At INALCA, we consider waste management a fundamental element of our journey towards a production model increasingly attentive to resource efficiency and the principles of the circular economy.
The Group’s activities, which operate along the entire agri-food supply chain –from meat processing to distribution and logistics–, generate various types of residual materials. Among these, a significant share is represented by packaging made of paper, cardboard, plastic, polystyrene, composite materials and wood, mainly used in the handling and delivery of goods.
Confirming the commitment associated with the management of such materials, INALCA promotes initiatives aimed at improving separate collection, promoting the recovery of raw materials and developing packaging solutions in line with the evolution of the European regulatory framework, with particular attention to the principles introduced by Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), oriented towards waste prevention, to the reuse and recycling of materials.
Traceability and control throughout the management cycle
Since 2022, a structured waste management system has been introduced at the Group’s main locations, allowing for monitoring the entire waste management cycle, from collection to final treatment. Thanks to a dedicated digital platform, high levels of traceability, transparency, and flow control can be ensured, supporting the monitoring of environmental performance and promoting continuous process improvement. Waste is entrusted exclusively to authorized operators, in compliance with current legislation. For the flows intended for recovery, the system allows them to be followed through to the subsequent treatment phases, which may include recycling, composting, or energy valorization activities.
From residue management to value creation
A concrete example of this approach is represented by the valorization of digestate resulting from anaerobic digestion processes. Although current legislation provides for specific management methods, the digestate has characteristics that allow its reuse in agriculture and agro-industry, contributing to the recovery of nutrients and the reduction of resource waste.
By-products from production processes are also the subject of specific valorization programs, with the aim of maximizing their recovery and promoting new opportunities for use within the supply chain.
This result confirms INALCA’s commitment to promoting innovative solutions that transform process residues into useful resources, contributing to waste reduction and strengthening circular economy principles throughout the supply chain.
