The latest Impact and Sustainability Report from Amapola, a Benefit Corporation specializing in sustainability consulting and communication, places the theme of humanity at its core. The title – Umane – takes inspiration from the University of Trento’s use of the overextended feminine form to provoke thought on how language shapes our reality and how it can either be a tool for exclusion or for recognition and equality.

“The concept for this year”, explains founder Luca Valpreda, “arises from a reflection on our identity and what unites us as humans. But it goes beyond that: it was prompted by the increasingly unavoidable presence of artificial intelligence in our lives and in our consulting work. It’s a pressing topic regarding the approach we aim to take on environmental and social sustainability issues”.

Common benefit, certifications, and community projects

How is Amapola’s journey as a Benefit Corporation progressing? Since 2021, the year of its statute change, the company’s commitment has solidified. The numbers speak for themselves: over 1,500 hours dedicated to common benefit goals, 18 community projects in areas where Amapola operates, and over 4,000 people involved through in-person initiatives and communication activities. 2023 also marked the year of certifications for Amapola, with recognition for quality and gender equality standards, as well as a bronze EcoVadis medal.

The Benefit Corporation confirmed its commitment to spreading the culture of sustainability through various initiatives: a podcast dedicated to environmental communication, the column Voci | Parole senza barriere which sheds light on social issues of our time, pro bono participation in numerous industry events, free training for over 700 high school and university students, and the Meet the CSR Leaders orientation project in collaboration with the Salone della CSR and social innovation.

“Where can we truly generate a positive impact? This is the question that guides us in choosing our benefit activities”, comments Amapola’s Impact Council, currently composed of Silvia Bonzano, Micol Burighel, Elisa De Bonis, and Irene La Porta. “This is where our focus on the areas where we are based comes from, along with our commitment to gender equality, outreach initiatives, and projects dedicated to new generations. The common thread is always our identity”.

Building networks

At the same time, the Benefit Corporation has strengthened opportunities for dialogue and synergy with the benefit world, actively participating in the Torino Social Impact network and Assobenefit, contributing to association projects and organizing training events for benefit corporations. In addition, it continues to collaborate with FERPI (the Italian Federation of Public Relations) through cultural outreach activities. The Impact Report also highlights the projects dedicated to Amapola’s people: from internal and horizontal training where everyone can share their skills with the group, to corporate volunteering in support of women victims of male violence in 2023; from team-building activities to initiatives aimed at ensuring a positive, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

“The Impact Report is an essential tool of transparency and engagement for Benefit Corporations”, says Giulia Devani, Head of the Reporting Area, who participates annually in the reporting activities. “It’s a document that clearly outlines the impacts of this new business model and communicates its effects to the stakeholders surrounding the company. It must be approached with seriousness, method, but also an exploratory spirit”.

Amapola’s 2023 Impact and Sustainability Report is now available online here.