Sustainability at Zato
Our journey towards environmental responsibility
At Zato, sustainability is a shared responsibility and a strategic lever to create lasting value. We have always integrated it into the way we work, associating it with circularity as the guiding principle of our choices.
With our third sustainability report, drawn up voluntarily according to the VSME, we tell a story that goes beyond mere reporting: an opportunity to grow, improve and evolve.
We want to strike a balance between the benefits we generate and the impacts we may cause, while consciously addressing the environmental and social challenges of our time. This is why we share our commitment to circularity and the five strategic themes that guide our actions. Some goals are still being defined, but our intent is clear: to turn sustainability into responsibility, day after day.
A comprehensive interpretation of sustainability
FAQ
STEP 1: RAW MATERIAL
Increase the use of recycled steel in the production of machinery, collaborating with suppliers for greater traceability and certification of the material’s origin.
STEP 2: DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Promotion of a circular economy through innovative design of machines, components and materials. Use of software for rapid analysis of machine data.
STEP 3: DISTRIBUTION AND MAINTENANCE
The use of scrap as the main raw material to produce iron, aluminium, steel, copper and rubber allows us to contribute to the ecological transformation of the steel industry.
Climate change and energy
We are committed to reducing our impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, both direct and indirect.
TODAY
What we accomplished- Sustainable digitisation: Website certified by Website Carbon and Green Web Foundation, powered by 100 per cent renewable sources.
- ESG performance monitoring: Started the implementation of software to collect and analyse environmental data automatically and continuously.
- Transport efficiency: Collaboration with suppliers for more efficient and less impactful transport.
- Analysis of the company fleet: Assessment of efficiency and impacts of company vehicles.
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Update the company car fleet policy by integrating environmental criteria.
- Revise the company Travel Policy.
- Promote sustainable behaviour through internal communication and training.
- Digitise environmental reporting.
- Consider joining a Renewable Energy Community (REC).
- Develop climate resilience and environmental risk management strategies.
- Obtain ISO 14001 certification.
Resource use and circular economy
We are committed to building an increasingly sustainable supply chain, integrating recycled and recyclable materials and promoting the reduction of environmental impact. We believe in dialogue with suppliers as a strategic lever to share ESG objectives and promote continuous improvement throughout the chain.
TODAY
What we accomplished- Raw materials: Deepening research into the use of recycled materials, with a target of 50% recycled steel by 2025.
- Packaging: Identification of environmentally friendly alternatives and reduction of non-sustainable components.
- Support chain: Progressive integration of ESG criteria into supplier selection and evaluation processes, with completion expected in 2025.
- Waste management: Consolidation of traceability, reduction and reuse of materials, with constant attention also to the proper management of hazardous waste.
- Ecodesign: Reducing the amount of materials used in manufacturing and designing durable, repairable, upgradeable and recyclable products.
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Reach the target of 50% recycled steel in machinery and components by 2025.
- Strengthen ESG performance monitoring in the supply chain.
- Integrate environmental criteria into all purchasing and procurement policies.
- Promote responsible purchasing practices in all product categories.
- Formalise a vendor rating system with ESG criteria.
- Improve the digitisation of environmental processes to foster efficiency and transparency.
Secure employment, well-being and involvement
We protect our employees through strong and lasting contracts, promoting fair and safe working conditions. We invest in people’s well-being and development to build an environment that fosters professional growth and mutual trust.
TODAY
What we accomplished- Implementation of Total Reward model: allows to identify and manage investments and value offered within six dimensions (Physical Space, Relational Space, Welfare, Compensation, Relational Space, Personal Development and Organisational Development).
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Improve internal infrastructure:
- Complete the painting of the welding area.
- Evaluate the reorganisation of administrative/HR spaces.
- Check the feasibility of a new dedicated meeting room.
- Optimisation of outdoor spaces:
- Creating road markings in the company car park.
- Development of the human resources management system:
- Create a human resources management system inspired by PAS 24000, aimed at obtaining certification in the future.
Health and safety
We are committed to ensuring a safe working environment and promoting a culture of prevention, making every corporate function accountable. We invest in training, appropriate equipment and management systems to minimise risks and promote the physical and psychological well-being of employees.
TODAY
What we accomplished- The implementation of an ISO 45001: safety certification system helps to prevent and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace, improving the health and well-being of workers.
- Mandatory training in occupational health and safety: provides new employees with the fundamental knowledge to work in a protective and aware manner.
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Improve safety during off-site activities (installations and maintenance).
- Obtain ISO 45001 certification.
- Develop a system for managing near misses.
Training and skills development
We believe that the growth of people is the key to innovation and change. That is why we invest in the continuous development of skills, offering tools and opportunities that make every function a protagonist in the evolution of the company.
Internal Controls and Risk Management
Cybersecurity is an integral part of our control system and a strategic factor of reliability and competitiveness. Protecting data means protecting business continuity and accessing markets that demand high security standards.
TODAY
What we accomplished- Launch of a structured project to strengthen IT governance:
- Analysis of the company’s cybersecurity status with the aim of implementing a project to secure IT systems.
- Ongoing training programme to keep attention and awareness high on digital risks.
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Fully adapt IT governance to the NIS2 standard.
- Develop an information security management system to achieve ISO 27001 certification.
Innovation and industry advancement
We actively participate in industry organisations to promote sustainable industrial policies and strengthen our role in the transition to a circular economy. We want to facilitate the spread of recovery and recycling practices throughout the territory, contributing to a more efficient, responsible and competitive system.
TODAY
What we accomplished- Collaboration with the Milan Polytechnic: Evaluation of environmental impacts and energy savings in the melting process of ferrous scrap treated with our machinery, with scientific dissemination of results at industry conferences.
- Maintaining active participation in sector organisations: Continued contribution to sustainable development and innovation in the supply chain.
- Increased machine efficiency: reducing environmental impacts without compromising performance.
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Continuing to improve the energy efficiency of machinery at the customer’s premises
Corporate culture
We believe in a corporate culture based on ethics, legality and sustainability. Spreading these values means building a solid and consistent corporate identity, promoting responsible behaviour, conscious participation and a shared path to growth.
TODAY
What we accomplished- Diffusion of corporate culture: communication of the ESG path and widespread involvement and empowerment of people at all levels.
- Sustainability skills development: individual coaching on sustainability issues with line managers.
TOMORROW
Future actions and objectives- Organise group activities, enhance internal communication and training sessions on environmental, social and governance issues to increase awareness and involvement.
Enabling circularity
Ferrous scrap, having reached the end of its life cycle, can be processed again through specific melting processes. Before this process takes place, the company’s machinery enables the scrap to be properly prepared through a number of basic steps:
- Size reduction to facilitate melting and avoid damage to the furnace
- Cleaning and separation according to chemical characteristics: to improve casting quality and atmospheric emissions
Would you like to learn more about the impact of our actions, the data behind them and the approaches we take?
All this information, in more detail, can be found in our sustainability report!
If you would like to know more about our commitment to sustainability, please do not hesitate to contact us: esg@zatoshredder.com
