At the Split Development Agency (RaST), we hosted a workshop showcasing what the business of the future should look like. The workshop, “Sustainability as brand identity: tell a story that builds trust,” was organized in collaboration with the Development Agency Split. We brought together entrepreneurs and experts who shared a range of inspiring examples of how sustainability can become part of a company’s very core.
– Our goal is to raise awareness about the possibilities of reducing waste in business operations, – said Tihana Arapović, Head of the AWASTER project under which the workshop was organized.
Inspiring stories from entrepreneurs who live sustainability
The panel brought together three entrepreneurs whose authentic stories demonstrated that sustainability can take many forms: from circular economy practices and social inclusion at Humana Nova, to locally grown food and short supply chains at Verdura Box, and natural cosmetics rooted in a deep connection with nature at Illirica. Their examples prove that sustainability is not a marketing label, but a daily practice that drives real change.
– An authentic story increases brand value, and business sustainability must be clear and substantiated, – said Zrinka Bilokapić, a digital marketing expert who led the second part of the educational panel.
Ivan Božić, representative of the social enterprise Humana Nova from Čakovec, presented products made from collected textile waste.
– In addition to collecting old textiles and using them as a resource to create new products, we also employ members of vulnerable social groups, – Božić explained, highlighting the social dimension of sustainability.
If you love fresh fruits and vegetables but don’t always have time to visit the market and hand-pick the best produce, Verdura Box might be exactly what you need.
– We support local food producers and create short supply chains. You order a box of fruits and vegetables through our online shop, we select the best produce, and deliver it straight to your chosen address, – explained Danijela Mikuličić, Director of Verdura Box.
Jelena Bikić, founder of the natural cosmetics brand Illirica, presented her approach to beauty based on a return to nature and carefully selected ingredients.
– Our products are made exclusively from natural, vegan ingredients and packaged in containers made from recycled wood. We want to show that sustainable cosmetics can be both effective and aesthetically appealing, without compromising the environment, – Bikić emphasized.
The panelists spoke not only about their successes, but also about the challenges they encountered in business. The panel discussion, moderated by Michael Freer, offered all participants valuable advice on how to implement circular economy principles in their own companies.
One individual can spark a community
– The workshop participants showed exceptional interest. They actively took part in the discussion and asked concrete questions, – Arapović said with satisfaction.
Many participants also shared their own experiences, and everyone left the workshop motivated to apply what they had learned, whether in their own businesses or through more conscious purchasing decisions.
You, too, can help transform the market! Choose sustainable products and services whenever you can. Learn how your favorite products are made and packaged, and how they impact the environment and the community. Support locally produced and sustainably packaged goods!
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