In 2025, UN Global Compact Spain recognised the effort and commitment of the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) by awarding it one of the eleven “Contigo Somos+” prizes (bronze category). This recognition highlights the organisation’s work in promoting and advancing the initiative, encouraging more organisations to join this global project. Clara Arpa, President of the Global Compact, presented the award to Pere Navarro, the Special Delegate of the State at the CZFB, during the 2025 General Assembly held in Madrid – one of the most important annual gatherings for participants in the initiative across Spain.

Separately, the CZFB was recognised as an example of good practice by UN Global Compact Spain for its Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) initiative – an annual event organised by the Consortium that brings together Industry 4.0 and the digital economy, promoting sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reflecting its commitment to the principles of the UN Global Compact.

The United Nations Global Compact is a call for companies and organisations to align their strategies and operations with ten universal principles on human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. This also lays the foundation for long-term success.

Corporate sustainability begins with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to business. The CZFB’s adherence demonstrates its commitment to promoting sustainability and corporate responsibility to actively contribute to the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) has obtained certification in occupational health and safety management systems under the UNE-EN ISO 45001 standard. Accredited by ENAC, this certification demonstrates the institution’s commitment to workplace safety and the health of its employees.

The management’s commitment and actions carried out by the Occupational Risk Prevention Service enabled the initial OHSAS 18001:2007 certification in 2011, which validated safety criteria – both active and passive – for all CZFB staff activities and those of external workers operating for the entity. In 2019, the Consortium updated its occupational health and safety management system to the new 45001:2018 standard, obtaining initial certification. This latest accreditation is valid until 2028.

The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) has received the ’Cero es +’ recognition from workplace accident mutual insurance companies. The ’Cero es +’ campaign distinguishes mutualist companies that have maintained an exemplary record with no workplace incidents or occupational illnesses over the past five years, valuing their preventive management of occupational health. This recognition highlights the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona’s commitment to occupational risk prevention and worker safety.

The association Acció Solidària Contra l’Atur (ASCA) visited the DFactory facilities of the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona. Acció Solidària Contra l’Atur was founded in Barcelona in 1981. Its goal is to create jobs and support business creation by providing interest-free loans to individuals or groups with viable business projects. In essence, it offers a second chance to people who have been affected by economic crises.