In terms of sustainability, we need to distinguish clearly between product and process-related innovations. This distinction is often somewhat forgotten by brands, or perhaps we don’t communicate on it sufficiently. On the process side, in order to lower our energy consumption, a large part of our glass production for perfumery comes from renewable sources: biomass, hydroelectric power and a portion of geothermal energy. By 2020, we will be using 100% renewable electric energy at the Parma site compared to 75% today. As an energy-intensive industry, this strategy is one of our pillars for the reduction of our CO2 footprint.
On the product side, our EcoLine and EcoJars range is beginning to pick up traction. As it is a new technology, we spotlighted it through a range of standards—a small collection that is set to grow.
What is your strategy in relation to PCR glass?We’re now able to provide customers with glass containing between 5% and 10% PCR without altering its aesthetic properties. This requires two things: to identify the sources of supply and to build a supply chain; the quality of PCR glass is essential for aesthetic purposes, but also for regulations as it must be free of heavy metals. Given that demand is set to grow, the networks will fall into place, but PCR glass processing is an industry in its own right; it’s not a given to be able to source quality PCR suitable for perfumery products.
It’s also important to note that Bormioli Luigi already uses up to 50% cullet in its furnaces: molten glass that has not been transformed into a bottle. We also need to ensure that we can process this quality of glass in a flexible way as the furnaces feed several lines at once.
And are there investments to address this issue?Yes, the idea is that in a few years we’ll be able to use as much PCR as desired on any product, so to compensate the flexibility gap we are currently facing. Today we have the possibility of integrating up to 10% of PCR glass without it being visible; to go beyond 10% we are making investments so that in less than five years we’ll have the flexibility to use any desired percentage. Quite a program!
