Hellenic Fine Oils sets quantitative and qualitative targets for the continuous improvement of its performance in terms of sustainable development, environmental protection, its positive imprint on society and the protection of its employees. Based on the above, it has joined the ELLA-DIKAMAS – Essentially Greek initiative, through which it has been certified based on the ETHOS protocol as well. For all the above reasons, its actions are developed on the basis of the triptych Environment-Society-Corporate Governance.

 

ENVIRONMENT

Our company develops and manufactures products that promote human health based on scientific studies, while at the same time coming from nature. They are the basis of the Mediterranean diet, which has proven to be the most suitable for humans and the most sustainable for the environment.

 

1.Production process

The production process is a “closed circuit” during which no waste is generated. Also, water is not used at any stage.

 

2.Recycling

Any waste, such as packaging materials, are recycled based on current legislation and with the assistance of the Hellenic Recycling Utilization Company as defined by law. Also, consumers and customers are informed thoroughly about the correct way to dispose of used oils – with the ultimate goal of their final use as biofuel.

 

3. Actions for the environment

Our company, through its participation in the ELLA-DIKAMAS-Essentially Greek initiative, but also autonomously, takes part in various activities for the protection of the environment. It also implements organic farming protocols in the privately owned olive grove, while it has a license to standardize organic products. Also, employees are constantly informed and trained on the rational use of water resources when washing hands, cleaning workstations and reducing paper use where possible.

 

4. Product Optimization
As part of the continuous improvement of the company products, the Research & Development department constantly sets new goals for the improvement of either the packaging or the raw materials themselves. The ultimate goal is to reduce losses and pollutants, to reduce energy consumption, and also to reduce plastic and paper use. Hellenic Fine Oils also collaborates with suppliers who share the same values in terms of environment and social responsibility. For this reason, it ensures appropriate certificates of recycled or recyclable materials, as well as compliance with legislation.

 

SOCIETY

1. Visitor policy

Within the framework of the social activity of our company, we welcome students every year, mainly from the region of Corinth.
During the visits, we have the following goals:
-to inform about the proper nutrition of children, based on the Mediterranean diet
-to stress the importance of olive oil in our diet and the inform about the various oil categories
-give out information about the fats in our diet
-talk about the importance of processing to ensure quality
-visit the oil standardization unit
-inform on the correct disposal-recycling of used oil
-inform on how to manage (recycle) unsuitable packaging materials and filter residues of extra virgin olive oil, as no other waste occurs during the production process.

We also make presentations at schools, education centers, cooking schools. The aim of these presentations is:
-informing children and adults about proper nutrition
-training on the different types of fats, for the protection of health
-training on the proper use of fats in cooking in order to ensure the health and safety of the consumer
-education on the history and high biological value of olive oil
-information on the correct disposal-recycling of used oil

For more information about the visits, please send us an email to: mail@hfo.gr

 

2. Support of the local community

We place special emphasis on supporting the local community by recruiting from the area where the standardization unit is located, while collaborating in many areas with local suppliers or local external partners.

3.Cultural heritage of the area

Corinth Canal

The production facilities are located in Kalamaki, Corinth, just a few kilometers from the Canal of Corinth. Our guests in a few minutes can be found in one of the most interesting sights of the Peloponnese.
The Canal is the pre-eminent strategic point of Greece and one of the most important in the eastern Mediterranean. Its opening has been a major issue since antiquity as the construction of a canal would solve many problems for navigation and trade. The idea of the opening was first conceived by Periander, tyrant of Corinth, around 602 BC, who eventually settled for the creation of Diolkos. Finally, after the Turkish occupation, the newly formed Greek state, completed the opening of the Canal. 2,500 workers and the most perfect machines of the time were used to create it. It has a length of 6,343 m, a width of 24.6 m above sea level and 21.3 m at its seabed, with a depth of 7.5 to 8 m. During construction, 12 million m³ of soil were mined. Every year the most famous canal in Greece is sailed by about 15,000 ships of different nationalities.
In 2021 a big landslide occurred keeping it closed until today.

Loutraki

Loutraki is a tourist destination with a long history. The natural beauties of the area and the combination of mountain and sea offer inexhaustible options for entertainment, leisure and vacation. It also provides visitors with many types of tourism (marine, spa, urban, gastronomic, cultural, religious and archaeological).
Its competitive advantages include its natural wealth of mineral and thermal water sources and important tourist infrastructure.

Melagavi Lighthouse

The Lighthouse in Accra Melagavi or Heraion Lighthouse separates the northern entrance of the bay of Corinth from the Gulf of Alkyonides to the north. It leads the ships that sail in the Corinthian sea and move to the port and the Corinth canal since 1897.
In 1982 the lighthouse was electrified, the oil machinery was replaced and it operated as a supervised electric one. Access to the lighthouse is by road from Loutraki to Lake Vouliagmeni.

Archaeological site of Heraeon

The archaeological site of Heraeon is located on the Perachora peninsula, north of the Corinthian Gulf. The place has been called Heraeon since antiquity because of the sanctuary dedicated to goddess Hera located at the cape. Apart from the sanctuary of Hera, the most important findings of the early Corinthian civilization have been discovered in the area, including a two-storey portico, a large water tank with an impressive waterproofing system, dining rooms and a second smaller temple. Access to the archaeological site is free.

Stymfalia Environmental Museum

The Stymfalia Environmental Museum is located in mountainous Corinth, where, according to mythology, Hercules encountered and exterminated the Stymfalia hens. The museum building was designed to take advantage of positive elements of the local climate, such as cool winds for natural cooling and solar energy for the winter months. The main goals of its design are the ecological awareness of the public and the rescue of knowledge about the traditional technology of the area. This aim is reflected in the development of the exhibition in two sections: the first concerns the environment of the region, while the second reflects the way in which it affects the development of human activity, and in particular the traditional professions. A key element of its design was also the unobstructed view to the lake. The museum stands out from the sloping ground, strongly declaring its presence.

Texts from https://sights-of-korinthia.korinthiaguide.com/

4. Product Donations / Sponsorships

At regular intervals, the company donates products for various public purposes, either independently or in the framework of collective actions of the ELLA-DIKAMAS initiative. It also occasionally sponsors events for women entrepreneurship, sustainable development and lotteries for charity.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

1. Our people

We invest in the development of the skills of our employees through education and training, we make sure that all Health and Safety Rules are observed and we take care to ensure excellent working conditions.Based on these values, we invest in the continuous training of staff in all specialties, corporate group medical care and support of the local community through recruitment.
Also, all applicable labor laws concerning wages and bonuses apply.

 

2. Anti-discrimination policy

The company promotes a working environment of equal opportunities, without discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Both the employees and the Management of the company apply a clear policy and actively work against discrimination based on gender, race, religion, skin color or other discrimination against human rights.
It also operates in accordance with fundamental human rights principles and labor standards.
Also, an internal regulation of ethics is applied for the smooth operation of the company and the harmonious cooperation between its employees.