UPCYCLING: MEANING AND WHAT ARE THE EXAMPLES FROM FAVINI
The practice of reusing waste materials, destined to be thrown away, to create new objects of greater value than the original material is called upcycling, selected ‘Word of the Year of 2019’ according to the Cambridge Dictionary. Favini has been an adopter of this principle behind the circular economy since the 90s, undertaking a sustainable path on which it continues today.
At first it was the patented Alga Carta made with algae from the Venice Lagoon that started this journey. Then with the development of other papers – Crush, Remake and Refit – which replaces part of the wood cellulose with agri-industrial residues, fine leather goods remnants and most recently with textile industry waste. The principle that unites these projects is creative reuse, but what distinguishes them further is the supply chain with which Favini has established a relationship of industrial symbiosis. This allows Favini to trigger the benefits which are associated with the circular economy.

BEYOND UPCYCLING: INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS AND INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
The closed-loop system, in which all waste becomes a new raw material, is part of the concept called “industrial ecology”, this centres around the affinity between the natural system and the industrial system. This new expression could quickly become more commonly understood and used. It remains as the intended future direction for Favini to follow.
The concept of “industrial symbiosis” is part of an affinity with natural ecosystems, which are recognized for their cyclical characteristics.
Traditionally different industries integrate processes to promote competitive advantages through the exchange of matter, energy, water but in the case of Favini it is with its ecological papers that use by-products.
Favini’s current path to sustainable development is characterized with both the by product innovations alongside the robust management of its processes.