and among the nine “Sustainability Heroes” selected from the 6,600 submitted companies, there is also a Hungarian company. Manual Divat Kft., known on the international stage under the brand name Karma Leather Gloves, is a Hungarian, family-owned glove-making company, which is committed to slow fashion and the circular economy. The company was awarded by the EnterPRIZE committee for its remarkable plan to reduce waste, which focuses primarily on recycling leather trimmings and old gloves and extending the life cycle of their products. During the evaluation of the project, the committee evaluating the applications of EnterPRIZE emphasized that the company donates the leather waste generated during production for further use, and that consumers have the opportunity to follow the life cycle of the product by following their branding.

“The companies that we recognized today as “Sustainability Heroes” awardees are excellent examples of how we can implement a business management strategy in the corporate environment that, in addition to contributing to commercial and sales success, is also beneficial for the environment or the community.” – stated Lucia Silva, Generali Group’s sustainability manager.

At the award ceremony in Brussels, the results of a wide-ranging survey conducted by Bocconi University among European SME owners were also presented, in which the companies’ attitude to sustainability was examined. The study assessed the progress European SMEs have made in building sustainable business and operations, the challenges they face, and how the wider political and financial sphere can help them. In addition, the study also analyzed which initiatives the European Union’s European Recovery Plan is able to provide support to SMEs, as well as how the services of the financial sector are developing, which can also benefit SMEs in achieving their sustainability aspirations.