Italy continues to be a benchmark in Europe for steel recycling, thanks to a consistent commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. The national campaign by Legambiente, “The Sites of Ecological Transition,” recently stopped in Lombardy, with a particular focus on the Feralpi Siderurgica plant in Lonato del Garda. Here, steel recycling is a well-established practice, with 98.6% of the material used coming from recycled scrap.
An Excellent Recycling Model
Italy has surpassed the 80% target set by the European Union for 2030 in the recycling of steel packaging, achieving a rate close to 87%. This result not only demonstrates the effectiveness of Italian environmental policies but also positions the country as a leader in the sustainable management of metal waste. The production process at the Feralpi plant goes beyond mere material transformation; it also incorporates innovative practices to reduce emissions and optimize energy efficiency.
Advanced Technologies for Decarbonization
Feralpi Siderurgica is at the forefront of electrifying industrial processes, replacing methane gas furnaces with induction electric furnaces. This transition is an integral part of the company’s strategy to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the recovery of slag and wastewater not only saves valuable resources but also provides heating to surrounding public and private buildings.
Legambiente emphasizes that “in the fight against the climate crisis, a valuable ally is the decarbonization of industrial production processes,” highlighting the importance of sustainability in the steel sector.
Strategic Collaborations
During this leg of Legambiente’s campaign, RICREA actively collaborated to promote the recycling of steel packaging. With 315 member companies among producers and recyclers, RICREA plays a crucial role in ensuring that materials are reused efficiently and effectively.
Significant Recycling Results
In 2023, a total of 428,043 tons of steel packaging were recycled in Italy. This volume corresponds to significant energy savings and the elimination of considerable CO2 emissions. The capacity of the Italian industry to manage these operations reflects a growing ecological awareness and a commitment to greener practices.
Future Commitments of the Feralpi Group
With seven plants and nearly two thousand employees across Italy and Europe, Feralpi continues to invest in sustainability through strategic planning aimed at ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) objectives. In 2023, approximately 169 million was invested in advanced technologies intended to further improve production processes.
The company is also expanding its operations abroad: at the German plant Feralpi Stahl, an innovative fully electrified rolling mill is being established that will produce heavy rolls intended for the construction market without direct emissions.
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