Related theme: Circular Economy
When a leading US company wanted to explore its options for establishing a circular waste recycling path in Italy, it chose TAUW to carry out the assessment.
Period: 2022
Client: US-based recycling company
TAUW contact person:
The client wants to set up a value chain to process specific waste flows consisting mainly of household products. The client chose Italy as part of a larger survey of European countries to which it could expand. Circular waste-recycling is still in its infancy in Italy, which is partly due to the complex rules that govern waste management and licensing. It is a difficult market to enter for private companies. That requires an adventurous client willing to take the risk and a confident Environmental Engineering Consultancy able to provide solid and accurate advice.
We assigned a team of three colleagues who have in-depth knowledge of the Italian waste-processing market, national and international shipping of hazardous waste, waste-licensing regulations and who also have excellent contacts with local operators. The team partnered with a law firm to interpret the current legislation and pending changes to regulations.
To analyse the situation and resolve all the client’s questions, we customised our solutions in detail. We were able to identify where, when and how the client could enter the market, but this required a highly specific, case-by-case solution for almost every waste item.
We also identified a number of options to be developed in the following phase. Once the new EU regulations have been ratified into Italian law, the client will take those next steps.
This project showcases the hidden potential in Italy. Despite legal complications, there are real possibilities for second-life products and there is a great deal of enthusiasm for setting up a circular processing chain. EU waste management regulations are expected to be incorporated into national law soon and local operators are eager to work with this client. Italy produces a lot of hard-to-recycle waste and this initiative, once implemented, will have a positive impact on the environment.
The client was very open-minded and prepared to explore all available options. The company is innovative and not afraid to venture beyond the safe path, as this project shows.
Giovanna Sala of TAUW Italy was the lead in this project: “We took this project head on, although we knew it wouldn’t be easy. We wanted to make the client aware of the risks in this complex legal situation. We have a responsibility to advise the client properly to ensure they make responsible choices, even if some of our answers meant an unwelcome outcome. We explored every possible avenue, navigating the complex regulatory system. We made sure that the answers we gave the client were indeed the right ones.”
Take a look at our annual report for many more great projects and stories. With our employees, clients and partners, TAUW makes a positive impact on the vital living environment. In our living ambition report we provide an overview of our achievements.
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