CIRCULAR ECONOMY
SATI believes in the circular economy, a production and consumption model that involves sharing, lending, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials. Our products are designed to last and recover material suspended in fluids that can be reused.
The principles of the circular economy stand in contrast to the traditional linear economic model, which is based on the typical “extract, produce, use, and discard” pattern. The traditional economic model relies on the availability of large quantities of readily accessible, low-cost materials and energy, and does not take into account the depletion of natural resources.
SATI is also taking measures againstplanned obsolescence of products—a strategy inherent to the linear economic model—by testing products in its research and development laboratory to ensure the components’ useful life. This study helps identify the limits of materials and components, enabling the creation of a product that is durable over time and 100% efficient.
In this way the product lifecycle is extended, helping to reduce waste to a minimum. Once the product has served its purpose, the materials it is made of are, in fact, reintroduced into the economic cycle wherever possible. This allows them to be continuously reused within the production cycle generating further value.
Sati has decided to invest in achieving zero emissions. To achieve this goal, the company initially made an investment by replacing the heating system in the production area with a state-of-the-art VRF heating and air conditioning system that ranks among the top of the market in terms of features and performance.
This system has enabled the company to: stop using natural gas, switch to 100% electric heating and cooling, and eliminate emissions from air conditioning systems.
He subsequently made improvements throughout the office area as well, installing heat pump air conditioners and adding a solar thermal system to provide hot water for the bathrooms.
Sati completed its energy efficiency project thanks to the Emilia-Romagna Region’s Energy Fund, with €200,345.00 in funding—part of which came from private sources and part from the Energy Fund—as well as a grant to cover technical expenses, which enabled the company to complete the following energy efficiency improvements:
the removal of asbestos, the installation of a new roof using sandwich panels, the installation of a 70 kWp photovoltaic system with performance optimizers, and the installation of a state-of-the-art 60 kWp electricity storage system for nighttime consumption. The system will generate over 85,000 kWh annually, with self-consumption accounting for more than 95% of total production.
Through measures such as waste reduction and the reuse of materials (eco-design), SATI aims to achieve energy savings and a reduction in total annual greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the production of the materials we use every day accounts for 45% of CO2 emissions.
The transition to a more circular economy can bring numerous benefits, including:
Reduced environmental impact
Greater certainty regarding the availability of raw materials
Increased competitiveness by reducing energy costs
A boost to innovation and economic growth
SATI presented the action plan for a new circular economy that focuses on more sustainable products and waste reduction through the development of “zero-emission” design. This project kept the R&D department busy throughout 2020.
We are beginning to test the 3D printing of some of our products in order to reduce production waste. The plan is to eventually use this method for all components of our products.
Installation of a 70-kWh photovoltaic system at our production facility, marking another step toward achieving sustainability in filter production.
Sati has completed its energy efficiency upgrade thanks tothe Emilia-Romagna Region’s Energy Fund, and stands out not only as a zero-emission company but also for the comfortable working environment it provides for its employees.
To optimize energy efficiency, the building was insulated with an exterior insulation system.