Research in support of sustainability
Energy&Recycling is a division dedicated to the promotion of the research activities and sustainable projects, for all the Group's activities.
The mission of Energy & Recycling
Energy: Encouraging projects and technological innovations which use renewable or green energy sources, while improving energy efficiency and enabling the Group's production plants to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Recycling: Promote the use of recycled materials while designing products which can be fully recycled at the end of their life.
Culture: Develop and promote a culture of sustainability in relations with all stakeholders, by means of regular staff training and building partnerships with customers and suppliers.
Research is one of the pillars of the Group's activities as it allows a constant innovation process. Some of the main projects include:
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Recycling project through a pilot system
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Continuing the efforts made with the recycling of polyamide 6 waste materials, Group researchers, technicians and engineers are working hard on a pilot system built in Arco.
Implemented as part of a three year plan in partnership with the Autonomous Province of Trento, the system was approved after a specific audit by experts who have validated its design.
The aim of this research project is to improve the chemical and mechanical processes that enable the evaluation of the optimal mix of waste that will maximize the output of the production system.
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The cogeneration plant at Arco
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One of the most important stages in Aquafil’s innovation process has been the construction of a cogeneration system at the Arco plant.
Opened in 2006, the system has a nominal electrical output of 8.8 Mwe, and a thermal capacity of 9 Mwt. The system meets 85-90% of the electricity and heating requirements of the entire site, while its energy efficiency is approximately 80%.
During five years of operation (2006-2011), the high efficiency of the cogeneration system has prevented the atmospheric emission of 49,664 tons of CO2, with savings in terms of tons of petroleum equivalent of 15,520 TPE.
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Solar power
In 2009, with an investment of €1 million, two solar energy fields were constructed in the Brindisi area. Each field has a potential output of 1 Mw. In 2010, the installations were placed with the renewable-energy and environmental investment fund ReEnergy Capital.
In 2011, the Group implemented a plan to produce solar power at the Arco plant, which will reduce the atmospheric emissions of CO2 by about 150 tons. In the same vein, plans have now been finalized for the construction of a large photovoltaic system at the Group’s American plant, in Cartersville USA.
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Only certified "green" energy
Since the start of 2010, the Aquafil Group's Italian sites have only used energy produced from renewable sources which prevents the emission of more than 55,000 tons of CO2.
The origin of that energy is guaranteed by the European RECS (Renewable Energy Certificate System) label.
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Partnership with the University of Trento
The Aquafil Group has promoted and sponsored a PhD at the University of Trento, entitled “Research into the production of solution dyed BCF yarns: Improvements in efficiency and benefits for the environment.”
This research pathway is intended to identify solutions that will boost the efficiency of polymerization, production and processing, while reducing the impact of products and processes on the environment.
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Future projects
With regard to new projects intended to reduce the environmental impact of the Aquafil Group's production operations, two main areas have been identified — water and energy — into which investments and targeted projects will be channeled:
Water 
The reduction of consumption thanks to plans aimed at improving the systems for the recycling of water used in the production process.
Energy 
Improvements to the efficiency of production processes which will result in a reduction in the amount of energy consumed; increase of the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources by installing photovoltaic systems on the various production sites and launching plans to develop wind and geothermal technologies
