Environmental Policy

Last Updated: July, 08, 2025.

Policy Statement

Gexfix International Corp., as the official distribution partner of Assut Europe S.P.A., is fully aware of the challenges and opportunities that the market imposes and of the need to make choices in line with the principles of sustainable development. We are committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices in our distribution of veterinary surgical supplies, sutures, skin adhesives, and medical devices.

The Management of Gexfix International Corp. recognizes that pursuing a policy of continuous improvement of our environmental performance which minimizes, where technically possible and economically sustainable, any negative impact of our activities on the environment, leads to significant commercial and economic advantages, satisfying, at the same time, the expectations of environmental improvement relating to the context in which our Company operates.

Our Environmental Policy is founded on the principles of continuous improvement, widespread management commitment, the allocation of suitable resources, and the promotion of the effectiveness and efficiency of our Environmental Management System.

1. Environmental Commitment and Leadership

1.1 Management Commitment

Our senior leadership team is committed to:

Allocating appropriate resources for environmental protection initiatives
Integrating environmental considerations into business decision-making
Promoting environmental awareness among employees and stakeholders
Setting measurable environmental objectives and targets
Conducting annual reviews of environmental performance and policy effectiveness

1.2 Environmental Management System

We implement and maintain an Environmental Management System (EMS) compliant with the requirements of the ISO 14001:2015 standard, which not only guarantees compliance with legislation and environmental requirements, but also allows us to obtain continuous improvement of the environmental performance of our activities, products and services in their entire life cycle (identification of company risks/opportunities), eliminating and mitigating risks for the environment at the same time.

Our EMS:

Follows ISO 14001:2015 principles and requirements
Establishes clear environmental procedures and controls aligned with our manufacturing partner
Monitors environmental performance through key indicators
Ensures compliance with applicable US and international environmental laws
Drives continuous improvement in environmental performance
Supports our partnership with Assut Europe S.P.A.’s environmental initiatives

2. Environmental Management Actions

The Management of Gexfix International Corp. intends to reach our environmental goals through the following actions, aligned with our manufacturing partner Assut Europe S.P.A.:

Life Cycle Perspective Analysis: Analyze from a product life cycle perspective, the context in which our distribution organization operates and the interested parties, ensuring alignment with Assut Europe’s manufacturing practices in Magliano dei Marsi.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Carry out in-depth analysis of the environmental aspects and impacts that may derive from activities directly or indirectly managed by our organization, present and operating in our US distribution facilities.
Stakeholder Cooperation: Ensure cooperation with all interested parties including veterinary customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and our manufacturing partner.
Supplier Environmental Management: Know, promote and control the environmental management of our suppliers and service providers, ensuring alignment with Assut Europe’s environmental standards.
Employee Environmental Responsibility: Promote the responsibility of employees at all levels to protect the environmental protection and orient the corporate culture towards environmentally friendly behavior.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Changes: Assess in advance the environmental impacts of new distribution processes, facility modifications, and operational changes.
Emergency Response and Training: Adopt necessary measures to reduce environmental impacts associated with emergency situations and potential pollution, and implement information and training programs for personnel.
Environmental Protection: Protect air, water, soil and subsoil through suitable and careful management of waste produced within our distribution facilities.
Resource Consumption Monitoring: Monitor and minimize the consumption of resources, particularly energy usage in our operations.
Waste Management and Recovery: Monitor and contain the production of waste, promoting its recovery where possible through recycling and reuse programs.
End-of-Life Product Management: Promote and ensure the correct disposal of end-of-life products, providing guidance to veterinary customers on proper disposal methods.
Customer Environmental Information: Provide customers and consumers with necessary information on the environmental impact of the products we distribute.

3. Environmental Compliance Framework

To ensure compliance with these principles, Gexfix International Corp. intends to:

Preventive Environmental Management:

Adopt a preventive approach to the management of environmental problems with particular attention to current issues such as the reduction of CO2 emissions, the intelligent use of energy resources and their reduction where applicable
Manage and monitor processes according to the principle of “risk-based thinking,” allowing us to identify in advance the critical factors that could have a negative impact on the environment and to minimize their effects

Management System Implementation:

Ensure that the management system is understood, implemented and maintained at all levels of the organization and that it is supported by periodic and systematic training activities
Periodically review the effectiveness of the environmental management system adopted by verifying the achievement (in the medium and short term) of objectives and targets set for this purpose by the Management, disclosed and shared at all levels of the organization

Communication and Transparency:

Ensure that the environmental policy set out here is communicated to workers by posting on company premises, and to interested parties with the help of our website and customer communications
Maintain transparency in our environmental performance and share progress with stakeholders

3.1 Partnership with Assut Europe S.P.A

We work closely with our manufacturing partner Assut Europe S.P.A. at their facility in Magliano dei Marsi, Italy, to:

Support their ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System implementation
Align our distribution activities with their environmental performance objectives
Collaborate on product lifecycle environmental assessments
Share environmental best practices and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure consistent environmental messaging and commitments across the supply chain
Support their environmental impact reduction goals while maintaining product quality for veterinary applications

2.2 Supplier Environmental Requirements

We require our suppliers and service providers to:

Demonstrate environmental compliance and responsibility
Implement sustainable practices in their operations
Provide environmental impact information for products and services
Support our environmental objectives through their activities
Report environmental incidents and improvement initiatives

2.3 Product Stewardship

We ensure environmental responsibility for our veterinary products by:

Providing clear disposal and recycling guidance for veterinary practices
Supporting proper end-of-life management of medical devices
Promoting products with reduced environmental impact where available
Educating customers on sustainable product use and disposal
Facilitating take-back programs for appropriate products

3. Operational Environmental Practices

3.1 Energy Management

Energy Efficiency Initiatives:

Implementing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems in our facilities
Optimizing warehouse operations to minimize energy consumption
Using ENERGY STAR certified equipment and appliances
Monitoring energy usage and setting reduction targets
Exploring renewable energy options for our operations

Carbon Footprint Reduction:

Measuring and tracking greenhouse gas emissions from our operations
Optimizing transportation and logistics to reduce fuel consumption
Promoting remote work and digital communications to reduce travel
Supporting carbon offset initiatives where appropriate
Setting science-based targets for emissions reduction

3.2 Waste Reduction and Circular Economy

Waste Minimization:

Implementing comprehensive recycling programs for office and warehouse waste
Reducing packaging materials while maintaining product protection
Promoting reusable packaging and shipping materials
Minimizing paper consumption through digital documentation
Properly managing hazardous waste according to regulations

Circular Economy Principles:

Supporting product reuse and refurbishment where safely possible
Facilitating recycling of medical device packaging materials
Promoting extended producer responsibility initiatives
Encouraging veterinary practices to implement sustainable waste management
Exploring opportunities for material recovery and reprocessing

3.3 Water Conservation

Water Stewardship:

Implementing water-efficient fixtures and systems in our facilities
Monitoring water usage and identifying conservation opportunities
Properly managing stormwater runoff and drainage
Preventing water contamination through proper chemical storage
Supporting water conservation initiatives in our community

4. Product Environmental Responsibility

4.1 Sustainable Product Selection

Environmental Criteria:

Prioritizing products with reduced environmental impact
Supporting manufacturers with strong environmental credentials
Evaluating product lifecycle environmental performance
Promoting biodegradable and recyclable materials where appropriate
Considering packaging efficiency and recyclability

Veterinary-Specific Considerations:

Balancing environmental impact with veterinary safety requirements
Supporting development of sustainable veterinary surgical products
Promoting proper disposal of veterinary medical waste
Educating veterinary professionals on environmental best practices
Facilitating environmentally responsible veterinary practice operations

4.2 Product Information and Education

Customer Education:

Providing environmental impact information for products
Offering guidance on proper disposal and recycling
Sharing best practices for sustainable veterinary practice operations
Supporting continuing education on environmental stewardship
Facilitating access to environmental product documentation

5. Transportation and Logistics

5.1 Sustainable Distribution

Transportation Optimization:

Consolidating shipments to reduce transportation emissions
Using fuel-efficient vehicles and optimizing delivery routes
Partnering with carriers committed to environmental responsibility
Implementing packaging optimization to reduce shipping volume
Exploring alternative transportation modes with lower environmental impact

Cold Chain Management:

Optimizing temperature-controlled shipping for Ergon skin adhesives
Using energy-efficient refrigeration systems
Minimizing temperature excursions to reduce product waste
Implementing smart logistics technologies for efficiency
Collaborating with carriers on sustainable cold chain practices

5.2 Packaging Sustainability

Packaging Optimization:

Minimizing packaging materials while ensuring product protection
Using recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials where possible
Eliminating unnecessary packaging components
Optimizing package size to reduce transportation impact
Providing clear recycling instructions for packaging materials

6. Regulatory Compliance and Standards

6.1 Environmental Regulations

Compliance Commitment:

Adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations
Maintaining current knowledge of evolving environmental requirements
Implementing systems to ensure ongoing compliance
Conducting regular compliance audits and assessments
Reporting environmental performance as required by law

Key Regulatory Areas:

EPA regulations for chemical storage and waste management
DOT requirements for hazardous material transportation
OSHA environmental health and safety standards
State-specific environmental protection requirements
FDA environmental assessments for medical devices

6.2 Industry Standards and Certifications

Environmental Standards:

Supporting ISO 14001 environmental management principles
Aligning with medical device industry environmental best practices
Participating in relevant environmental certification programs
Benchmarking performance against industry standards
Pursuing continuous improvement in environmental management

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

7.1 Employee Engagement

Environmental Training:

Providing environmental awareness training for all employees
Implementing specific training for environmental roles and responsibilities
Promoting environmental best practices in daily operations
Encouraging employee suggestions for environmental improvements
Recognizing outstanding environmental performance and initiatives

7.2 Customer and Community Engagement

Veterinary Community:

Collaborating with veterinary associations on environmental initiatives
Supporting veterinary practices in implementing sustainable operations
Sharing environmental best practices through educational programs
Participating in veterinary industry sustainability discussions
Promoting environmental stewardship within the veterinary community

Community Involvement:

Supporting local environmental protection initiatives
Participating in community sustainability programs
Engaging with environmental organizations and advocacy groups
Contributing to environmental education and awareness efforts
Promoting environmental responsibility in our business community

8. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

8.1 Performance Measurement

Key Environmental Indicators:

Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
Waste generation and recycling rates
Water usage and conservation achievements
Transportation efficiency and fuel consumption
Packaging optimization and material reduction

Monitoring Systems:

Implementing environmental management information systems
Conducting regular environmental performance assessments
Tracking progress against environmental objectives and targets
Benchmarking performance against industry standards
Identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization

8.2 Reporting and Communication

Transparency and Accountability:

Publishing annual environmental performance reports
Communicating environmental achievements and challenges
Sharing environmental information with stakeholders
Participating in environmental disclosure initiatives
Providing environmental information to customers and suppliers

9. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

9.1 Environmental Innovation

Research and Development:

Supporting development of environmentally sustainable veterinary products
Exploring innovative packaging and distribution solutions
Investing in environmental technologies and practices
Collaborating with partners on environmental innovation
Promoting sustainable innovation in the veterinary industry

9.2 Performance Improvement

Continuous Enhancement:

Setting annual environmental improvement targets
Implementing environmental management system reviews
Conducting environmental audits and assessments
Identifying and implementing best practices
Learning from environmental incidents and near-misses

10. Climate Change and Resilience

10.1 Climate Action

Climate Commitment:

Acknowledging the urgency of climate action
Setting science-based emissions reduction targets
Supporting renewable energy development and use
Implementing climate adaptation measures
Participating in climate action initiatives

10.2 Business Resilience

Climate Adaptation:

Assessing climate-related risks to our operations
Implementing measures to enhance business resilience
Preparing for potential climate-related disruptions
Supporting supply chain climate adaptation
Maintaining business continuity during environmental challenges

11. Policy Governance and Management Review

11.1 Management Commitment

The Environmental Management System Policy is based on general concepts such as the widespread commitment of Management, the allocation of suitable resources, the promotion of continuous improvement and the effectiveness/efficiency of the Environmental Management System.

11.2 Annual Review Process

This Environmental Policy document, and the related goals, are reviewed annually by the General Management in conjunction with the Management Review process. This ensures:

Continuous alignment with Assut Europe S.P.A.’s environmental objectives
Adaptation to changing regulatory requirements and business conditions
Integration of stakeholder feedback and emerging best practices
Measurement of progress against environmental targets and objectives

11.3 Responsibilities

Executive Leadership: Overall environmental policy oversight, resource allocation, and strategic environmental decision-making Operations Management: Implementation of environmental practices in daily distribution operations Quality Assurance: Integration of environmental considerations in quality management systems Procurement: Environmental criteria in supplier selection and management, alignment with Assut Europe standards Logistics: Sustainable transportation and distribution practices Employee Representatives: Environmental awareness promotion and feedback on operational practices

11.2 Review and Updates

Policy Maintenance:

Annual review of environmental policy effectiveness
Updates to reflect changing regulations and best practices
Integration of stakeholder feedback and suggestions
Alignment with evolving business objectives and operations
Communication of policy changes to all stakeholders

12. Contact Information

For questions about our Environmental Policy or to report environmental concerns:

Environmental Affairs
Gexfix International Corp.
55 NE 5th Avenue Suite 501
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Email: info@medicaldevicevet.com
Phone: +39 06 72677 348

General Information
Email: info@medicaldevicevet.com

This Environmental Policy reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices in partnership with Assut Europe S.P.A. We encourage all stakeholders to join us in protecting the environment while advancing veterinary healthcare. This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect our evolving environmental commitments and alignment with our manufacturing partner’s best practices.