Eta Beta, a type A and B social cooperative engaged in various actions aimed at social inclusion, is one of the 11 social economy enterprises that benefited from the capacity-building activities of the European project SKI.F.T.
The specialized pathway offered by SKI.F.T. enabled Eta Beta to promote sustainable practices within the organization, generating a tangible impact both on production processes and on corporate culture.
Through the services purchased thanks to the project’s contribution, the cooperative achieved significant results, particularly in the areas of agricultural production and food processing:
- Recovery of 1,500 kg of “ugly but good” agricultural products from its own internal production, thanks to improved production planning and collaborations with two producer networks.
- Recovery of an additional 1,500 kg from external purchases, for a total of around 3,000 kg of products that would otherwise have been discarded.
Although these foods present minor imperfections, they are enhanced in Eta Beta’s processed product line, resulting in high-quality products with low environmental impact, while significantly reducing food waste.
In addition, staff took part in a specialized 40-hour training program on sustainable production, food processing, and responsible purchasing, fostering a stronger culture of sustainability within the organization.
As part of the project, Eta Beta also participated in the SKI.F.T. transnational seminar held in Strasbourg in May 2025: another opportunity for growth and networking with other European organizations, enriching the cooperative’s expertise in the green transition and the value of social innovation.
At the same time, the cooperative has embarked on a process to obtain sustainability certifications and reporting models, including:
- Organic supply chain certification;
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) reporting;
- Gender certifications;
- Management certifications related to social responsibility, quality, and environmental management.
The service providers, listed in the SKI.F.T. Registry of Providers, who worked with Eta Beta in the capacity-building pathway are: La Rivola and Julienne Cucina, experts in agronomy and sustainable and responsible cuisine.
The project was funded by Legacoop Emilia-Romagna with a contribution of €6,700 and supported by Demetra Formazione.
Source: https://www.etabeta.coop/2025/07/02/progetto-skift/
Views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor EISMEA can be held responsible for them.
