COMCAL, a company with 30 years of experience providing complete solutions in retail, distribution, and commercial representation in Novo Hamburgo/RS, and manufacturing in Estância Velha/RS, is the newest company to be certified by Origem Sustentável. The certification, at the Silver level (achieving over 40% of the indicators), was awarded on the 6th at the company’s headquarters. The event was attended by the board of directors from COMCAL and the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal). With a modern 2,200-square-meter manufacturing facility, the company performs ZAMAC injection, galvanic baths, and employs sustainable processes like solar energy and water recycling.

During the event, COMCAL’s Administrative Director, Luis Tessari, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability across all its pillars: economic, environmental, and social. “For us, sustainability means balancing economic growth, environmental respect, and positive social impact. More than just producing quality, cost-effective parts, we want to leave a positive legacy for future generations,” he said.

According to Tessari, the Origem Sustentável certification is more than just formal recognition; it’s a management tool that strengthens the company’s culture of continuous improvement and corporate responsibility. “The program encourages us to structure processes, define clear indicators, and monitor results, in addition to solidifying ethical practices we already had in place,” he added, emphasizing that adopting ESG practices is a growing demand in the footwear industry.

Practices

Among its notable initiatives, COMCAL reports that it recycles 95% of the water used in its industrial process, which is returned to production for new baths. This is achieved through ion-exchange technology, which requires significant investment but also leads to better product quality. Currently, 80% of the electricity used by COMCAL is generated through solar panels installed on the roof of its headquarters.

Production

COMCAL’s production capacity is 2 million pieces per month, with over 6,000 items available for immediate delivery, catering to both small-volume and large-scale demands. The company’s history is rooted in a partnership with Eberle, a national leader in metals for the fashion industry.

The Program

Created by Assintecal in partnership with the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) in 2013, Origem Sustentável is based on international best sustainability practices. It follows a guideline of 104 indicators across five dimensions: economic, environmental, social, cultural, and sustainability management. The certified categories are: Diamond (+80% of indicators achieved); Gold (+60%); Silver (+40%); and Bronze (+20%). Audits are conducted by independent bodies like SENAI, SGS, ABNT, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas. Currently, more than 110 companies in the footwear production chain are certified or in the certification process. Certifications are renewed every two years. For more information, visit www.origemsustentavel.org.br.