Sustainability is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility
Fran Leahy1, , 1Softmed Pty Ltd, 131 National Boulevard Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
Corporate Social Responsibility is defined by ISO 26000 as,
“The responsibility of an organization for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society and the environment resulting in ethical behaviour and transparency which contributes to sustainable development, including the health and well-being of society…”1
“CSR initiatives are broken down into four categories: environmental, philanthropic, ethical and economic.”1
Environmental Sustainability: Softmed factory produces its own Meltblown non-woven fabric, which eliminates the need for importation.
•The factory
•is powered by solar panels on its roof. This provides 97% of its power requirements.
•has an in-house laboratory and complies ISO/IEC 17025.
•LED lighting and an insulated production facility for best efficiency
•Softmed has partnered with a third-party recycling company
Philanthropic Activities:
•Donated millions of surgical masks during the pandemic.
•Supplied Starlight Foundation with masks
•Gold sponsor of Ambulance Wish Qld
Ethical Responsibility employing 220 employees.
•Modern Slavery: Being an Australian manufacturer employing factory and commercial staff ensures customers that no modern slavery occurs.
•Transparency: Our customers are invited to tour the factory and its manufacturing processes.2
Economic Responsibility: Softmed has a “Continuous Improvement Policy” including “Lean Manufacturing Principles” to optimize production and provide cost efficiencies which can be passed on to the customer.
Conclusion
Corporate Social Responsibility is an ever-increasing topic of interest to the healthcare industry.
References
1. EcoVardis, https://www.thepowerscompany.com/sustainability/sustainable-manufacturing/Sustainability Octobe 6 202, Update: March 8th 2023 Accessed 16/5/2023
2.Softmed Virtual Factory Tour, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WC9J1gfbr4
Biography
Fran Leahy has a clinical background and is a Registered Nurse and Midwife. Fran has worked for corporate organisations for the past 15 plus years. She has a passion for education and environmental sustainability.