• Where does the need to commit to sustainability come from?

“The need was twofold: first, we saw undeniable momentum from several large client companies, well-established businesses whose sustainability journey began some time ago. These are major industry players that require precise information about their suppliers to prepare their sustainability reports. And we are one of these suppliers. Second, through internal discussions, we identified a convergence in establishing a virtuous path that would be attentive to environmental issues, energy savings, and carbon footprint reduction, while also improving the quality of life within the company. We firmly believe that if you feel good within the company, you feel good outside it too.”

• Meccanoplastica is making a significant effort on multiple fronts, with numerous actions, all under a strict transparent reporting protocol…is that true? Do you think transparency regarding your sustainability commitment could be an added value for your business?

“We’re a medium-sized company, so it goes without saying that we have to work twice as hard to embark on a long and complex sustainability journey. We’re doing our utmost to implement concrete actions, and in this regard, transparency is a fundamental tool, for several reasons: to be credible in the market, for the need for accurate and continuous reporting, because we do it by putting our face forward, because we believe in it. It’s not—to be clear—merely a question of marketing… From a commercial perspective, we haven’t had any additional contacts, but we’re only at the beginning: I’m confident that this process will soon become crucial in finalizing certain sales. Meanwhile, however, a very important player has already told us clearly that for them, having implemented ESG measures is a crucial factor in their supplier selection, and will increasingly be so.”

• As a first step, you started from the materiality analysis, how did the different categories of stakeholders respond to your requests?

“We received a strong response, and this gave us further impetus. We received positive feedback from partners, suppliers, and credit institutions who supported us from the beginning of the process. I’d also like to highlight the very positive response from Meccanoplastica itself: more than 85% of board members and employees responded to the materiality questionnaire.”

• From 2022, collect data on your carbon footprint… This activity usually provides a baseline for more virtuous actions. Are you planning a decarbonization path for the future?

“To date, the company, within Scope 3, is focusing on consolidating its baseline carbon footprint. We may now consider actions to limit our impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions or CO2 equivalents. After that, we’ll see how we can move forward with the decarbonization process. As machinery manufacturers, not plastic or other materials producers, we’re not energy-intensive, but we will continue to pay increasing attention to our production cycles.”

• In 2024 you obtained your first important recognition: the Ecovadis “bronze” certification…

“Ecovadis certification was a first milestone that pleasantly surprised us. The bronze medal has given the brand a certain standing and provided a motivational boost in our daily work. Today, we’d like to pursue the next recognition. This achievement would be even more of a feather in our cap, given that Meccanoplastica already has a higher Ecovadis rating than the average of other companies in the sector.”

• The Sustainability Plan is a central document in a sustainability journey as it identifies the roadmap for the actions the company intends to implement for the future. Are there any challenges contained in the Plan that are particularly important for Meccanoplastica?

“We have drawn up a Code of Ethics that faithfully reflects the essence and values ​​of Meccanoplastica, as well as the community-based activities we have implemented. Another important aspect is a deeper commitment to corporate welfare and sustainability training, to further convey the company’s commitment. In the future, we would like to obtain ISO 14001 and 45001 certifications and replace the company fleet with hybrid or electric vehicles. Finally, we are close to finalizing an agreement to build our new headquarters, with a larger warehouse equipped with a photovoltaic system.”

• Over the course of this year, you’ll monitor the energy consumption of your production systems to ensure they meet the Euromap 10+ energy consumption certification (the certification calculates the energy impact per kilogram of plastic processed). The electric range of your machines will provide a significant boost…

 “We already have several of our machines certified Euromap 10+. This certification gives us a significant boost in terms of Industry 5.0 incentives. As for the rest, I confirm: among the other machines currently in our range, we have already compiled a consumption measurement for all systems, both fully electric and hydraulic, to ensure that as many of our products as possible obtain certification…”

• Sustainability is already and will increasingly be an asset in Meccanoplastica’s daily operations, enabling the company to do everything necessary to improve ESG standards. A major, complicated, long-term challenge, but also highly stimulating…

“What’s always important to me is that the step is as long as the leg, not longer than the leg. This is also because international scenarios are changing, and we are a company that is growing in this world and facing these challenges. We need to balance growth with learning.”

• What would you say to companies like yours that are making the decision to bring sustainability into their business? And what would you say to skeptics?

“My advice is: overcome your doubts and try to open yourself to the change that often knocks at your door, in a disruptive way. Always leave a little room for new dynamics to enter, especially if they’re moving in a positive direction. You must always think about the people who are with you and those who will come after you. It’s a matter of civic education; we’re not just consumers and we’re not just workers, we are citizens first and foremost, and we must think about the community, not just our own little corner and our personal situation.”