Voka – Chamber of Commerce Limburg guides more than 60 companies that want to implement the sustainability goals of the United Nations in their company. “We support the growing awareness of sustainability. We help member companies to make the transition to sustainable value creation through a tailor-made program,” says Cathérine Dreesen, director of internationalization and innovation. Zinc recycler Rezinal nv in Zolder (Belgium) has understood that message for some time now.
Voka – Chamber of Commerce Limburg presented the Voka Charters Sustainable Entrepreneurship to more than 60 Limburg companies at Steengoed Projecten in Dilsen-Stokkem on September 29, 2021. The Voka Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship is a program tailored to each participating company. With the help of experts, the employers' organization helps them to evolve towards a sustainable company. For this, the companies are rewarded with a valuable certificate. In addition to the annual VCDO certificate, the participants also receive an internationally recognized certificate from the United Nations after three successful years. “This year there are indeed 11 Limburg companies that have obtained the UN certificate and may be crowned SDG Pioneers”, says Cathérine Dreesen, director of internationalization and innovation. "At the moment there are also companies in a follow-up phase on their way to SDG Champion. They are working on a radical transition project with which they set themselves a sustainable example for the sector. This also shows the purpose of this charter. We do not want companies to just do something sustainable and tick off actions without considering the challenges of tomorrow. This charter is a unique tool for integrating sustainability throughout the company. This universal framework helps companies to think ahead and achieve growth in an innovative and responsible way."
Green straps
Rezinal, based in Zolder (Belgium), is a trendsetter in sustainable zinc recycling of zinc ash, zinc scrap and other zinc-containing materials. “Of course we are proud of this UN certificate”, says General Manager Kristiaan Deckers (52). “The many investments that we have made in automation, the environment and safety mean that we are today among the top in our sector in terms of size and sustainability. We are therefore pleased that Rezinal has not had any lost time due to an accident or injury for more than three years now. We strive to make the most sustainable zinc in the world. The fact that we make our zinc from 100% waste materials is of course already a great added value. If we can also do this in the most responsible way, then we can say that we succeed in this. Hence the green straps that bundle our zinc metal ingots.”
Mentality change
“The UN's sustainability goals are a good starting point for the process,” continues Stijn Aerts, Rezinal's 41-year-old prevention advisor. “Whereas it used to be all loose ideas, there is now more structure that allows us to improve continuously. We are also increasingly realizing that sustainability and economy go hand in hand. We are convinced that those companies that excel in sustainability will also be the most successful. This mindset shift is actually the most important shift.”
