By Maria Rodriguez Garcia , teacher and researcher at the University of Valencia
Girbau It is a family business with a history of more than 100 years, of which 60 have been spent working in the sector in which they currently operate: solutions for laundry and textile treatment. With headquarters in Vic (Barcelona), Girbau is an expert in designing and providing comprehensive, sustainable and innovative solutions for all types of laundry. As a family business, sustainability values are deeply rooted, both in the company and in the family. For them, sustainability is the key to success. sustainability acquires a comprehensive character, referring to the social, environmental and economic sustainabilityThe company's purpose is clear: "To be a benchmark by creating a positive impact on people and the planet."
For example, from a business perspective, for 2022, Girbau reduced carbon emissions by 10% for the second consecutive year, while experiencing growth of 40%, thanks to the rigorous implementation of many practices: installation of voltaic panels, plant insulation, destratifiers for air circulation, or the use of electric vehicles - among others. In addition, one of its short-term objectives is the development of circular designs to impact the use of equipment in its clients' facilities.
In addition to the emissions reduction initiatives, Girbau carried out some truly innovative proposals in 2022 to encourage the cultural change. For example, on the Pillar Day of innovation and sustainability, they proposed to cover 14,280 kilometres - the distance that separates all Girbau subsidiaries - with 0 emissions: that is, walking, running or cycling. The objective was achieved in a 78%, with the participation of the entire Girbau community. In addition, in Vic they organised several spinning sessions, and with the energy generated during this session, some washing machines produced by the company itself were put into operation.
For Girbau, the sustainability and innovation it's a indivisible binomial. To combat climate change, it is necessary to be more technologically sustainable, which inevitably involves investing in research and textile treatment technologies. Among Girbau's most notable initiatives in terms of innovation, we find Girbau Lab and Open Lab. For its part, Gibau Lab is a collaborative innovation platform to generate value through innovation. It applies to a very broad network, which includes suppliers, start-ups, and research centers. On the other hand, the Open Lab It is an initiative that has recently started, and that was born with the spirit of being a laboratory of processes, solutions and services to create knowledge and advance in the search for new technologies for textile solutions.
However, the concept of innovation is much broader than the development of advanced technologies. At Girbau they are aware of this, and have developed, among other initiatives, the Girbau University: a professional laundry university. This proposal is a platform to disseminate and share knowledge within the Girbau community. The aim is to train all the people who work with them directly or indirectly, and to promote the professionalisation of the sector.
One of the main values that defines Girbau is the community support. The family business has a strong attachment to the territory, which drives a large number of initiatives, above all, focused on supporting cultural, social and sports entities in all the territories where they operate. In the social field, in 2022 the GIRBAU DIGITAL CLASSROOMThis initiative is a collaboration with the Vic City Council in the creation of a classroom for students of Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO), Baccalaureate and vocational training degrees so that students can train in Robotics and new technologies (laser, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, etc.). The company Girbau has provided the equipment, with the aim of promoting STEM vocations, especially among women.
Another example of support for the territory is the Girbau private foundationThis foundation is a non-profit organization that financially supports social, cultural and environmental activities and actions. Most of these actions are carried out in Catalonia, with practices aimed at vulnerable groups, at risk, and social exclusion. In addition, they promote actions related to nature conservation, dissemination and access to culture.
Among other measures, the Foundation has collaborated with the Tapis association in training and promotion tasks for young people in vulnerable situations; with Cáritas to offer housing for young people and with a socio-educational project called Casal Claret. In figures, in 2022 donations amounting to 134,430 euros have been made to projects from 44 entities: 18 in the social field, 17 in the cultural field and 7 dedicated to international cooperation. Regarding the territory, the Foundation continues to weave networks in the Osona region. In fact, with the aim of giving visibility to the work carried out by third sector entities, the Foundation and the Osona Volunteer Coordinator have created a series of participatory meetings, open to the public, to share experiences, promote synergies and publicize the projects of the different entities in the region.
In short, Girbau, as a family business, has internalized the values of the sustainability and the innovation, also manifested by a strong attachment to the territory. All of this makes the number and scope of these initiatives a constant trend, seeking to be references in the creation of wealth and positive impact on people, the environment and in general on all its interest groups.
