Managing materials and resources responsibly, working to improve packaging, containing emissions and optimising waste disposal: improving the environmental footprint of our business is a major challenge for Markas. We take it very seriously, with responsibility towards the future.
The SDGs we are committed to
Material topics
Energy management
Management of operational waste and hazardous materials
More sustainable packaging – reduction of plastic
Use of non-food products that are environmentally sustainable
Efficiency of processes and resource utilisation
The challenges we undertake
Energy management
Energy management
Obtaining the ISO 50001 certification
Adding more electric vehicles to our company fleet
More sustainable packaging – reduction of plastic
MORE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Identifying more sustainable alternatives for disposable plastic bags for sous-vide products
In 2005 we obtained the ISO 14001 certification for the first time, and we started our journey towards environmental sustainability, which has now become a cornerstone of Markas’ corporate culture.
Thanks to the skills and expertise developed over the years, we combine a high level of service and environmental hygiene with concrete actions aimed at minimising the environmental impacts produced by our activities.
The environmental aspects that are significant for us
Energy consumption
Despite the difficulties that characterised the energy sector in 2022, we have never abandoned our commitment to the ecological transition.
Energy mix in 2022
Emissions
Our main emissions come from the use of methane for heating our premises and from the use of company fleet vehicles used by staff for work purposes. In addition, monitored emissions also include those related to F-Gas equipment (cold rooms, blast chillers, etc.) used in Food contracts.
Direct and indirect CO2 emissions generated in the 2020-2022 three-year period (ton Co2eq)
Water resources
Water resources management is implemented through the controls foreseen and put in place in alignment with the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard and the EMAS certified Environmental Management System.
Water withdrawals in the 2020-2022 three-year period (ML)
The evolution of packaging and the reduction of plastic use
Being sustainable is not only a distinctive element but, rather, it is an essential activity. This leads to specific choices regarding the materials and products used for all Markas contracts, with a particular focus on reducing the use of plastics.
Eco-friendly products used in the Clean division
Reduction of plastic use
Consumers are increasingly aware of the topic of the circular economy. The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – play a central role in this regard.
We are committed to selecting suppliers and products that adopt strategies and policies to reduce the use of plastic, particularly when it comes to virgin plastics.
Waste treatment
We manage waste responsibly towards the environment and society, in accordance with our corporate Environmental Management System compliant with the ISO 14001 standard and the EMAS Regulations.
The waste we produce and the disposal system
Our production of waste
Destination of waste produced in 2022*
* Data concerning Markas Italia and Markas Germany
Projects
From words to actions
Well certification
As proof of its attention to the environment, Markas inaugurated its new corporate headquarters in Bolzano in 2019. A "CasaClima A" building and the first in Italy certified as a Well Gold Building – the international standard that promotes the health and psychophysical well-being of people in buildings.
Well certification is based on an integrated approach to sustainability and involves a joint commitment on eight fronts:
- Air – improving indoor quality, ensuring correct air exchanges through the systematic opening of windows or, in Markas’ case, the use of particulate filters;
- Water – easy access for all users to clean water sources free of polluting materials;
- Nutrition – with the aim of promoting healthy eating, preferring the consumption of raw materials in corporate, school and hospital canteens, in order to encourage promoting balanced meals’;
- Lighting – maximising natural light, limiting artificial light;
- Movement – the positioning of work environments close to areas that allow movement, to reduce a sedentary lifestyle;
- Comfort – guaranteed by cleanliness, noise reduction, maintenance of optimal temperature, good quality of finishes;
- Psychophysical well-being – concerns the physical and mental health of human beings, who experience work environments in a healthy and balanced manner in order to work and feel their best within them;
- Innovation – encouraging innovation, with the presentation of new ideas for new concept-based features.
"M’illumino di meno"
Since 2017, Markas has taken part in “M’illumino di meno”, an initiative launched by Caterpillar and Rai Radio2 with the aim of turning off the lights and raising awareness among companies, institutions and citizens on energy saving and sustainable lifestyles.
Every year, Markas participates by switching off the company’s illuminated signs at its premises for one day. In addition, activities are proposed to directly involve staff in environmental issues, also in accordance with the requirements of the EMAS Regulation. For example, in 2022 employees were invited to share, by means of a photo, the green corner of their home or their bike ride to work. For the first 50 photos shared, the company planted a tree in Val di Fiemme, contributing to the restoration of the forest following the tragic event of the Vaia storm that took place in October 2018.
Markas’ employees had the opportunity to plant with their own hands the tree received as a gift from Markas, participating in the reforestation day held in June 2022 in Passo Lavazè (TN).
Monitoring energy consumption
In 2022, an energy analysis was conducted covering a sample of 10 Food contracts. Specifically, the activity consisted in monitoring all the dynamics related to the management of equipment by contracted staff including, for example, the switching on and off of machines, the relative methods of use, etc. The activity therefore made it possible to identify critical aspects and improvement actions to save energy.
The main critical issue identified was the ventilation systems (Air Handling Units), which were not regulated. In this sense, efforts have been made to find solutions to reduce operating times. During 2021, a second project was launched, the implementation of the ETP platform, also focused on monitoring energy consumption, in two steps. All direct electricity and gas supplies from the Food division and Markas permanent offices are monitored against a database of billing data from Alperia, the supplier. The data is clustered for different types of activities (premises, medium and long-stay catering, corporate canteens, etc.) and benchmarks are created (per meal). This makes it possible to compare consumption per meal and identify any waste.
In addition to this analysis, through the same platform, continuous monitoring systems with remote data reading have been implemented on the billing history for three food facilities that were already technologically ready to support remote monitoring (Verona Borgo Roma, Gardone Valtrompia and Cervasca cooking centres).
Environmental impacts (EU Ecolabel certification)
In 2021, Markas obtained the EU Ecolabel Certification for indoor cleaning services. From this important milestone, Markas worked on the creation of a specific ecological cleaning service: Markas Eco Clean.
The Markas Eco Clean service is characterised by high quality standards and special attention to environmental impacts. In particular, the service is characterised by the use of chemicals (detergents and cleaners), as well as EU Ecolabel certified cleaning accessories and consumable materials, energy-efficient washing machines, attention to training and awareness of staff towards environmental aspects, use of low-emission vehicles and bicycles for staff movements, and correct waste management.
As recognition for its commitment, Markas won the 2022 EU Ecolabel Award, the prestigious award given out by Ispra to companies that have distinguished themselves in promoting the principles and values of the European Ecolabel.