For almost five decades, Comfenalco Quindío has worked for the welfare of workers and their families in the coffee region, positioning itself as an institution that is an ally of social development. Today, it has also consolidated its position as a benchmark in sustainability by becoming the first Caja de Compensación Familiar in the country to be certified with the Gold Seal in the International Zero Waste Management Systems Standard, awarded by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Icontec backed by Global Zero Waste.
Transforming from the root
In 2019, Comfenalco Quindío took a decisive step towards sustainability by integrating the Zero Waste Management System into its corporate strategy. Through a rigorous process of training, implementation and continuous improvement, in February 2023 the organization achieved certification in the Gold category. This commitment has not only significantly reduced its environmental impact, but has also driven a profound transformation in its organizational culture and the way it operates.
As a result of this commitment, the company has achieved by 2024 a rate of 84.2% and has prevented the shipment of 239.3 tons of waste to sanitary landfill. This translates not only into environmental benefits, but also into concrete economic impacts:
- Savings of more than 43,000The company has been able to reduce paper purchases, single-use packaging and cleaning fees.
- 87.1% reduction in the use of disposable towels.
- 22.6% reduction in reams of paper consumption.
Education, biodiversity and sustainable innovation
In addition to waste management, Comfenalco has strengthened its waste management actions. environmental education and protection of the biodiversityexpanding its impact in the region. Its leadership has been recognized with several awards, among them:
- Icontec Zero Waste Gold Seal (2023)The award was granted for the exemplary implementation of its waste management model.
- Regional and National Best Environmental Practice Award - CAMACOL (2024).
- El Espectador BIBO Award (Second place, 2023) for your project "For the planet, for our people"nationally prominent.
- Recognition in SDG 12 by Pacto Global Colombia and the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce.
- Quality Choice Prize 2025This prestigious recognition was awarded by the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) in Stockholm, Sweden, and positions Comfenalco Quindío as the first Colombian company to receive this international distinction. The award highlights its operational excellence, institutional ethics and social impact, especially recognizing its humanistic approach, the strength of its integrated management system, and its commitment to the sustainable transformation of the territory.
Among the aspects valued by the ESQR are the implementation of the Zero Waste model, which enabled the company to achieve a waste utilization rate of 84.2%, and the use of solar energy, which currently covers 40% of the energy demand of the Soledén Park.
A team driving change
None of this would be possible without the leadership, commitment and vision of those who lead this transformation. From Global Zero Waste we would like to extend a special acknowledgment to its Directors, headed by José Fernando Montes SalazarAdministrative Director; Iván Darío Alzate MarínSocial Services Manager; and Luis Dario TellezThe President, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator, for his dedication and conviction in this process.
We would also like to highlight and thank all the employees of Comfenalco Quindío, whose daily effort, willingness to change and sense of belonging have been fundamental to achieve these results. This achievement is undoubtedly the reflection of an organization that works together with purpose.
A call to lead with purpose
Comfenalco Quindío's path demonstrates that sustainability is not only an institutional goal, but a daily commitment to collective well-being. Every action counts, every decision transforms, and every organization - regardless of its sector - has the power to make a difference.
Because the future does not wait, it is built with responsibility, innovation and purpose.
Are you ready to lead a sustainable transformation in your organization?
