In today’s economic and social landscape, where sustainability is an increasingly central concern, companies are being called to rethink their role within both the business environment and the communities they serve. One way to translate this renewed responsibility into action is by preparing a Sustainability Report—an instrument that goes beyond financial reporting to offer a transparent and measurable account of a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact.
In the following interview, Cristina Cinotti, Administrative and ESG Manager at Rossato S.p.A., shares the reasons behind the company’s decision, the challenges encountered, the results achieved, and their vision for the future.
A concrete example of an SME committed to transitioning toward a more sustainable and responsible economy.
Good morning, Cristina, and thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the key question: Rossato chose to prepare a Sustainability Report voluntarily, despite no legal obligation. What motivated this decision?
“It was a choice driven by the desire to make our commitment to sustainability visible and concrete. Rossato S.p.A. is a company guided by values deeply rooted in environmental and social responsibility—values that translate into respect for people, the environment, and resources. This mindset has long been present across our operations, from design through to implementation. For more than 50 years, we’ve invested in research and development to offer energy-efficient solutions, often ahead of regulatory trends. But we wanted to further align our actions with our beliefs.”
We have supported you in drafting the report. How helpful was working with an external partner?
“It was extremely helpful—if not essential. PRAXI helped us give structure and substance to our sustainability efforts, formalizing and making measurable what had already been part of our corporate culture.”
Which aspects of this outside support were particularly valuable?
“One of the most valuable contributions was your support in selecting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the UN’s 2030 Agenda that best aligned with our business. This allowed us to position our initiatives within an internationally recognized framework—something we couldn’t have achieved with the same level of clarity on our own.”
What concrete results emerged from the Report that you’re most proud of? Is there an indicator that best captures your efforts?
“The results reaffirm the values we’ve always stood for. We’re proud to see our ethical commitment measured and recognized. The most telling example is our headquarters, which was designed over a decade ago with advanced standards for sustainability, energy efficiency, and comfort. It demonstrates that our respect for people and the environment isn’t a trend—it’s part of our DNA.”
Have you already seen any benefits from publishing the Report? Any particular added value?
“We’re aware that the benefits of a sustainability journey take time to materialize. Publishing the Report was an important first step—it has boosted internal awareness and opened the door to more transparent dialogue with external stakeholders. We’re confident this path will yield value in the medium to long term.
If I had to highlight one specific benefit, it would be the opportunity to forge strategic relationships and build partnerships with other certified companies that, like Rossato, aim to create a positive impact and share our vision and mission.”
Was there a specific way you involved the internal team in this process?
“Definitely. From the outset, we actively involved the team leaders of each department. They played a key role in identifying existing ESG practices and communicating the project within the organization. Each team leader assessed and highlighted their group’s tangible and measurable contributions to the certification parameters. This not only helped recognize the value of everyday actions, but also strengthened everyone’s sense of ownership and responsibility.”
How do you communicate your sustainability commitment externally?
“We do so through a range of structured, ongoing initiatives that target both our internal teams and external stakeholders—including customers, partners, institutions, and the wider community. One of our main tools is education: we offer training at different levels, from internal programs to outreach initiatives for schools and universities, and we actively participate in local events and conferences.
We’re also consistently present in the local area, organizing and supporting public events, discussions, and technical forums involving designers, engineers, and industry stakeholders. These moments help reinforce our bond with the community and give us an opportunity to share our values, goals, and progress transparently.”
What are the next steps? Which areas do you plan to strengthen?
“We’ll continue to track ESG indicators closely to support continuous improvement and more informed decision-making. At the same time, we’re implementing a structured checklist for selecting suppliers and clients—giving preference to those who share our values and demonstrate sustainable practices. The goal is to build a virtuous supply chain aligned with our ESG commitments.
Looking ahead, we want to focus on logistics and transportation. We aim to reduce our environmental impact across the supply chain by working with partners that use low-emission vehicles, innovative technologies, and eco-friendly fuels. We’re also encouraging green mobility by offering free electric vehicle charging stations at our headquarters.”
What message would you share with other SMEs considering a similar path?
“To other SMEs considering an ESG journey, we’d say: this isn’t just about regulatory compliance—it’s a genuine evolution in how you do business. It’s a cultural and managerial shift that makes your organization more aware, more resilient, and better prepared for future challenges. Embracing sustainability helps build a company that is stronger, more transparent, and future-ready. In short: we absolutely recommend it.”
Rossato S.p.A., with a long-standing commitment to energy efficiency, has embraced this path voluntarily—as a natural extension of the values it has upheld for decades. This process is not only technical, but cultural—engaging the entire organization and emerging as a true strategic asset.
