Also in 2023, the Grifal Group improves its environmental, social and governance impact by reducing consumption of energy (-1.79%), fuels (-2.14%) and water (-0.79%) and increasing recycling of waste produced but also of materials used. This is what emerges from the Sustainability Report 2023 of the Group, just published.
Over the past three years, the international development strategy has seen the opening of production centers in Romania with Grifal Europe Srl and in Portugal with the joint venture Seven cArtù Lda in partnership with the José Neves Group. Revenues reached 37.8 million euros in 2023, up 2.5 percent from 2022, while EBITDA grew 27.8 percent to 5.6 million euros. The Grifal Group has obtained 21 patents in 22 countries, including three for innovative processes, and has reinvested an average of 9 percent of production value in research and development and prototypes.
The new 148 kW photovoltaic system produced and consumed 23,072 kWh of renewable energy, contributing significantly to cutting CO2 emissions. The replacement of lighting systems with energy-efficient LED devices continued. A new electrical consumption monitoring system covering the production sites of Cologno al Serio (BG) and Rivolta d’Adda (CR) started up, making it possible to check for any anomalies and malfunctions in the production facilities, resulting in a reduction in consumption. Finally, a new and more efficient cArtù® production line showed lower consumption per unit volume produced.
In addition, Grifal Group’s production activities do not contemplate water as a recurring-use item, as it is used only for washing printing equipment and employee consumption. This choice makes it possible to optimize water resources and reduce environmental impact.
“Our commitment to sustainability continues ,” emphasizes Grifal Group President and CEO Fabio Gritti. We will invest in projects that aim at the conservation of natural resources and the well-being of the local communities that host us. We are determined to further improve sustainability results and achieve new goals, such as increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are certified according to ISO 9001, quality management, and ISO 14001, environmental management. Each year with our Environmental Goal Improvement Plan we set ourselves increasingly challenging standards.”
Seventy-five percent of the paper and cardboard used in the Group’s production process is recycled, and 96% of the waste produced is now destined for recycling. In 2023, tons of waste generated totaled 1,210, a decrease of more than 17% from 2022. Only 3.29 tons of hazardous waste was generated, just 0.27% of the total and mainly attributable to ink waste, glue and emulsion residues, and machinery solutions and other engine, gear and machinery oils. The Grifal Group in 2023 has 179 employees, interns and trainees, 99% of whom have permanent contracts. In the same year, an average of 22 hours of training was provided for each employee, totaling nearly 4,000 hours of total training. Health, prevention and safety policies led to the recording of only 5 accidents out of more than 315,177 hours worked.
The full press release is available in the “Financial Press Releases” section.