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Sabaf and the environment Dialogue with environmental associations and institutions For some time the Group has been keen to raise awareness of the reduced environmental impact of using gas in cooking instead of electricity: the use of gas to produce heat in fact permits much higher yields than those achievable with electric cooking appliances. In addition, there is worldwide demand for increased power and multiple cooking points (plates/burners) to cook food quickly. An increase in electric hobs would cause an increase in peak electricity consumption, typically around meal times, further increasing electricity demand which is already difficult to meet.
Environmental policy, programme and objectives Sabaf has always been mindful of the environment, constantly seeking to reduce the impact of its industrial operations. The Company’s awareness of the importance of ecological balance is reflected in the various decisions taken over the years, which not only respect legal requirements but also aim to achieve constant progress in the Company’s environmental performance. The environmental management system in place at the Ospitaletto plant (which accounts for more than 85% of total Group production) has been ISO 14001 certified since 2003. With implementation of the ISO 14001 standard Sabaf has also pinpointed the main environmental risks associated with its production, which are systematically monitored and managed. In 2008, Sabaf S.p.A. obtained the Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IPPC) from the Region of Lombardy pursuant to Legislative Decree n°59 of 18 February 2005. The most significant product and process innovations introduced by Sabaf in terms of environmental impact are detailed below.
Product innovation and environmental sustainability Washing of metals The production process for valves requires the washing of metals in several phases. Traditionally, the metals were washed using systems which use chlorine-based solvents. In 2013 Sabaf began to assess alternatives which could guarantee an equal or
superior washing quality, while at the same time minimising the environmental impact and management costs. The solution identified inserts into the production process machinery which uses a washing system based on a modified alcohol, a solvent which can be redistilled (and hence, recycled). With a planned investment of around €1,000,000, the replacement process began at the end of 2013, will continue until 2015 and will completely replace all of the Company’s washing machinery. The environmental impact and management costs will be essentially eliminated.
Product marking Standards in force require products to be marked with a series of distinctive characteristics. Until now the printing has always been done using an ink-jet system: this system makes it possible to print just three lines, with a preset number of characters for each line, and with an annual management cost of around €60,000 for ink, solvents and maintenance. Sabaf has decided to opt for a fibre-optic laser marking system which makes it possible to print all the necessary characters on products, without any limitations. Between 2013 and 2014, with an investment of €250,000, all the ink-jet systems will be replaced with fibre-optic laser marking systems, thereby eliminating the management costs.
Product innovation and environmental sustainability Light alloy valves The production of aluminium alloy valves has numerous advantages over brass valve production: elimination of the hot pressing phase, lower lead content in products, reduced weight and consequent decrease in packaging and transport costs. In 2013 the process to replace brass valves with light alloy valves continued, which now represents two-thirds of the valves produced.
High-efficiency burners For many years Sabaf has been a pioneer in presenting to the market burners which offer much higher yields than standard burners. After the launch of the Series III, AE and AEO, in 2012 Sabaf introduced a new family of high-efficiency burners, the HE burners, which achieve yields of up to 68%. The HE burners are also almost completely interchangeable with Series II burners. In 2013 the DCC range of specialist burners was completed; these burners have energy efficiency of above 60%, the highest currently available on the market for burners with more than one ring of flame.