Our commitment to the planet

Starting from 2015, Safilo has implemented several energy saving projects. In order to decrease energy consumption and CO2 emissions the Group installed photovoltaic systems which led to electricity energy savings, in particular:

• 7,422 GJ with a GHG emissions avoided of 1,255 tons in the Chinese plant;

• 1,441 GJ with a GHG emissions avoided of 126 tons in the Padua headquarters;

• 100 GJ with a GHG emissions avoided of 17 tons in Safilo Australia.

Energy savings have been achieved through investments in energy efficiency solutions and through the implementation of energy efficiency practices aimed at a low energy consumption. Some of the implemented projects include:

• Installation of photovoltaic panels at the Padua headquarters which has produced in 2023 about 400 MWh;

• Light system revamping thanks to the implementation of LED instead of neon;

• Gradual replacement of obsolete compressors with new and more efficient ones, variable-speed drive air compressors with lower energy consumption;

• Ongoing replacement of the current heating systems and DHW (Domestic Hot Water) with natural gas boiler and heat pump;

• Installation of motion sensor and light automatic ignitions in low frequented areas;

• Adjustment of ignition and shutdown of air systems: the systems’ ignition has been moved to be closer to the working day starting hour whereas the shutting down has been anticipated in order to exploit the thermic inertia of the working environment;

• Modification of the set point temperatures of the working place air system, in line with the DPR 74/13 (during working hours, in winter max temperature of 20°C and in summer minimum temperature of 26°C, for non-working hours, no limits to the temperature);

• Reduction of the ignition hours of the production facilities, by reducing work shifts and optimizing the industrial calendar;

• Placement of vending machines in standby mode during nighttime and holidays.

Thanks to these energy efficiency practices and investments, the use of sustainable, lower-environmental impact materials and the reduction of carbon emissions, which are constantly monitored by external parties on all the production methods and technologies used, in 2020 the Group obtained the ISO 50001:2018 energy management system certification for the Italian plants of Safilo Industrial S.r.l. and Lenti S.r.l., and the headquarters of Safilo S.p.A. The certification will expire in December 2026.

Promoting responsible use of water resources.

• In 2019, we completed the installation of a new water purification system at our Italian facility in Longarone, which led to a significant reduction in water withdrawals from the supply network, thanks to more than 90% recycling and reuse of water.

• Since 2019, we have implemented maintenance, monitoring and control activities at our Italian plants in Santa Maria di Sala and Bergamo with the aim of optimising water supply sources and making withdrawals more efficient.

• In 2020 overall water withdrawals were 15% lower compared to 2019; this equals the volume of eight Olympic swimming pools.

We put innovation and creativity at the service of environmentally sustainable solutions. One example is the launch in 2020 of the first eyewear collections made of Econyl® regenerated nylon, a plastic material with a low environmental impact as it is obtained by regenerating fishing nets, carpets and fabrics.

From 2022, we also introduced Eastman’s Acetate Renew and Tritan™ Renew into our sun and optical eyewear collections. These are two innovative polymers with the same technical and aesthetic qualities as traditional materials, but with the added benefit of environmental sustainability.

As of 2023, we introduced Eastman Tenite™ Renew, becoming the first eyewear player to use all of Eastman material in its portfolio across all types of applications and production processes.

Since 2019, a part of show cards supplied by Safilo are FSC® - C185180. The FSC (the Forest Stewardship Council) is an independent non-profit organization which safeguards forests for future generations.

During 2022, Safilo obtained an FSC® certification to market cases and promotional items made from materials sourced from responsibly managed forests in accordance with environmental, ethical and economic principles. The FSC® Chain of Custody certification provides a guarantee that products sold with an FSC declaration come from wellmanaged forests, controlled sources or reclaimed materials. Safilo is working with its vendors to identify additional opportunities in this space.

Sustainable mobility contributes to a significant reduction in pollutants, resulting in improved air quality. Safilo began in 2020 to renew its company car fleet with Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles, progressively converting the vehicle fleet towards sustainable mobility such that by December 2023 around 74% of the Italian entities’ company cars were hybrids.

In the Group environmental policy, one specific objective is also the reduction of waste generated. To this end, the Group is active in the identification of more efficient solutions and the use of materials with a lower impact on the environment.

Whenever possible, waste is sent to recycling, if recycling or reuse is not possible, it is sent for disposal based on the type of waste. The responsible management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste represents one of the most important topics of the Group environmental policy. Hazardous waste presents a greater risk to the environment and human health as well as higher operating costs to ensure compliance with regulations than any other type of waste.

The waste generated by the Group is mainly composed of:

• washing waters, sludge and residues deriving from production processes, galvanic and painting, and product washing;

• packaging of various materials (paper and cardboard, plastic, wood, mixed) used to cover the pallets that contain the products, or to divide the products within the pallets;

• plastic materials and mixed metals deriving from processing waste, disposal of materials, or products no longer usable;

• exhausted filters and filter materials;

• liquids deriving from oily emulsions for machine tools, and exhausted oil.