MILAN, Italy – In 2023, Rancilio Group partnered with Re-Cig and installed cigarette bins in the company’s break areas. This led to the “Smokers Point” project, which focuses on the proper cigarette disposal, raises employee awareness of the damage smoking causes to health and the environment.
Rancilio Group, Global Operations Director, Antonio Salamina said: “The ‘Smokers Point’ project has a significant impact on our company, influencing our environmental management and raising employee awareness of smoking risks and the importance of proper cigarette disposal.”
The first year of the project’s implementation produced significant results, as highlighted in the 2023 Annual Report:
- 16 kg of butts recovered
- 53,328 equivalent cigarettes
- 8.00 kg of Re-CA products
- 38.24 kg of CO2 equivalent avoided
Salamina said: “The results achieved in the first year are promising and confirm the success of our partnership with Re-Cig. We will keep promoting and supporting these initiatives to ensure that our employees work in a healthier and more sustainable environment.”
Re-Cig recycles cigarette butts into versatile plastic material using an innovative process that is crucial in tackling the environmental threat. Cigarette butts are mainly composed of cellulose acetate. They release toxic microplastics and take years to decompose. After being collected at “Smokers Points”, cigarette butts are transported to Re-Cig facilities where they undergo segregation, purification, and conversion into cellulose acetate. This material is used in the manufacture of everyday products like eyeglass frames and buttons.
For more information on Re-Cig click here.
