Eunate Gorosabel, Quality and Environmental Manager at Bikar, tells us about sustainability

At Bikar we understand that quality is an essential requirement in the manufacture of our products. And this must go hand in hand with an unwavering respect for our natural environment and the people who form part of the company.

We make a daily effort to minimise the environmental effects produced as a result of the manufacturing processes of our products. To this end, we adopt the necessary measures to protect the environment and prevent pollution.

Eunate Gorosabel, Quality and Environmental Manager at Bikar, has been working in our company for more than 19 years. Today, she tells us more about Bikar’s commitment to promoting a culture of sustainability.

• Good morning Eunate. First of all, we would like to know what importance Bikar gives to environmental care.

Good morning! Caring for the environment is a priority for us. We must respect our surroundings and for this reason Bikar focuses a large part of its efforts on ensuring that its activity has as little impact as possible on the ecosystem.

• What actions do you carry out on a daily basis that help to curb pollution?

We take care on a daily basis to manage the waste we generate correctly. We encourage segregation, reduction, reuse and recycling, as well as promoting efficient energy and water consumption.

• Why do you consider sustainability as one of your values?

Meeting today’s needs must not jeopardise the ability of future generations to meet theirs. That is why we must work to ensure a balance between environmental care, social welfare and economic growth.

• How difficult is it to comply with ISO standards related to sustainability? What is required of companies to achieve this recognition?

I do not consider it difficult. However, I do believe that depending on the size and activity of the organisation it will be more complicated.

In order to achieve ISO recognition, companies are mainly required to have the commitment of all functions and levels of the organisation under the leadership of the management. Among the requirements we are asked to meet are the following:

• Prevention and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts.
• Consideration of relevant stakeholders.
• Compliance with legal and other requirements.
• Control or influence over how the product is designed, manufactured, and disposed of using a life cycle perspective.

In short, we are required to have a framework to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions, in balance with socio-economic needs.

• Do you consider that COVID-19 has had a negative effect on sustainability efforts?

Of course it has. The pandemic has prevented work from being carried out under normal conditions and has therefore negatively influenced any efforts to move towards a sustainable environment.

• What can you tell us about the circular economy and do you use this production model at Bikar?

The circular economy could be defined as an evolution of the economic model based on the extraction of raw materials, production, use and generation of waste. It is about closing all possible circles throughout the life cycle of a product. In other words, the focus shifts from waste management to materials management.

At Bikar we use this type of production. We do this through eco-design, taking into account the environmental impacts throughout the product’s life cycle. Also, by optimising the management of stocks and material, energy and service flows, as well as reusing waste to make new products, recycling…

• In general terms, would you say that your sector is very, little or not at all committed to sustainability? Why?

Our sector is increasingly committed to the environment, but we are aware that we need to improve a lot. It is also necessary to emphasise that greater involvement from the institutions leads to greater involvement on the part of companies.

• What do you think are the advantages for companies of committing to sustainability?

Among the most important advantages, I would highlight the following:

• Cost reduction
• Improved company image
• Increased business opportunities

• How would you encourage other companies in the sector to choose to help the environment through their actions?

It is important to bear in mind that the effort made by everyone pays off, not only for the environment, but also for the organisation itself.