At EcoForum 2025, the national conference on the circular economy organised by Legambiente and held on 1–2 July 2025 at the Hotel Quirinale in Rome, the Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA), in partnership with Comieco, presented two special awards to plants that have stood out in the recovery of beverage and food cartons — exemplary cases of local circular economy best practices.
Sav.No., operating in the province of Treviso, received the FBCA Award – Centres of Excellence for having collected and sorted 106 tonnes of cartons between May and December 2024 across 44 municipalities, serving a total population of around 297,000. This achievement reflects an efficient waste management system and strong engagement with the local community.
Ecomac, a Sicilian plant based in Augusta (province of Syracuse), was awarded the “Keep an Eye on Them” Prize by FBCA and Comieco. This recognition is dedicated to facilities that have only recently begun sorting beverage and food cartons but are already standing out for their commitment and potential. Ecomac operates in an area covering municipalities in the provinces of Syracuse, Catania, and Ragusa, serving a population of approximately 400,000.
Both plants also stand out for their use of automated separation systems, which make the sorting process more efficient and economically viable. The adoption of advanced technologies not only increases the volume of recovered material but also improves its quality, thereby enhancing the overall value of beverage cartons within the recycling chain.
