ESG strategies are becoming an essential part of long-term business planning. Why is it beneficial for you to be located so close to production in Varaždin? How does this proximity help you implement and oversee sustainable practices?

Sara: Being close to production is crucial for effectively putting ESG practices into action. It allows me to monitor operations in real time, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and quickly identify areas for improvement. It also means I can communicate directly with the production teams, which helps build strong collaboration and shared ownership of sustainability goals.

Being on-site makes it easier to respond quickly to challenges, adapt strategies to local needs, and incorporate valuable insights into our ESG approach. This hands-on presence not only makes our efforts more relevant and effective—it also shows our employees and partners that Variosystems is truly committed to sustainability.

What opportunities does the new facility present for advancing sustainability? And why is Croatia the perfect location for Variosystems’ ESG initiatives?

Sara: At the new site, my focus will be on energy efficiency and exploring the integration of renewable energy sources. We’re setting up a tailored waste management policy, with eco-friendly options for reuse, recycling, and disposal. We’re also implementing employee well-being initiatives and looking at how we can positively contribute to the local community.

Croatia offers a unique environment for ESG. The country has made strong progress in renewable energy, especially in wind and solar power, and is aiming for climate neutrality by 2040. It also has one of the lowest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, which makes it an attractive location for companies that want to lower their carbon footprint.

There’s also a solid legal foundation, with regulations that promote green energy and energy-efficient construction. And there’s growing momentum—investments in ESG-driven projects across real estate, manufacturing, and other sectors are increasing. Croatia also has a growing network of ESG professionals. I’m proud that Variosystems chose to appoint its global ESG Manager from Croatia—it’s a recognition of the expertise that’s available here.

Box Build is at the heart of our new Croatian facility. With Varaždin becoming our European BBA Competence Center and Romania already established for PCBA, how does ESG shape the way we operate within this integrated manufacturing setup?

Sara: ESG plays a central role in all aspects of our operations—including Box Build. It helps us understand and reduce our environmental impact, carbon footprint, and energy consumption, while also supporting employee engagement and process optimization.

The beauty of ESG is that it applies to almost everything we do—every process has environmental and social implications. With strong ESG governance, we can make these processes more efficient, responsible, and sustainable. That’s especially important as we scale up our Box Build activities in Varaždin and connect them with our PCBA operations in Romania as part of an integrated, future-ready manufacturing network.

ESG is a holistic effort that includes environmental, social, and governance factors. Could you share some specific initiatives you’re working on in Croatia, and how these tie into our global ESG network?

Sara: As I’m still relatively new to the company, my current focus is on driving global ESG initiatives and harmonizing practices across all locations. That includes identifying gaps and improving existing processes.

In Croatia, we’ve joined the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development—a local sustainability association. This membership signals our strong commitment to responsible business practices and puts us alongside some of the largest companies in the country. It’s a great foundation for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing as we grow.

How does having an ESG focus at the production site impact not only our employees but also our partners and customers? Why do you believe this is important for the future of Variosystems?

Sara: Having ESG embedded at the production site creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved. For employees, it means a healthier, safer, and more inclusive workplace—whether that’s through better air quality, energy-efficient systems, or a strong sense of purpose. People feel more motivated when they know their work is contributing to something meaningful.

For our partners, a clear ESG focus strengthens relationships and helps align values. When we work with like-minded partners, we reduce risks, increase transparency, and create more room for innovation. And for our customers, ESG is becoming a key decision-making factor. More and more customers are choosing suppliers based on ethical and environmental performance. By showing that we take this seriously, we’re building trust and long-term loyalty.

Looking ahead, ESG will be essential to the future of Variosystems. It helps us stay resilient, adapt to new regulations, and meet changing expectations. It’s also a competitive advantage: companies that lead in ESG tend to perform better—not just ethically, but financially too. And let’s not forget about the next generation of talent—they want to work for companies that reflect their values. ESG helps us stay attractive to them.

Ultimately, ESG strengthens our brand and our relationships with all stakeholders. It’s not just about doing what’s right—it’s about building a business that’s prepared for the future.

Finally, what are your goals for ESG in the coming years, especially as the new Varaždin facility grows and evolves? How do you see the site contributing to Variosystems’ broader corporate responsibility efforts?

Sara: We’ve recently defined our new ESG vision, mission, and strategic goals. These focus on balancing ecology, equity & economy, empowering people and inspiring innovation. We want ESG excellence in every action.

Our primary focus will be on sustainable growth through circular economy principles and innovation, empowering our people through education and development, and strengthening our sustainable brand through responsible practices and authentic storytelling.

My goal is to implement these priorities across all our locations. Although each site has its own characteristics, we are united by shared goals—and we all need to contribute to achieving them. Varaždin will play a key role in this journey.