Social Production in Styria – First Results and Future Opportunities of Sustainable Cooperation with Social Projects

The present results from the SoPro HU-AT project were presented to the general public on November 20 at Straden in Styria. This event was organized by the project partner Radkersburg Waste Association AWV, and offered the numerous guests comprehensive insight into the activities within the frame of SoPro.

Various kinds of best-practice cooperation were presented, among these a large number of developments of products, which have come into existence by cooperation between economic enterprises, public institutions and socioeconomic enterprises, such as Assisted Living, Chance B or SoeDieB (socio-economic assistance of workers) GmbH. Among the first Styrian companies, which provide their waste material for further processing, are the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, Lavabraeu Brewers, Scheucher parquet floors, Fortmueller's Decoration service and Zotter's chocolate manufacture. Wine carrier bags made of the bright yellow cloth, which still covered ecclesiastical pieces of art some months ago, designer bags made of cocoa bean bags, carrier bags, which in their previous life were used as billboards, or whiskey boxes made of palette wood: Thanks to SoPro these products have acquired a second, sustainable existence far from the waste dump.

A large number of representatives of social enterprises also participated in this event. "We focus on persons, who receive appreciation on account of their work and create added value. Also in society as a whole, the image of sheltered workshops is converted into the image of a service enterprise". Such Helene Kager, Manager of Radkersburg Assisted Living, summarizes the significance of "SoPro" for her field of work. The new opportunity of inclusion of handicapped persons into the work process is also emphasized by the Chairman of the Radkersburg Waste Association AWV, Mayor Josef Doupona. In his view, it is also a matter of "respect for resources and creation of awareness how to deal with raw materials".

Until end of June 2014, enterprises are offered the opportunity to get targeted consultation services for free – for the benefit of regional creation of added value. For further information, click here.

Below you will find a short video clip from Vulkan TV on this event:

Fotos: Kurzweil