Eco Friendly Decorative Paints UK | Ferrara Design UK

ESG – Environment, Social, Governance


Ferrara Design—Responsible Decorative Finishes for Interior Spaces
Ferrara Design is a brand of GFC Chimica S.r.l., an Italian manufacturer committed to environmental responsibility, social engagement, and transparent governance.

These principles guide how products are developed, manufactured, and distributed, including through our UK representation.

Environment

Environmental responsibility

GFC Chimica has held UNI EN ISO 14001 certification since 2001, confirming a structured environmental management system.
The company is audited annually by DNV, and the related reports are made available to stakeholders, employees, and partners.

GFC Chimica has also initiated evaluation under the GHG Protocol, with the objective of achieving UNI EN ISO 14064 certification and progressing towards Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), aiming to reduce the environmental impact of its products.

Packaging

Wherever possible, Ferrara Design products use metal packaging to improve recyclability and reduce the release of microplastics into the environment.

Product efficiency (Spread ratio)

Ferrara Design products are formulated to achieve high coverage per liter, reducing overall material consumption, packaging use, transport requirements, and associated environmental impact.

Recycling

Non-compliant or expired materials are reprocessed internally and transformed into new products, supporting a circular approach and extending material life.

Energy

GFC Chimica has installed photovoltaic panels to support energy production from renewable sources.

Health and safety

  • All Ferrara Design products are water-based

  • Products achieve A+ emission classification (the highest level) under TVOC regulations

  • VOC emissions are kept as low as technically possible

This ensures minimal impact on indoor air quality, human health, and the environment.



 

Social Responsibility

Education and research

GFC Chimica has long-standing collaborations with universities and research centers in Italy and Europe, focused on the development of new technologies.

A continuous partnership exists with the University of Ferrara, which conducts laboratory testing that contributes to product certifications for clients.

Over the years, GFC Chimica has:

  • Funded numerous scholarships and university theses

  • Hosted researchers within its laboratories

  • Supported academic-to-industry career pathways

Currently, 7 of the 16 employees are graduates of the University of Ferrara, with 5 entering the company through university collaboration programs.

Schools and training

GFC Chimica collaborates with secondary schools in the Ferrara and Rovigo regions through work-based learning programs, offering students practical experience in laboratories and technical environments.

Company managers and technicians also deliver educational sessions in schools, covering:

  • Marketing

  • Business management

  • Chemistry of paints and coatings

Sport and inclusion

Through the Ferrara Design brand, GFC Chimica has supported local sports organizations for many years, including youth, women’s, and amateur football teams in the Ferrara region.

Social inclusion organisations

GFC Chimica collaborates with social cooperatives and associations, including:

  • COOP81, supporting employment for people with congenital disabilities

  • Dalla Terra alla Luna, promoting inclusion for people with autism

    Social inclusion organisations make real

Governance

Family-owned business structure

GFC Chimica is a family-owned company, reflecting a traditional Italian entrepreneurial model.

The company is led by:

  • Gianfranco, founder and president

  • Dario, his son, holding 51% ownership

Both have operational roles, ensuring direct involvement of ownership in company management.

Reinvestment of profits

Profits are consistently reinvested into the company or retained as reserves to:

  • Strengthen long-term stability

  • Improve resilience during economic downturns

  • Protect employment continuity

Quality management

Since its first year of operation, GFC Chimica has been certified to ISO 9001, ensuring consistent quality management and alignment with customer expectations.

Legal compliance and people-first approach

Beyond legal obligations, company leadership prioritizes:

  • Respect for employee rights

  • Ethical relationships with suppliers and clients

  • Work–life balance

  • Fair and respectful workplace relationships

Equality and non-discrimination

GFC Chimica follows national and international non-discrimination legislation.
Recruitment and evaluation do not consider gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, political views, or sexual orientation.

  • 8 of the 16 employees are women

  • Equal pay and benefits are applied according to role and national contracts

Pay transparency

  • The highest gross annual salary is 3x the lowest salary

  • The highest salary is 1.91x the company average

  • Executive compensation is 2.25x the lowest salary and 1.41x the average

  • Male and female compensation for equivalent roles differs by a factor of 1.03