“Pressures on sustainability are increasing - but they can also drive innovation.”

André Quental is the face of Somengil in the Asia-Pacific region, where he operates as Export Manager. His passion for different cultures and the search for solutions that improve people's lives motivate him to build bridges between different realities. In this interview, he explains how sustainability pressures can also power innovation.

What are the main challenges facing companies in the food, health and retail sectors today?

André Quental: Every company today is looking for ways to be more efficient and sustainable. Consumers and investors increasingly alike prefer companies seen as following the best environmental practices. These challenges have a silver lining: by demanding new solutions, they are also opening doors to innovation, and a more profitable future. Technology is key to unlock this potential.

What advice would you give to managers?

Internally, you need to create a welcoming environment and invest in the right equipment to optimize resource consumption. Also, invest in product quality and employee training. A happy and well-prepared team are vital.

Externally, it's essential to create a flawless customer experience, with personalized service and loyalty programs. If companies make this a priority, customers will be loyal and even become brand ambassadors. Keeping up with trends, adapting to public preferences and just trying out new products to see what works are will always be important to keep the business fresh and interesting.

How can Somengil help?

Somengil's greatest motivators are our customers. Everything we do is aimed at meeting our customers' needs and contributing to their success. Take the MultiWasher: it helps companies save water and energy, reduce costs and be more sustainable. It is an ideal solution for the hospitality, health and food sectors, as it guarantees high-quality, personalized cleaning. What's more, it frees employees from repetitive tasks, so they can devote themselves to other areas.

At the same time, we end up being a natural partner for companies. By opting for our solutions, they can reduce their carbon footprint, recycle and promote a safer and healthier working environment.

About André Quental

André Quental is Somengil's Export Manager, responsible for the Asia-Pacific market. He has always been attracted to multicultural environments and making a difference to people's lives. His role at Somengil allows him to put these skills into practice and implement extremely positive changes in his clients' daily lives. And he has plans to continue this trend.