The activity of AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Centre, generated a social impact of €686 million in 2023. This figure is the result of the calculation of the Centre's social return on investment (SROI) by a specialised body, as reflected in its fifth sustainability report, in which the Centre takes stock of its activity in the previous year in terms of environmental, social and ESG governance criteria.
The document, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, highlights the main milestones of 2023 linked to sustainability and the renewal of its commitment to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact and the SDGs. The impact of AIMPLAS' activity aligned with the SDGs was calculated at 448 million euros, while its activity in the field of the circular economy and support for companies in adapting to this production model generated an impact of 317 million euros. Strategic and sustainability plan
Last year's revenues and profits increased by 11%. To maintain this sustained and sustainable growth, AIMPLAS is working on a strategic plan until 2030 with the participation of all its stakeholders that will allow it to continue on the same path.
In line with this growth and to continue to respond to the growing demand from companies seeking innovative solutions that support the circular economy, a new building was built in 2023 to house pilot plant facilities and 3D printing, mechanochemistry, and polymer and additive synthesis laboratories.
Last year, AIMPLAS also worked on the development of a sustainability master plan based on the three ESG pillars (environmental, social and governance), which is aligned with the SDGs and criteria that allowed the Center to be registered as a Valencian Socially Responsible Organization.
In line with environmental sustainability, the report highlights another milestone: obtaining the “Calculate and Reduce” seal from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO). AIMPLAS' goal for 2025 is to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% compared to 2022. Since 2020, the Center's carbon footprint has been reduced by 96%: from 384 tons of CO2 in 2020 to around 14 tons in 2023. A 2023% reduction was recorded in 74. It also highlights AIMPLAS's revalidation of its EFQM 500+ certification, which endorses its excellence in management.
Social impact
The impact of AIMPLAS on the industrial fabric is also reflected in the benefits received by its associated companies. A total of 840 companies benefited in 2023 from discounts on services, projects, training and conferences, as well as some free services such as consultations on legislation, which meant savings of more than 820.000 euros. On the social level, AIMPLAS maintains its commitment to attracting talent, defending equality and protecting the health of its staff, although it also carries out multiple social actions and promotes volunteering among its staff.
For example, last year AIMPLAS continued working on its IV Equality Plan. During the first year of the Plan, 49 people joined the company, of which 24 were women, representing 49% of the new hires. Currently, there is no gender pay gap at AIMPLAS. In addition, the Diversity Foundation recognised AIMPLAS for its contribution and commitment to gender equality, cultural and generational diversity. In addition, for the second time, the Centre was classified as a Great Place to Work in Spain in the category of 101-250 employees.
Finally, it is worth highlighting the strong social commitment that AIMPLAS maintains with several of the foundations and organisations with which it works for the well-being of people and the environment. For example, in 2023 it collaborated with the NGO Oceánidas and its Coast Guard Network initiative through a volunteer action on 4 June that allowed AIMPLAS staff and family members to help clean seabeds and beaches. Thanks to the initiative, a total of 4.804 kg of marine litter was collected throughout Spain.
