Was there a specific moment when I became interested in sustainability? I’ve always felt a seed of responsibility within me to guide Aquafil Group toward more responsible practices. In the mid-1990s, this seed began to grow when I moved to the countryside, inspired by my wife, who had started organic oil farming. This change in lifestyle encouraged me to adopt more mindful habits and cultivate a different perspective. Then, in 1998, during a business event in Hawaii, the seed truly sprouted. I was listening to Ray Anderson, the founder of Interface, passionately presenting his vision to make his company impact-neutral by 2020. Ray spoke with such clarity and urgency about the planet’s needs that I found myself captivated, even shaken. His words stirred something in me, challenging me to rethink everything I thought I knew about business. Until that point, #sustainability had seemed more like an option I was considering, rather than an integral part of my approach to business. But hearing Ray’s vision, I realized that achieving true progress required a much deeper commitment, one that went beyond mere compliance. His courage to set such an ambitious target showed me that real change was possible if we dared to pursue it. Inspired by that encounter, I returned with a new mission. That moment marked my commitment to embracing responsible practices, not only for business benefit but as part of a larger shift. That moment shifted my perspective on sustainability from a value to a foundational purpose for how I aspire to contribute to a better world. That moment was the first step in a long journey into the #circulareconomy. #GreenerTogether
Rune Stephansen
1mo
So great with your strong engagement 🫶
Rob Boogaard
1mo
Excellent post, Giulio Bonazzi! Your response to Ray’s challenge not only gave the wider carpet sector a clear path toward sustainable yarn choices but also set a foundation for many other sectors to follow. What seems clear-cut now was anything but at the time. Kudos to you and your team for your conviction and perseverance in leading the way.
Eric Nelson
1mo
I think many of us who were at that incredible event in Maui left with something new. It was early in my career and in hindsight, I know now that it had a profound impact on the path that my career eventually took. I'm thankful for Ray's legacy and the impact that he had on so many of us.
Giulio, Great commitment and great journey. Lots of people where inspired by Ray , but some of the first followers made his vision a reality. Thank you for all you have done for the industry till now and what you are going to achieve in the next years.
You are big inspiration for others! Keep it up!
Gianni Simonato
1mo
Congrats Giulio on this post. You can hear that you speak from the heart. An inspiration for all of us to follow your strong #leadership on the #Sustainability
Veronika Mikos
1mo
Very inspiring! 🌊💙
Kellie Mullen
1mo
We never get tired of hearing stories of passion and vision. How one talk inspired a multi-generational impact. Keep making a difference. Giulio Bonazzi. Keep dreaming!
Noor Hossain
1mo
Giulio Bonazzi, great to see your passion and actions for sustainability. Good inspiration for other leaders.
There's Always a Better Way - Sustainability Executive, Technologist, Thought Leader
1moGiulio, thank you for your leadership. I was there with you in Maui, mostly backstage. It was a life-changing event for many. This Sunday morning after a live screening of Beyond Zero I'll be sharing that experience and Interface's early transformation virtually with a medical devices company and its customers in Dubai. Most of the messages of that experience are relevant today. It's leaders like you who are stirred by the call and take action that are making the difference.