Giuseppe Galli, CEO of Frascold, emphasized the company's vision: "Our dedication to environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of our business strategy. At Frascold, we strongly believe that innovation and sustainability have to coexist harmoniously, charting a clear path towards a better future for us and for the generations to come."
Lean Manufacturing and Waste Reduction
Frascold has embedded Lean Manufacturing principles to enhance both sustainability and productivity. Maria Grazia Fimmanò, Continuous Improvement Specialist, highlighted the "Empty for Full" project, which reduces packaging waste from incoming components. This initiative has cut cardboard consumption by up to three tonnes annually while streamlining workflows and reallocating labor to higher-value tasks.Ergonomic improvements have also been implemented, including modifications to workstation design and discouraging ground-level shelving to minimize long-term health risks for workers. Lean practices, such as 5S, Golden Zone, and PDCA, are continuously monitored through monthly audits and have been expanded across production departments, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
Benefits of ISO 14001 Certification
Marco Perri, R&D and Environmental System Manager, detailed the advantages of obtaining ISO 14001 certification, including heightened internal awareness and improved supplier classification for sustainability-focused customers.Among the initiatives contributing to this certification, a water distillation system installed in 2023 has enabled the recovery of washing water, saving approximately 300 m³ per year. Additionally, Frascold has formed a dedicated team to monitor air quality and emissions, maintaining pollutant levels 10% below regulatory limits. The company has also assessed the CO₂ footprint of its product lines to provide customers with insights into their environmental impact.
Photovoltaic Expansion and Energy Efficiency
Frascold's photovoltaic system, currently installed on the production plant and canteen roofs, has reduced electricity consumption from the grid by approximately 25-30%. In 2023, solar power met 29% of the facility’s annual energy needs.Corrado de Gioia-Carabellese, Product Development Specialist, discussed future plans:
"Looking to the future, the company is considering expanding the plant and adding 500 kW over the next two years, in addition to installing heat pumps to replace gas boilers, going so far as to fully electrify the two office buildings."
Despite challenges related to the energy-intensive nature of metalworking, Frascold continues to explore innovative solutions to minimize its environmental impact.