Responsible business
Responsible Business
At Prysmian, sustainability is a fundamental principle guiding investment decisions, economic activities, and stakeholder relationships.
Responsible Business Activities
At Prysmian, sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a core value that signifies our commitment to creating lasting value over time and investing in the future. In 2019, we showcased this commitment by investing $295 million in industrial development, focusing on high-tech and value-added areas like optical fibers and submarine cables. Moreover, 19% of our industrial investments that year were directed toward achieving energy efficiency, further reinforcing our dedication to sustainable practices.
We recognize that sustainability is not a journey we can embark on alone. That’s why we are committed to developing environmentally friendly products. We believe that our products—and, by extension, our stakeholders—play a crucial role in ensuring long-term economic sustainability. Our Research & Development budget in 2019 was $110 million, reflecting our commitment to innovation. Prysmian’s ability to provide innovative and sustainable solutions in design and materials is essential to maintaining our position as a market leader, and we greatly value the role our stakeholders play in this journey.
Investing in Sustainability
Sustainability is a guiding principle in our planning of industrial investments, and we view them as opportunities for innovation. Prysmian's R&D department consistently seeks innovative methods to create products that consume less while delivering more. This includes using lighter materials, more efficient designs, and fewer hazardous substances to enhance sustainability.
The key focus of Prysmian's strategy is to concentrate on factors that promote the development of cabled infrastructures essential for the transportation of electricity and information. These infrastructures play a crucial role in today's societal transformations, including advancements in electric mobility, the development of smart cities, the expansion of 5G technology, and the integration of artificial intelligence for data collection and interpretation.
Sustainability permeates all aspects of Prysmian's operations, extending beyond product and process innovation to our ongoing cost reduction program, Design to Cost. Engineers in our R&D team apply sustainable principles throughout every stage, from cable design and manufacturing to technical support and cutting-edge innovations. The Design to Cost program encourages a more efficient use of materials, streamlined processes, and innovative designs. As a result, these efforts yield products that enhance productivity while minimizing material consumption, ultimately reducing environmental impact.