Autogrill and Italian multiutility provider Hera have signed a Memorandum of Intent to support the travel foodservice provider’s contribution to the circular economy, and enhance sustainable mobility and environmental communication in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Operating for an initial period of a year, the agreement will provide for the introduction of a series of environmental measures at 390 Autogrill foodservice points in Italy.
In addition to solutions for boosting the efficiency of waste management, plastics recycling, combating food waste and waste reclamation and prevention of waste production, joint information and communication activities will address employees and customers.
This agreement with Autogrill, a world-leading F&B provider, is a further example of how Gruppo Hera can act as a strategic partner for industry in our country, as well as for its institutions, in the transition to a circular economy
Autogrill serves millions of customers throughout Italy every year, and an audit of its waste production data will be undertaken to support multiple projects to combat food waste and recycle surplus food, including organic waste produced at foodservice points which will be used to produce biomethane and compost.
Over 100 metric tonnes of used vegetable oil from food production and preservation at more than 70 Autogrill foodservice points are being targeted for recovery to support sustainable mobility and, after pre-treatment, will be processed into biofuel at a refinery in Porto Marghera, Venice that Gruppo Hera operates in partnership with integrated energy company Eni.
“This agreement with Autogrill, a world-leading F&B provider, is a further example of how Gruppo Hera can act as a strategic partner for industry in our country, as well as for its institutions, in the transition to a circular economy, a new paradigm of development in which materials live on as long as possible to generate economic, environmental and social benefits at the same time,” says Gruppo Hera CEO Orazio Iacono. “Regeneration of resources is one of Hera’s raisons d’être, in line with its corporate purpose, and the progress we’re making in this context puts the communities we serve to the forefront and well in advance of European targets for stepping up recycling and minimization of waste disposal via landfill. Building on decades of experience and results to date, we intend to work more and more with companies to reduce and recycle waste through circularity projects likes those contemplated in the agreement signed today with Autogrill.”
“Integration of sustainability into our business is a priority goal for Autogrill,” comments Autogrill Italy CEO, Massimiliano Santoro. “Going in this direction, our collaboration with Gruppo Hera will boost circular economy projects capable of generating value by harnessing innovation to sustainability. The recycling of materials used in our points of sale, for example, is an opportunity to create and sustain an efficient waste reclamation industry that contributes to the wellbeing of the community. Now more than ever, it’s important for businesses to join forces for common objectives, so everyone can do their bit towards safeguarding the planet’s resources.”
FMIndustry.com covers the latest news, trends and opinion from the facilities management (FM) and corporate real estate (CRE) sectors. The FM market is currently estimated to be worth USD 1 trillion annually and is projected to grow at a compounded annualised rate of approximately 5% between now and 2026.
FMIndustry.com covers the latest news, trends and opinion from the facilities management (FM) and corporate real estate (CRE) sectors. The FM market is currently estimated to be worth USD 1 trillion annually and is projected to grow at a compounded annualised rate of approximately 5% between now and 2026.
Keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities, industry and regulatory news, business events, and announcements from our partners.
EU GDPR/UK DPA To comply with data protection legislation we require you to give your consent to receiving communications from us. You may opt-out at any time.
You must be logged in to Article a comment.
Complete the form to subscribe to the FM Industry newsletter and find out about tenders, new products and services, and career opportunities. Each month it features regulatory updates, guidance, insights from industry experts, events, case studies and much more.