Frascold, sustainability as a driver of efficiency
ISO 14001 certification and ESG strategies for efficiency
Frascold obtains ISO 14001 certification, strengthening its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Frascold has obtained UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 certification, an important milestone representing the culmination of a broader programme and confirming Frascold’s constant commitment to environmental responsibility.
In this regard, Giuseppe Galli, CEO of Frascold, said: “Our dedication to environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of our business strategy. At Frascold, we strongly believe that innovation and sustainability have to coexist harmoniously, charting a clear path towards a better future for us and for the generations to come”.
In an interview, Maria Grazia Fimmanò, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Marco Perri, R&D, Environmental System Manager and Corrado de Gioia-Carabellese, Product Development Specialist, discuss the improvements implemented and the most significant progress made by Frascold.
Frascold has integrated Lean Manufacturing philosophy in support of sustainability. What are the results from this approach?
Maria Grazia Fimmanò replied: “A few years ago we set up a new department in the company dedicated to continuous improvement: among the projects implemented we can mention, not just for environmental sustainability but also for production efficiency, the “Empty for Full management of reusable packaging with suppliers” project. This project involves eliminating and/or reducing the waste deriving from packaging components entering the warehouse and, consequently, production components too. The result is a reduction in cardboard consumption of up to 3 tonnes in a year. This approach has also led to significant savings in terms of time and resources by eliminating the time taken by someone to open and dispose of boxes, time that, instead, can be spent on tasks with greater added value. In addition, to ensure greater protection for workers, we studied the ergonomics of workstations, adjusting them to create a safer, more comfortable environment. With this in mind, the use of ground-level shelving units has also been discouraged to help prevent long-term health issues, such as back and knee pain. Finally, the introduction of a Lean culture has also allowed us to focus on greater engagement of resources and their enhancement. Continuous improvement is guaranteed through monthly audits, which ensure constant compliance with Lean practices and the requirements of ISO 14001. The results achieved in the pilot department, thanks to the adoption of tools such as 5S, Golden Zone and PDCA, have led us to extend these practices to other production departments. In summary, the benefits obtained through the dissemination of a Lean philosophy are tangible: it has led to significant improvements in terms of productivity, ergonomics and sustainability, as well as reducing costs and increasing workflow efficiency”.
What are the benefits of UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 certification and what challenges did it bring?
Marco Perri commented, “The path towards UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 certification has led to numerous benefits, including greater internal awareness and a more positive perception by customers, or in particular, by anyone who sees this certification as a fundamental prerequisite to be included among the suppliers classified as sustainable. Another project implemented involved a water distiller, installed in 2023, to recover washing water resources, allowing the company to save about 300 m³ per year. In addition, a dedicated team was formed to improve air hygiene and to monitor emissions into the atmosphere. Thanks to targeted maintenance and cleaning, Frascold has managed to keep pollutant levels 10% lower than the regulatory threshold. Finally, the CO2 footprint associated with the different product families throughout the entire life cycle has been calculated, with the aim of offering customers valuable information to help them understand and assess their own environmental impact. In conclusion, all the initiatives undertaken by Frascold reflect its commitment to encouraging more sustainable and responsible choices throughout the supply chain”.
A photovoltaic system was the first step in Frascold’s environmental strategy. How has photovoltaic adoption been integrated into the overall ESG strategy?
Corrado de Gioia-Carabellese explained, “The photovoltaic system, installed to date, has been placed on the roof of the production plant and on the platform roofs over the canteen area. Thanks to this initiative, mains electricity usage has been reduced by about 25-30%, significantly reducing energy dependence. This investment proved to be particularly advantageous, especially in a period of high electricity prices, confirming the effectiveness of the system in a context of market instability. In 2023, the photovoltaic system met 29% of the plant’s annual needs. Looking to the future, the company is considering expanding the plant and adding 500 kW over the next two years, in addition to installing heat pumps to replace gas boilers, going so far as to fully electrify the two office buildings. Although we are aware of the difficulties in achieving zero environmental impact, given the characteristics of the metalworking sector and the high energy demand, we are committed to implementing innovative solutions to get increasingly closer to this goal”.
In summary, Frascold’s commitment to a more sustainable and more responsible future translates into an effective combination of technological innovation, environmental strategies and advanced management practices. The initiatives described demonstrate how the company manages to combine the drive for operational efficiency with respect for the environment, adopting solutions that anticipate market challenges and strengthen its position among industry leaders. UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 certification, the progress related to Lean Manufacturing, the expansion of the photovoltaic system and the monitoring of emissions are part of an integrated ESG strategy, focused on a long-term vision. Frascold does not limit itself to responding to today’s demands, but looks to the future too, presenting itself as a model of innovation and sustainability for the metalworking industry.
