Through bold design thinking and more than 100 integrated ESG initiatives, VIRIATO is redefining what sustainability looks like in business – from solar energy to employee wellbeing…
In an era where design is increasingly intertwined with sustainability, Portuguese furniture company VIRIATO is setting an inspiring example of how business, environment, and social impact can align seamlessly. Recognised as one of the Top 14 Most Sustainable SMEs in Portugal by SME EnterPRIZE – an initiative by Generali Tranquilidade – VIRIATO is gaining national and international attention for embedding sustainability into the core of its operations, culture, and long-term strategy.
Sustainability as a system, not a silo
Over the past two years, VIRIATO has rolled out more than 100 sustainability initiatives, forming a holistic ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy that informs every aspect of its business. Rather than treating these actions as isolated programs, the company has created an integrated roadmap where every initiative feeds into a larger purpose: sustainable, design-led growth.
Central to this transformation is ‘Mais Energia, Melhor Ambiente’ (More Energy, Better Environment), VIRIATO’s flagship programme. It fuses responsible energy usage with operational efficiency, employee wellbeing, and community engagement – setting the tone for how design thinking can power environmental and social responsibility.
Image credit: VIRIATO
Award-winning impact
VIRIATO’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Alongside its SME EnterPRIZE accolade, the company has also received:
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The ‘Social Impact’ Distinction from the Paredes Municipality, honouring its leadership in local innovation and responsibility.
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The ESG Portugal Award by the Kaizen Institute in the SME category, recognizing a structured, results-driven commitment to continuous improvement.
Designing for a sustainable future
What makes VIRIATO stand out is how it leverages design as a tool for sustainability and efficiency. Here are just a few of the transformative initiatives driving their vision forward:
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A solar power plant, pushing the company toward near-complete energy independence through renewables.
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Finance 4.0, a digital automation project increasing transparency and operational agility.
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Kaizen Operational Efficiency, bringing continuous improvement principles to all business functions.
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A redesigned factory layout, optimizing workflow, safety, and productivity – a model of sustainable industrial design.
Image credit: VIRIATO
People at the heart of the process
True sustainability isn’t just environmental it is human. VIRIATO has placed a strong focus on employee development and wellbeing, ensuring that progress is inclusive and empowering:
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Academia V, a digital learning platform enabling self-paced growth and upskilling.
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Juntos Somos + Fortes (Together We Are Stronger), a team engagement initiative fostering unity and equal opportunity.
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E.Viriato, a green mobility program offering electric vehicles and charging stations, soon to expand to e-bikes and scooters.
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V-Lounge, a thoughtfully designed break area promoting rest and connection.
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Operação Sorriso (The Smile Initiative), an internal feedback campaign confirming high employee satisfaction and alignment with company values.
A blueprint for sustainable design
VIRIATO’s story is a testament to what is possible when sustainability is not an afterthought but a design principle. Its approach – balancing energy innovation, digital transformation, employee empowerment, and community involvement – offers a blueprint for how small and mid-sized enterprises can lead meaningful change.
As the design industry increasingly looks for ways to integrate purpose with process, VIRIATO shows that sustainability isn’t just good ethics – it is good business. And in the hands of a visionary company, it can be beautifully designed.
VIRIATO is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: VIRIATO
