Rome, November 10 (Adnkronos) – Used mineral oil from hazardous waste becomes a valuable resource. A good example of the circular economy comes from Bottari Srl, a Verones company of the Itelyum group that deals with the collection, processing and regeneration of used oils and industrial emulsions, a collector of Conou (National Consortium of Used Mineral Oils) for more than forty years; was selected as the protagonist of the 34th stage in Veneto’s national campaign from Legambiente ‘Construction sites of the ecological transition’ which talks about projects, innovations and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability in Italy.
In 2024, Bottari Srl collects around 7 thousand tons of used oil, placing itself among the top companies in the collection chain of the Conou consortium. This activity is accompanied by the processing of oil emulsion, both collected directly and delivered by other operators: from 34 thousand tons of emulsion, 9 thousand tons of oil can be recovered which can be regenerated, avoiding burning and reintroducing the material into the production cycle. In total, Bottari Srl contributes around 12 thousand tons of regenerative oil to Conou’s national supply chain every year, strengthening the national record: in fact, according to the latest Conou Sustainability Report, in 2024, 188 thousand tons of used mineral oil were collected in Italy, equivalent to 100% of the potentially collectible amount, with more than 98% sent for regeneration.
Among the distinctive features of the Bottari Srl plant is the use of advanced technology with low environmental impact: after decantation, the mixture is sent to a heat exchanger (avoiding heating of the entire tank) and then processed in the Tricanter, where oil, water and sludge are separated by centrifugation. In addition, sustainable transport: in 2024 the company converts its fleet of 14 Euro 6 vehicles to the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), an advanced biofuel that allows reducing emissions into the atmosphere.
In addition, located on an area of only 3,300 m2, the company manages heavy waste traffic thanks to the use of high rotation tanks (6 of 220 m3, 1 of 2,500 m3, 4 of 10 m3), handling tens of thousands of tons annually, with fast delivery and unloading times. The company has a high-tech in-house laboratory – equipped with Xrf, gas chromatographs and photometers – that inspects incoming and outgoing loads, ensuring compliance, traceability and quality. In the future, Bottari Srl is also ready to invest in wastewater recovery.
This morning the Veronese company held a visit to the factory followed by a press conference. “Italy leads Europe in the circular management of used mineral oil, which originates from the life cycle of lubricants, thanks to good experiences like this – says Stefano Ciafani, national president of Legambiente – Collection is not only the first link in the circular chain but is an essential condition for circularity to exist: without efficient, timely and quality collection, there can be no regeneration or recycling. Bel Paese has learned this lesson and it is important for them to continue on this path, proudly asserting its leadership in this area of the circular economy, to protect the environment and public health, but also reducing energy dependence on foreign countries, reducing imports and costs, in the name of the ecological transition.”
“Conou – explains Riccardo Piunti, president of Conou – is known for its excellence in Europe for collecting 100% of used oil and regenerating 98% of it. The work carried out by Bottari is an important part of this result: recovering the last drop means knowing how to treat the water-oil mixture that comes from the factory and adequately managing the recovered oil, of lower quality, to take it to regeneration as well. This is what our supply chain has learned and which allows us to say that we collect it all, unlike what happens in other European countries”.
