Beyond the unstable context of the macroeconomy, some sectors live a reality that allows them to think in the medium and long term, assuming policies that allow them to compete in the future. One case is the household appliances segment. On the one hand, manufacturing showed improvement in recent years, according to a report by the consulting firm Keys. “When analyzing production, taking into account the components of the manufacturing IPI published by the INDEC, an increase of 22.1% was recorded between 2018 and 2022. This growth dynamic that was observed in recent years was heterogeneous and was mainly explained by strong dynamism that it had in 2021 and 2022“, indicates the survey.
On the other hand, the impact of the 2023 scenario is felt: “in the first months of 2023, signs of weakness began to be observed in the dynamics of economic activity. Indeed, the manufacture of household appliances recorded a decrease of 6.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2023, showing a deterioration in relation to the dynamics of the previous year. This was due to factors such as the deterioration experienced by real wages and consumer credit, which reduced the dynamism of demand,” adds Claves.
Companies show signs of improvements in 2021 and 2022, in line with the rebound in activity. “On the one hand, delinquency is low in general terms and on the other, profitability shows improvements, after the deterioration of recent years. In this way, the climate of the sector is moderate, where efforts are being made to consolidate the recent improvements that were observed and improve the problems related to import restrictions, improve productivity to expand external markets, increase in imported costs.”, he expands.
Future. Reality does not prevent some companies from moving towards what is to come. Newsan is one of them. “In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and social responsibility, it is essential to publicize initiatives such as ‘Newsan IN’, a program that we launched in 2016 with the purpose of addressing the problem of electrical and electronic waste. . ‘Newsan IN’ has become an exemplary inclusive business model based on the social and circular economy“, Explain Marcela Cominelli, Senior Manager of Legal, Public Affairs and Sustainability from Newsan.
The heart of this initiative is a Training Program that has provided its participants with more than 380 hours of training, which not only focuses on transferring technical skills for the repair of household appliances, but also focuses on the development of management skills. and in the creation of a life project. “In this way, Newsan IN not only extends the useful life of products, but also empowers individuals who face barriers to entering the labor market.”Cominelli highlights.
Inclusive. A fundamental aspect of ‘Newsan IN’ is its “commitment” to social inclusion, since “it is a program that works hard to provide opportunities to people in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability, iIncluding young people looking for their first work experience, women, trans people, adults who have been left out of the labor market and those with a low educational level,” emphasizes the executive.
Newsan IN’s approach is not just limited to the technical; but also deals with personal development and growth as entrepreneurs. In this way, the program is composed of un 40% technical skills and 60% related aspects with the life project and the work project. “This means that not only is it taught how to repair appliances, but it is also cultivating an entrepreneurial mentality.”he adds.
At the moment, 13 Work Units are in operation, five of which are dedicated to technical repair and eight to the sale of refurbished products. In addition, through ‘Newsan IN’, the first Marketplace of 100% refurbished products has been developed. Likewise, the results show that, in 2022, more than 9,800 electrical and electronic products have been reconditioned, achieving a recovery rate of 60%. “This effort has prevented the generation of 229 tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment. “These achievements are a testament to ‘Newsan IN”s commitment to sustainability, social inclusion and positive impact on the community.”highlights Cominelli.
It should be noted that this program is not an isolated effort, but rather the company has the support of the Tzedaká Foundation for the management of products with repair potential and their distribution to the Production Units. In addition, it ensures proper disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment in cooperation with the Bella Flor Cooperative.
“Newsan IN is an inspiring example of how innovation and social responsibility can come together to transform lives and protect our planet. We hope that more companies and organizations continue to implement these types of initiatives and join the social and circular economy. The future of sustainability and inclusion is also the responsibility of the private sector, facilitating opportunities,” concludes Cominelli. Where some see business, others seek to project beyond the horizon.
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