To mark the 15^th anniversary of the organisation, I have the pleasure of addressing you all as we take stock of what has undoubtedly been the best year in the history of the Ecotic Foundation. And I would like to start by thanking Javier Cervera for his work as president over the last two years, whose dedication, rigour and professionalism have contributed to improving the management and control of the Foundation.

I would also like to welcome Jaime Corderas, his successor as the highest representative of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He has been part of the Board as a representative of Panasonic since its inception, being one of the founding producers of Ecotic in 2005, and whose extensive experience in the sector is an added value to ensure a rigorous and efficient management in this new phase.

During the 2019 financial year, we succeeded in financing and managing, through our Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), close to 112,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), a total that exceeded our most optimistic forecasts, and for the first time exceeded the landmark figure of 100,000 tonnes. But is it not by chance we hit such success, but a series of conditions that have made it possible.

The first of which is the trust of our more than 700 members, who have delegated responsibility for the fulfilment of their environmental obligations in relation to WEEE to Ecotic, and who demonstrate their commitment to the defence of the environment and respect for current legislation.

The support of our Board of Trustees, made up of large companies that are leaders in the production of electrical and electronic equipment, is also essential. The industry’s commitment is key in the development of a circular economic model that guarantees both environmental and economic sustainability within the productive system.

And I cannot ignore the great contribution of our partners and suppliers, from waste managers to the logistics network and many other companies. Our operations at Ecotic could not achieve the quality standards we aspire to unless we have our own network of companies of proven professionalism and solvency to collaborate with.

Despite this positive development, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a sudden and profound impact on the household appliance industry, which faces major uncertainties that will shape its future in the coming years. Economic and sales developments will condition the activity of the recycling sector, and measures such as revising the minimum collection targets set will be necessary to achieve a realistic adjustment to the current situation caused by the pandemic and, in the middle term, to adjust to market dynamics.

Nevertheless, and despite the difficulties, this exceptional situation forces us to reflect and innovate on many aspects of a productive model that should be recovered on the basis of the circular economy and environmental sustainability. Moreover, we have the opportunity to work together in a recovery that aims to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals.

Meeting these goals will inevitably require courageous and determined policies and initiatives to bring about genuine cultural changes in modern societies. A goal that will not be viable without a harmonious effort between administrations, the business world and citizens themselves, assuming the corresponding responsibilities.

On behalf of the entire Ecotic team, I would like to convey to you our profound gratitude for having decided to accompany us throughout these years, and our commitment to continue advancing, innovating and improving day by day. We are convinced that this has only been the first 15 years of an exciting journey and that, despite the complexities we are facing, a future of great challenges and opportunities awaits us in which, without a doubt, the best is yet to come.