In detail, the Integrated Financial Report combines the financial performance and results achieved by the Group in terms of Sustainability and Innovation.
As a result, the document reflects Epta’s entrepreneurial formula, in which a reduced environmental impact helps generate financial profit. This is in turn reinvested into Research for increasingly sustainable solutions, generating a fully-fledged virtuous cycle.
In 2023 Epta notched up considerable growth, with a turnover (1.432 million Euro) up 5%, and net profits (56 million Euro) up 13% on the previous year’s figures. These achievements were notched up alongside the incorporation of ESG criteria, which are constantly implemented by the Epta ESG Advisory Committee and supported by measurable KPI indicators.
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AS A DRIVER OF PROGRESS
Sustainable innovation has long been the bedrock of Epta’s vision, and its key driver of progress. As a result, the Group has consolidated its unrivalled leadership in commercial refrigeration.
This strategic approach translates into tangible measures across multiple areas of the company, including:
- Intellectual Capital: Investments by Epta totalled €33.9 million in 2023 alone, and were allocated to the R&D teams and experts at the Innovation Center responsible for developing innovative technologies. In accordance with the latest international regulations on Energy Labelling, EcoDesign and ergonomics, these technologies combine maximum efficiency with carbon footprint reduction.
- Social and Relational Capital: Throughout the year, Epta participated in 40 international trade fairs and conferences, strengthening ties with stakeholders whilst boosting its leadership in the sector. This status was further confirmed by the prestigious awards it received, bearing witness to the Group's excellence in both business and sustainability.
- EptaPeople: Epta recognizes the value of its employees. In 2023, it strengthened the Human Resources teams and programmes dedicated to EptaPeople, as set out in the Internal Communication Plan drafted at the beginning of the year. Mutual respect, inclusive cooperation, appreciation of diversity, equal opportunities, welfare policies and improved work-life balance are the cornerstones underpinning the Group's work. Additionally, in keeping with lifelong learning goals, nearly 140,000 hours of training were delivered throughout the year, with the aim of increasing this figure by a further 65% by 2025. Last but not least, cohesion among staff from different countries which joined the Group in the course of 2023 is being fostered by the IMO (Integration Management Office).
- Nature: Epta is a Green Transition Enabler, and its investments focus entirely on combating climate change. Committed to decarbonizing the Cold Chain, Epta has always channelled its efforts into natural refrigeration and actively adopts eco-sustainable policies both inhouse and within the local area. In 2023, increased use of renewable energy sources, recycling of waste materials and reforestation projects led to a reduction of more than 120 tons of CO2 emissions, up by 31% on 2021, and achieved a record of more than 90% recycled materials.