Responsible operations
Operating our processes with care and respect for the environment is a core value and target for Valcambi. We monitor and evaluate the environmental aspects of all our plant activities, products and services to reduce environmental impact.
We are constantly challenged to find and source materials with the lowest sustainability footprint, while offering efficiency and maximising recyclability.
Energy, chemicals and water
Energy – A diverse mix of fuels and technologies helps to meet the global energy challenge: for the time being gas will continue to play a significant part in meeting our energy demand in the plant.
Chemicals – All the chemicals we use must be managed responsibly and we are constantly challenged to find chemicals with the least environmental footprint. We guarantee careful management of chemicals throughout the entire life cycle, so minimising any adverse impact on human health and environment. The chemicals we use at site are all registered immediately and reported to the government which controls usage, consumption and disposal of chemicals.
Water – Valcambi uses fresh water for steam generation and cooling. All waste water generated in the plant is treated and cleaned in our Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) before it is returned to the Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). We are working with specialist companies to further reduce our water consumption and in the application of new technologies to waste water treatment.
Airborne emissions
At our operating site we monitor air emissions and ambient air quality. All potential sources of air pollution are equipped with the most up-to-date scrubbing systems. We fully comply with applicable legislation and aim to minimize any potential air emissions.
Noise pollution
All machinery both outside and inside the plant is strictly controlled for noise. Where required silencers are installed and in areas where it is not possible to reach an ideal noise level then ear protectors must be used.
Waste
Across our operations we have introduced measures to either entirely avoid or reduce the amount of waste that is created and to increase the amount of recycling. It is in our interest to minimise the waste we generate as a business. The introduction of ISO 14001 was one of the measures adopted to improve our performance in this area.
Obligations under REACH regulation
The REACH regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals entered into force on 1st June 2007. One of REACH main aims is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, involving the whole supply chain i.e. producers, manufacturers, importers, users and downstream users. REACH makes industry responsible for assessing and managing these risks and providing appropriate safety information to the users of chemicals. To fulfill its regulatory obligations Valcambi is acting to comply, by the statutory deadlines, with the requirements of the REACH regulation for all the substances we market in the EU. Our sustainability objectives are accordingly aligned with the principles set forth in the REACH regulation.
