Textile Value Chain talks with Mr. Fabio Locatelli, Head of BU Textile Specialties, ERCA at ITMA 2023
Can you start by telling us a bit about ERCA and its focus on the chemical industry?
ERCA is one of the oldest Italian chemical companies, and we are fully dedicated to producing chemical specialties. We operate six plants across three micro-regions, which are Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Can you elaborate on one of your latest innovations, Revecol?
Revecol is an exceptional example of our commitment to sustainability. It’s a new generation of chemical auxiliaries that is entirely based on recycled materials, specifically exhausted cooking oil. We are proud to have received various certifications, such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Certificate of Compliance, RCS, listing in the gateway of ZDHC, bluesign® approval, GOTS approval, and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). In fact, in November 2022, REVECOL® even won the RESPONSIBLE CARE® award by Federchimica, the Italian federation of the chemical industry. Moreover, it has been included in the BAT (Best Available Techniques) by the European Community.
Can you explain how this new production portfolio contributes to circularity and sustainability?
Our focus with Revecol and other sustainable innovations is to move towards real circularity and sustainability. Revecol’s use of recycled materials reduces waste and minimizes the impact on the environment. By utilizing exhausted cooking oil, we are effectively repurposing a material that would otherwise be discarded. This aligns with our vision to promote true circularity in the chemical industry.
You mentioned that leading companies like Patagonia® and YKK have partnered with ERCA to deploy Revecol. Can you tell us more about this collaboration?
We are delighted to have leading brands like Patagonia® and YKK on board with us in this initiative. Together, we have integrated Revecol into their manufacturing processes, allowing them to produce products that convey the message of sustainability to the end consumer. The collaboration shows that these companies share our vision of a greener and more sustainable future and are actively taking steps to make a positive impact.
How do you measure the impact of innovations like Revecol on the environment?
Measuring the impact of sustainable products is crucial. The success of innovations like Revecol is determined by how widely they are embraced by the market and how much they contribute to positive environmental change. We continuously monitor the adoption of Revecol and other sustainable solutions to gauge their ultimate impact on the environment.
What are your plans to share Revecol and similar advancements with the wider market and end consumers?
We believe that now is the perfect time to share Revecol and other sustainable innovations on a larger scale. Strategic partnerships within the industry are essential for driving widespread adoption. We aim to collaborate with more companies, both within and beyond the chemical industry, to expand the reach of sustainable products like Revecol to as many end consumers as possible. Through these partnerships and shared advancements, we can accelerate the positive impact on the environment.
