Crocco, Irsap and Aliplast: a "closed loop" process gives new life to shrink film waste
This initiative paves a new path in the circular economy: Crocco SpA SB, Irsap SpA, and Aliplast (part of the HERA Group) have announced the success of a new recycling process in which all polyethylene waste generated during Irsap’s production is fully recovered and transformed into new shrink films.
In practice, every kilogram of plastic packaging waste used by Irsap and recovered by Aliplast is given new life in Crocco's products, with no waste or residues to dispose of.
The process is based on a simple yet innovative loop, entirely made in Italy. Irsap uses polyethylene film in the production of its heating systems; the packaging waste from this process is collected by Aliplast, which retrieves, Xs, washes, and transforms it into post-consumer plastic granules.
“Our role is to transform what is considered waste into a valuable raw material. We see recycling not as a secondary option, but as an integral part of a modern industrial supply chain. We believe this project demonstrates how effective and replicable a circular economy model based on the full valorization of materials can be,” says Michele Petrone, CEO of Aliplast (HERA Group).
Using the recovered granules, Crocco produces new films containing 50% recycled material and 50% virgin material, maintaining high standards of strength and versatility.
The added value of this project lies in the fact that the entire amount of production waste, once treated by Aliplast, is reintroduced into new packaging. With 100% of the material recycled, the cycle is closed – nothing goes to landfill.
“At IRSAP, we have always considered efficiency in production processes a fundamental value. We are particularly proud to announce an important step toward the circular economy: thanks to this innovative project, we can now recover and reintegrate plastic waste into our packaging, creating a virtuous cycle. This achievement would not have been possible without constant commitment and valuable collaboration with strategic partners in our region. It marks a significant advancement toward a circular economy model that embraces and enhances the entire production chain,” declares Marco Rossi, CEO of Irsap SpA.
By 2025, the goal is to produce about 95 tons of film containing Irsap's recovered waste (around 45 tons), thereby absorbing all of Irsap’s production waste.
The project also ensures cost stability: using 50% recycled material does not lead to price increases compared to traditional solutions, offering a concrete opportunity for transitioning to more sustainable production processes.
“As a cutting-edge company in flexible packaging, we believe that plastic can stop being waste and become a renewable resource. Thanks to this project, we can ensure a high-quality product while significantly reducing environmental impact. It proves that circular economy processes are not a cost but a benefit for everyone,” comments Matteo Ceola, Chief Sales Officer of Crocco SpA SB.
The synergy between Crocco, Irsap, and Aliplast – all rooted in the Veneto region but set to inspire others – shows that plastic can be managed in a virtuous way, minimizing waste and delivering tangible benefits for both the environment and industrial competitiveness. The film produced through the closed loop confirms that, with the right collaboration and adequate technologies, the circular economy can become the foundation of a new development model.
