The Members Program includes Civic Days, where we volunteer and carry out activities to promote civics. On March 2, the Members of the National Civic Movement had the opportunity to visit the Ecofiltro factory, located in San Lorenzo El Cubo, near Antigua Guatemala.
A company representative gave us a tour of the facilities, allowing us to learn firsthand about the company's history and the production process of its water filters.
"As Ecofiltro, sharing the knowledge we have developed over time is fundamental not only to generate impact from our area, but to generate impact from many other actors. The more people involved in a sustainable and responsible operation, the greater the impact at the country level, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," explains Héctor Cardona, corporate affairs manager.
Currently, Ecofiltro is a successful company with a presence in thousands of homes in Guatemala and abroad. The water filter is made from clay and other materials. It was created in the eighties by inventor José Fernando Mazariegos, born in Panajachel, Sololá. Since then, it has undergone a remarkable evolution.
The history of this sustainable initiative
In 1992, Mazariegos' invention was acquired by a family foundation that dedicated itself to donating filters to low-income communities. However, this model was not very successful, as the Ecofiltro ended up being forgotten in homes, and was not sustainable in the long term. In 2010, the company transformed into a social enterprise, with an innovative business model that combines profitability and social impact. This new model consisted of ceasing to be a foundation that survived on donations, to become a social impact company that reinvests its profits in the social impact it aims to generate in society.
This new model allowed them two things: to subsidize the price, since Ecofiltro sales in urban areas subsidize the filter price in low-income communities, keeping it affordable and revaluing the product. People no longer received the Ecofiltro as a gift, but had to buy it, which made the Ecofiltro a valuable product that had to be cared for and maintained.
On the other hand, an environment of business freedom motivates innovation and increases social impact, which is a fundamental factor for Ecofiltro's success, as it allows the following.
This freedom allows the following:
1. Flexibility to innovate and adapt: Ecofiltro has experimented with different business models, from donation to social enterprise. This flexibility allowed it to find a sustainable model that enables it to grow and reach more people.
2. Incentives for investment and growth: business freedom attracts private investments seeking profitability and impact, in an environment of stability. These are fundamental to finance the company's expansion and the development of new products.
3. Competition that drives quality and efficiency: Ecofiltro competes with other companies that offer water purification solutions. This drives Ecofiltro to continuously improve the quality of its products and to offer competitive prices. An example of this is the improvement in the efficiency of the clay filter production process, which allows costs to be reduced.
The history of Ecofiltro demonstrates that social impact and profitability are not only compatible, but can reinforce each other. Furthermore, it is an example that freedom is key to generating impact. The company has succeeded in providing access to clean water to thousands of people in Guatemala and other countries. At the same time, it has achieved sustainable and profitable growth, allowing it to reinvest in its business and increase its reach.
Ecofiltro is an example for other companies seeking to generate a positive social impact. It has shown that it is possible to combine profitability with social responsibility, creating a sustainable and scalable business model that can improve people's lives.
The visit to the Ecofiltro factory was an inspiring experience that motivated us to continue working for a more sustainable future from the private sector. The company has shown us that it is possible to do business responsibly and ethically, generating a positive impact on people's lives and on the planet.
Join the civic community that builds the changes we want to see in Guate here.
