The Human Face of Companies Is Not an Illusion. Thank You, but We Move Forward!

In recent years, sustainability and inclusion have been at the heart of public and economic debate. Many companies have embraced these values with conviction — or sometimes out of necessity — driven by growing attention from investors and consumers. But what happens when the tide shifts? When the market moves in the opposite direction, and those who once championed the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria now take a step back?

Mario Calderini, Professor of Management for Sustainability and Impact at the Politecnico di Milano, has described this phenomenon as a "disillusionment with the human face of capitalism." Some major players, like BlackRock, have begun to pull back, scaling down their commitments to ESG issues. These are clear signs of a phase of reassessment, where the risk is that corporate attention to social impact becomes nothing more than a temporary parenthesis in a system returning to pure profit-driven logic.

Faced with this regression, businesses stand at a crossroads: follow the flow, adapting to new market priorities, or remain true to a long-term vision rooted in their core values. For Teddy, the choice is clear: to continue on the path we set from the very beginning. Because inclusion and sustainability have never been trends for us to follow but fundamental principles of our corporate culture, embedded from the start by our founder, Vittorio Tadei.

In today’s debate, some argue that human-centered capitalism is just an illusion. We do not believe that. We know it is a complex challenge, but challenges are where a company’s true consistency is tested.For Teddy, sustainability — understood as the process of creating long-term value that contributes to the development of a more sustainable society — has never been a marketing strategy. It is a daily commitment, made up of concrete choices and tangible actions. It is not an option but a responsibility.

We have always believed that doing business means above all enhancing the potential of people — our employees, our suppliers, and the community around us. And we have done this in times when these topics were not in the spotlight, when no one was talking about ESG or corporate social responsibility. Because our model is not based on passing trends but on a vision that places people’s growth and well-being at the center.

This is why, today, while others revise their commitments, we move forward. Not because it is easy, but because it is what we believe in — it is at the core of our purpose. Because building a better society through our work is one of our fundamental goals, one of the founding reasons for our company’s existence.

"There are companies that do not step back," says Calderini in an interview with Vita. And we consider ourselves to be one of them. Our commitment to a fairer and more responsible economy translates into concrete actions that span our entire supply chain.

Our vision is not just a dream — it is something we actively bring to life. We believe in a world where every choice truly matters, where every action can make a difference. That is why we are committed to making every phase of our supply chain increasingly responsible, working closely with our suppliers to improve processes, materials, and working conditions. But sustainability is not just about production — it is a way of being.

Growth also means gaining awareness, which is why we actively involve those who are part of our world, offering tools, training, and spaces for dialogue. Because the most authentic change happens when everyone feels like a protagonist in a shared journey.

Being a business also means being part of a community. At Teddy, we have chosen to invest in projects that support people and the regions where we operate because we believe that a company’s value is measured not only by economic results but also by what it gives back to society.

These are not choices dictated by circumstances but part of our identity. An identity deeply rooted in the vision of Vittorio Tadei, who always saw business as a tool to create opportunities, growth, and inclusion. For us, profit means creating a place where people can thrive, a space of continuous improvement.

Today, in a time of great change and, in some cases, reconsideration, our message is clear: Teddy is not changing course. Not because we are immune to market challenges, but because social responsibility and inclusion have never been about convenience for us. They are our way of doing business — yesterday, today, and always — regardless of external pressures and trends.

Like us, we know there are many other Italian businesses built on strong, shared values — family-owned companies that are the economic backbone of our country.

What is happening in the global economic landscape is a test of consistency for all of us. It is easy to talk about values when the environment supports them, but it is in times of uncertainty that we truly see who firmly believes in what they do.

And we do believe. Thank you, BlackRock, for showing us the limits of a calculated commitment. But we move forward. Because the future is not built on short-term strategies but on the determination of those who know where they want to go and choose to stay true to their values.