Efficient use of resources is another important matter in achieving the goal of a sustainable company. It means a more careful use of the resources (other than energy) used to produce a single unit of product. It encourages the use of recycled raw materials and better waste management, including waste generated by third parties. It provides for investment in decontamination and pretreatment activities, including of materials generated by third parties, which would otherwise remain unused or be used inefficiently.
The fundamental change in the production process consists of better use of energy in the production cycle, but also efficient use of resources.
The aim of the investment programmes is to improve the existing production process in terms of environmental protection; they must not lead to an increase in production activity.
Who it is for
The fund is intended for all Italian companies, small and large, operating in the extractive and manufacturing sectors identified in sections B and C of the ATECO code and in a state of normal activity, that is, not in economic difficulty.
Value of expenses
The expenses of the investment programme range from a minimum of 3 million to a maximum of 20 million.
The expense categories and eligible percentages:
- Company land and related site works: 10% of the investment
- Building works up to a limit of 40%, but eligible only if truly functional to the environmental objectives.
- Newly manufactured plant, machinery and equipment suitable for achieving the objectives.
- Software, patents, licences, technical know-how, including unpatented.
Application deadline
The company must submit its application by 12 December 2023. The managing body is INVITALIA S.p.A.
Applications involve an evaluation and checks on the objectives achieved. It is important to turn to professionals, even if external to the company, who can handle the drafting and submission of projects in compliance with the rules. More information can be found on the INVITALIA website.
The industrial transition fund can have positive effects not only on the environment, but also on communication, company marketing and sales. A growing number of surveys show that end customers prefer sustainable companies. Young people in particular are an increasingly attentive group on this issue.
A 2022 IPSOS survey found that among the criteria young and very young people use to choose a brand is its sustainability. The promotional activity of some companies, at times bordering on greenwashing, is surpassed by certificates that also attest to the sustainability of the company’s production cycle and its impact on the environment.
To give an example, the whole family of ISO 14022 certificates in its latest version of 12/2022, which report the complete profile of the product with emphasis on numerical results for environmental impact, recycling, energy consumption, etc.
Disclaimer: This document is for information only and should not be considered a tutorial. We recommend consulting professionals for more specific information.