Water consumption

Our water management: reduction and reuse.

-37 %

Reduction in water use (m3 of water used/t of finished product) compared to the baseline (2023 vs 2009) achieved thanks to the implementation of a closed-loop water recycling system that allows for reuse wherever possible.

5 - 8 %

Range of residual water in paper depending on product features

WATER MANAGEMENT

Water management has to account both for environmental and economic impacts. The quality of wastewater, which is treated before being released into waterways, has to be as high as possible to avoid negative environmental outcomes.

For this reason, it is crucial to carefully monitor the entire wastewater process. Wastewater quality is assessed through continuous chemical and physical analyses. The principal safety parameters are carefully examined every day.

The water in paper production

Water has several uses in a paper mill: first and foremost, it enables the handling and distribution of the fibres that form the paper web. Depending on the type of final product required, different percentages of water are used in various types of mixture.

Water is also used in certain subsequent processes such as coating, which improves paper and board’s surface appearance and print quality.The percentage of water in coating ranges from 60% in less diluted solutions to 95% in more diluted ones.

Finally, water is also used in the drying process in the form of steam after having been treated in a demineralisation plant.

Water has multiple uses in a paper mill: it is used to create paper pulp, coatings and as a heating fluid.

Closed-loop water system

-26 %

Reduction of annual emissions of COD in water (kg of COD/t of finished product) - organic substances in waste water which consume oxygen in water bodies - compared to the baseline (2023 vs 2009) thanks to virtuous actions in the management of raw materials and in water discharges purification.

To reduce waste and improve efficiency across its facilities, Favini uses water from different sources for different uses. Well water is employed in manufacturing processes, while that from waterworks fulfils all personal uses (from canteens to sanitary facilities).

The paper mill has also implemented a closed-loop water system to allow for the recovery and reuse of cooling waters after appropriate treatment wherever possible.

Furthermore the presence of additional liter counters allow precise monitoring of consumption along with training dedicated to personnel contributes to more careful consumption of well water.

Finally, all outgoing water from production processes is diverted to an efficient biological treatment plant.

Here, the water is restored to optimal quality and can thus be released into waterways without damaging ecosystems.

The closed-loop purified water recovery system and biological treatment plant ensure process efficiency and reduced consumption.

100 %

The share of well water used in industrial processes. This type of water is of lower quality compared to that in the waterworks and its use impacts the community less.

Our commitment to water management is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals by United Nations. In particular, our approach in this area respects the principles: