[[gallery id:73]]After the experience of the previous two years, it seemed that nothing could surprise us anymore. But last year ended up being one of the most challenging.
It started and accelerated changes that would normally be spread over a longer period. It taught us to work outside of established routines and to respond to changing situations on a daily basis.
We managed a high degree of operational complexity, largely thanks to the cooperation of the various departments - sales, purchasing and production. It was a daily challenge to maintain continuous production and not to cause disruptions in the supply of goods to our customers; and we sometimes called regular dispatching twice a day. We were supported by the information system that coped with the above-standard improvisation in order management; and the HR manager also did her great job.
We have seen slightly higher growth over the last two years compared to the self-adhesive label market.
Time and energy are important commodities. We have devoted them to increased communication with partners and internally to process improvements.
The funds then went into new technologies and production optimisation. In the long term, we manage all investments with regards to ecology and more sustainable operation of the entire company. Examples are the new automatic polymer washer which has strengthened the equipment and performance of prepress preparation, or the laser cleaner for raster rollers which save time and costs in technology maintenance and, most importantly it maintains high standards and print quality.
A significant event in this area is acquisition of a photovoltaic power plant. We started the project in the autumn of 2021 and installation took place in late 2022. We will present it in more detail in the near future.
Another area is about sustainable materials label production. Whether with recycled content, made of renewable resources or materials that facilitate recycling, we can now offer sustainable solutions for virtually every type of packaging.
In 2022, we have gone through several training sessions; we prepared a campaign, samples and accompanying materials; and we have actively been talking to customers about their situation and needs. The percentage of material consumed that contributes to sustainability in any way is increasing every year and the feedback from customers is positive.
In June, we won the prestigious BEST MANAGED COMPANIES 2022 award. The international program created by Deloitte promotes business development and recognizes leading privately owned and managed companies. Companies under the Deloitte brand in the Czech Republic provide services in the areas of audit, taxes, legal, financial and corporate consultancy or risk management. The program has allowed us to make comparison with the best ones and gain an independent view of our company's operations.
ECOVADIS, as a recognised global platform for assessing corporate social responsibility, awarded us a silver medal in 2022. Our results put us in the top quarter of the most active and successful companies assessed.
For the second consecutive year, we were able to repeat our success in the international FINAT LABEL COMPETITION 2022. This time, the European Association of Self-Adhesive Label Manufacturers' “HIGHLY COMMENDED” award went to Bohemia Sekt's redesigned MOTÝL range of still wines.
After three years, we came back to the Nuremberg exhibition grounds and enjoyed the unforgettable atmosphere of the trade fairs. At the BIOFACH and FACHPACK trade fairs, we presented sustainable label materials alongside our standard products with refinement options. From each meeting, we took away new inspiration and confirmation that interest in eco-friendly label and packaging solutions is growing and that we are heading in the right direction.
