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Case studies
The circular economy is one of the main elements of the European Green Deal [12], which is why it is so important for companies to introduce new business models that are based on the sharing and collaborative economy. Digital technologies such as the internet, artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies will be very important in achieving environmental goals.
The growing awareness of the importance of circular economy for sustainable development is creating new business models based on the circular economy concept. In this chapter we will present good practices related to the use of digital technologies in the circular economy. After deep research we have selected the most interesting examples of companies in Italy that have already implemented innovative business models and are working to protect the environment.
Case study no.1: Aboca – Italian healthcare company
Aboca is an Italian medical company dedicated to the production of safe and 100% natural products that are developed according to the Systems Medicine approach. The company was founded in 1978 near Arezzo by Valentino Mercati, who understood that innovation could come from combining heritage with current scientific and technological potential. For more than 40 years, the company has been seeking solutions for human health in the complexity of nature [13].
The challenge
- Improve the health of people and the planet
- To create natural and biodegradable products that respect nature, but also meet human needs while respecting the human body and the environment.
- Obtaining natural molecular complexes from plants without the use of artificial substances
- Combining economic growth, social justice and respect for the environment
- Building new supply chain models
The solution
The company has created an unbroken production chain that begins with the basic ingredients, which are derived from organically grown herbs, and ends with the pharmaceutical and clinical testing of the final products. Everything the company does is based on one key word: INNOVATION. As a result, the company continues to grow and now has:
- 1400 hectares of organically cultivated land
- 80 plant species
- 33 international patent families
- 14 countries import their pharmaceutical products
Moreover, Aboca reuses all the waste and wastewater produced: as fertilizer or animal feed [14].
Contribution to environmental protection
The company makes a very big contribution to environmental protection. Through its actions it contributes to economic growth while respecting the human body and the environment. Thanks to the creation of an integrated system, in Aboca everything is designed to obtain natural molecular complexes from plants (which do not contain harmful substances).
Source: https://www.pexels.com/pl-pl/zdjecie/osoba-rece-rolnictwo-zniwa-3912947/
Case study no.2: Italian platform – Cobat
Cobat is a company that, since its creation, has been actively working for the respect of the environment, as well as legality and circular economy both in Italy and around the world. The company is known for its spectacular actions that recover hazardous waste at the bottom of the sea and in high mountains.
The challenge
In these times of transition to sustainable energy, there is a particular emphasis on the use of energy storage systems to accumulate surplus production. This will ensure that these surpluses can be used when needed in the future. One of Cobat’s objectives has been to properly manage the end-of-life of products released for consumption, and to ensure the best standards of environmental sustainability. What’s more, Cobat works to optimize the cost of managing operations and reduce emissions into the atmosphere.
The solution
Cobat is a company with a national presence (Italy). It has a logistics and plant network that guarantees a collection, storage and recycling service for all types of waste.
Contribution to environmental protection
The company organizes projects and initiatives that combine environmental protection with social commitment. In 2002, it carried out an action to recover used lead batteries that had lain in a CNR laboratory pyramid at 500 meters above sea level [15]. In 2007 and 2008, it was part of a project to install solar panels for the Tibetan Children’s Village in India. There are many more examples of the company’s activities that contribute to the environment, we invite you to learn more about Cobat’s activities at: www.cobat.it.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/pl-pl/zdjecie/rece-kreatywny-ziemia-swiadomosc-7048040/
Case study no.3: BIONAP
BIONAP is an Italian company that was founded in 1977 and since then has dedicated all its activities to “Earth Science”. BIONAP is a company that is supported by experts from all over the world, thanks to whom it can constantly develop and introduce new technologies and digital solutions [16].
The challenge
- Discovering innovative active ingredients
- Enhancing the health and well-being of people around the world
- Producing standardized botanical extracts from plants and fruits growing on the Etna site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A traceable and ethical chain.
- Making a positive impact on the environment.
The solution
BIONAP has opted for innovation and now specializes in the production of extracts that come from Mediterranean plants and fruits, especially from Sicily. Thanks to the latest technology it is able to use the plants and fruits in such a way that each part is fully utilized. For example, from the bergamot plant they extract the juice, from which, thanks to the innovation of their company, they are able to extract flavonoids, which are designed to control the levels of so-called bad cholesterol in the blood of humans.
Contribution to environmental protection
BIONAP is a company that is constantly evolving and has a significant impact on the environment. Thanks to its activities it significantly contributes to waste reduction and reduces the impact of man on the environment.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/pl-pl/zdjecie/osoba-trzymajaca-filizanke-z-zielona-roslina-421999/