Barilla is strengthening its commitment to an increasingly sustainable development model by focusing on two strategic drivers: circular packaging and efficient water resource management.
In terms of packaging, the company has reached an important milestone: 100% of the packages sold in Italy are now designed to be recyclable. Globally, more than 50% of the materials used in packaging come from recycling supply chains, and 71% of the packages are made of paper or cardboard. At the same time, in 2024 the company increased the volume of recycled and reused water by 45% compared to 2022, with a 164% increase in areas experiencing higher water stress.
€5 million in investments for the Rubbiano plant
Among the most significant examples is the Rubbiano plant (Parma), dedicated to producing sauces and pestos, which in 2024 alone increased its volume of recycled water by 28%. Overall, more than 62,000 cubic meters of water were recovered between 2022 and 2024 thanks to the use of advanced purification systems. The site is also at the center of an investment plan exceeding €5 million, included in the Energy & Water Plan, with the goal of increasing the recycled water index in the most critical areas by 250% by 2030.
Recycled materials, redesign, virgin fibers
The company is committed to reducing the environmental impact of packaging, increasing the use of recycled materials, and decreasing dependence on fossil resources. In addition to ensuring full recyclability of its packages in Italy, Barilla aims to eliminate approximately 4,000 tons of material through redesign projects by 2030. Moreover, nearly 160,000 tons of paper and cardboard sourced from responsibly managed forestry supply chains are used every year. A symbol of this journey is the Blue Box, made from certified virgin-fiber cardboard and printed with low-odor inks that facilitate recycling. A concrete example of eco-design is the gradual removal of the plastic window from pasta boxes, which has reduced the introduction of unnecessary plastic by about 126,000 kg per year.
In 2023, this project received the Best Packaging Award, granted by the Istituto Italiano Imballaggio.
