Driving sustainability excellence: IGM Resins Italian chemical plant’s transformative journey towards PCB-free products, LCA and carbon footprint reduction

IGM Resins’ facility located in Mortara (Italy) has embarked on a transformative journey towards a greener and more environmentally responsible future. With a firm commitment to sustainability, the company has undertaken significant measures aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting a healthier planet.
It has implemented three pivotal initiatives in our plant in Mortara: the elimination of PCBs in its products, the implementation of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and substantial investments in reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint. These initiatives are not just goals but fundamental principles that drive our daily operations.

Elimination of PCBs
All photoinitiators produced in Mortara, owing to its specific and advanced manufacturing process, do not contain any detectable levels of PCBs. As the only European production location of photoinitiators, the company guarantees the highest standards when it comes to Quality, Safety, Health and Environment.
As part of the Go, Grow, Green strategy, the company is fully committed to optimising production processes where needed and, in close collaboration with raw material suppliers, eliminate unintentionally created substances, such as PCBs, from all of IGM’s products.

Implementation of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
IGM Resins is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and supporting the sustainability efforts of our customers. Its dedication to sustainability is reflected in completing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Omnirad™ 819, Omnirad™ 1173, and Omnirad™ 184 from the plant located in Mortara available for customers.
An LCA is detailed report that assesses the environmental impact of products from cradle-to-gate. Together with independent expert company and accredited certification organisation, IGM Resins has established accurate and comprehensive LCA’s. The LCA study, modeling and reporting have been audited by an independent third-party auditor according to the rules set out in the international standards ISO 14044 and ISO 14040. Not only does it provide clarity and insights for partners, but by using the LCA, the company can identify areas where it can improve its sustainability performance and collaborate with suppliers and customers to reduce environmental impact.
Additionally, it is important to take into consideration that UV technology saves substantial energy downstream compared to solvent and waterborne alternatives, helping end users to improve their carbon footprint.

Carbon footprint reduction
As part of the commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, the company is making substantial investments in two key areas: water and electricity consumption.
It is dedicated to minimising water consumption by implementing advanced technologies and efficient processes. By doing so, it aims to significantly reduce our environmental impact and ensure the responsible use of this vital resource.
The company is embracing solar energy by installing solar panels at the facility. This renewable energy source not only helps it to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the sun of Italy, the company is taking proactive steps towards mitigating its CO2 emissions.
The long-term commitment is to continually decrease its carbon footprint and work towards a greener and more environmentally-friendly operation. The company believes that these investments in reducing water consumption and adopting solar energy will make a substantial difference in its efforts to protect the planet for generations to come.

Wilfrid Gambade, CEO at IGM Resins says; “As the reliable and responsible business partner driving the UV industry, our commitment is to provide the market with sustainable solutions to guarantee the future of our industry.”