17 Trade Reports Some years ago the company set a new highlight in its history with the development of a R+D+i Project for 100% biodegrada- ble, eco-friendly footwear. Results were almost immediate, for a short time later, one of its designs was granted the European Ecolabel. Dian was the first Spanish company in its sector to be granted this label and today, 6 of its products are thus certified: 02/S, SUN, MILAN-SCL, EVA, 1805-LM and 1807-LM, while it continues to work in collaboration with INESCOP laboratories in order to be granted more certificates.This means that foot- wear models are manufactured in processes that have a lesser impact on our environment, as compared with usual methods. “We took the first step, to reduce the emission of airborne orga- nic components, as stated by Conselleria d’Industria of the Ge- neralitat Valenciana, a mandatory requirement. But we wanted to go beyond that, in the belief of our ability to continue to advance and progress in this sense”, says Joaquín Mataix, manager of Dian. Requirements for the Ecolabel are based on the elimination of toxic components, and the limited use of others, along with a lesser impact caused by organic, airborne components. Even the The Ecolabel builds loyalty among clients Footwear lasts much longer smallest details are inspected: treatment of waste waters, con- trol on energy consumption, use of 100% recycled materials for packaging, elimination of toxic substances such as non-recycled PVC, electronic components, airborne or polluting organic com- ponents like arsenic, chrome VI, cadmium, and lead. As a consequence, consumers can rest assured the products they buy have a certified added value for they carry the Euro- pean Ecolabel, and the overall benefit is that products last much longer.The certificate has proved to build loyalty among clients, strengthening the company’s corporate identity and improving the label’s image. In Northern European countries consumers value environmen- tally friendly products, and often make their choice to buy only what’s consistent with such policies. Spain is gradually adopting the same trend. Advancing with a firm step in protective footwear All of Dian’s products are adapted to recently modified EN standards in the European Community, transformed into ISO in- ternational standards, and known as value ISO EN-2034, ISO EN-20345 and ISO EN-20344. Dian’s footwear is certified to these standards, offering guarantees in terms of protection, sa- fety, and health at work. Dian offers integrated solutions in work footwear for it speciali- zes in a number of sectors: healthcare, hostelry, etc. and also makes protective footwear and accessories to better serve clients, regardless of their sector or job description, always in ac- cordance to ISO 20345 and ISO 20345 standards. Six Ecolabel certified models Dian Anticipating the future JOBWEAR 67