Article by Dr. Pedro Rebelo de Sousa, President of the General Assembly of AASO and Senior Partner at SRS Legal, in Revista Business.
Associations play a crucial role in the business fabric and in advocating essential citizenship values.
AASO was not established to be just another entity defending sectoral interests, but rather to promote environmental sustainability, recycling, and the reuse of materials in all entities, whether collective or individual, operating within the value chain of the optics industry in Portugal.
In this context, AASO has focused its actions and demonstrated through partnerships that emphasize the principle of diversity, such as those with CADIn, and more recently, with Quercus, to develop a methodology for measuring the carbon footprint impact in the optical retail market.
Decarbonization is a critical step for the optical sector, not only in terms of environmental responsibility but also to ensure long-term economic sustainability.
The footprint generated by the optics industry, whether from direct activities like frame production and lens cutting or indirect activities such as the logistics of transporting goods and people, is significant. Understanding this variable, expressed in tons of CO2, will allow for the adoption and implementation of necessary measures to reduce it. This will promote the awarding of the Sustainability Seal to its members.
This journey begins with eco-friendly materials using biodegradable or recyclable elements for producing eyeglass frames, such as cellulose acetate, bioplastic, and bamboo. It further extends to efficient manufacturing processes that use less energy and resources, like 3D printing, which can reduce material waste.
Installing solar panels in factories and stores to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, and using more efficient climate control systems all contribute to this goal.
Establishing recycling programs for used lenses, frames, and packaging and minimizing waste through strategies designed to reduce material waste during manufacturing and operation are crucial for achieving this target.
Additionally, sustainable logistics by optimizing transport routes and using electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions, as well as preferring local suppliers to decrease the carbon footprint associated with material transport, are important measures.
Green stores and operations with sustainable design in the construction and renovation of stores using sustainable materials and green building practices are equally desirable.
In summary, all these measures will enhance consumer awareness by promoting sustainable products and educating customers on the importance of decarbonization.
Of course, this includes technological innovation, such as efficient lenses that can be reused or recycled more easily.
Smart production by implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, to improve production process efficiency will also be a priority.
Environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, and partnerships with other companies and organizations to promote decarbonization practices throughout the value chain will crown this entire trajectory.
In addition to significant cost savings, consumer marketing increasingly values companies with sustainable practices, which can strengthen the brand and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. It will always be a win-win situation.
