Sustainability and circular economy

Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) topics are at the heart of Zignago Vetro, which sees in the main characteristic of glass, the ability to be completely recycled for an infinite number of times, the engine of a solid circular economy.

Glass: a sustainable raw material.

The characteristics of glass have no equals: glass is hygienic, healthy, eco-friendly, recyclable and safe. An ancient material yet perfectly contemporary, made of recycled glass, sand, sodium and calcium carbonates and other elements, all of which are 100% natural materials. Given the sustainability of the glass raw material, even the products of the same material can take part in the recycling chain, reducing the amount of virgin raw materials and reducing the emissions.

Food safety.

Glass is chemically and biologically inert, with a consequential absence of reactions with the substances that it contains and without the release of hazardous chemical substances; glass can also be easily sterilized and sanitized.

Perfect preservation.

Glass is the only material that perfectly preserves the original flavour of foods and drinks without altering the content. Thanks to its structure, it is a perfect barrier against gases from both outside-in and vice-versa; it also makes it possible to protect foods from external factors, like UV rays, light, and sudden climatic changes.

Transparency, elegance, and identity.

Thanks to its intrinsic qualities, glass makes it possible to easily see the colour and consistency of the contents. Moreover, glass packaging has a peerless appeal in terms of quality, sensory perception, and aesthetic design, capable of creating a unique consumer experience.

Complete and infinite recyclability.

Glass is in harmony with nature and makes it possible to protect natural resources. Glass does not dissolve into microparticles that are dangerous for the eco-system and can be used an infinite number of times: a glass container always gives rise to another glass container, with the same characteristics and qualities of the previous one.

Circular Economy by Zignago Vetro

Today, glass cullet is Zignago Vetro’s main raw material: using cullet makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption necessary for its fusion, to lower CO₂ emissions, to lower the consumption of virgin raw materials, and to dispose a smaller quantity of wastes in landfills. The Group is spearheading circular economy for the entire glass packaging industry: the raw material coming from glass recycling is a priority for its production process.

THE RECYCLING COMPANIES.

Zignago Vetro's commitment to recycling and the use of cullet is demonstrated by the important investments made over the years in plants for the collection and processing of glass cullet. Zignago Vetro operates through three companies:

1. Vetreco S.r.l. since 2012
2. Vetro Revet S.r.l. since 2017
3. Julia Vitrum S.p.A. Founded in 2019

INVESTMENTS IN THE RECYCLING CHAIN.

The Group continues to invest in the recycling chain in order to improve the process and increase the amount of recycling itself. It is also involved in several actions whose purpose is to increase clients’ and consumers’ awareness of recycling: the company collaborates with glass associations on both national and European levels (FEVE and Assovetro) in order to promote the quality and quantity of collected glass.

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