Origem Sustentável is the world’s only ESG practices accreditation program aimed at companies in the footwear production chain. The certification ceremony took place at the company’s headquarters in Três Coroas/RS and was attended by Dicleo’s board and representatives from the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal).

On the occasion, the company’s director, Geison Sobrinho, emphasized that the Origem Sustentável certification aided in improvements to production processes, leading to competitive gains. “To obtain the seal, we implemented several changes, with investments in automation – today the company operates with three robots acting on injection molding machines and is preparing to acquire more equipment – and ESG practices in the environmental pillar, such as the adoption of 100% clean energy in our operations,” he stated. According to him, the company aims to advance even further in its ESG indices. “We want to move to the Gold category in the future, and then to the highest, Diamond,” projected Sobrinho, highlighting that sustainability implies continuous improvements. The company received Silver certification (see categories below).

The Company

Founded in 1996, Dicleo primarily serves the footwear market but has been expanding into other segments of the fashion, automotive, and pet industries. It currently has 40 employees and sees innovation as an important arm for advancing ESG practices.

The Program

Created by Assintecal in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) in 2013, Origem Sustentável is based on the best international sustainability practices, following the guideline of 104 indicators distributed 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 such as SENAI, SGS, ABNT, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas. Currently, over 110 companies in the footwear production chain are certified or in the process of certification. Renewals occur every two years. More information is available on the website www.origemsustentavel.org.br.