(Alliance News) - Autogrill Spa and the Hera Spa group announced Wednesday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on initiatives in the areas of circular economy, sustainable mobility and environmental communication, consistent with the goals for sustainable development defined by the UN 2030 Agenda.

The agreement between the two entities, which have long been committed to ensuring a transition to an increasingly circular economy through their projects, will last for one year and provides for the gradual development of a series of environmental actions in Autogrill's 390 or so catering outlets throughout the country.

In addition to waste management efficiency solutions, plastic recycling, combating food waste, valorization and prevention of waste production, information and communication activities aimed at both Autogrill employees and customers will be jointly developed.

"Collaborating with companies like Autogrill, which serves millions of customers every year throughout Italy, allows the multi-utility to increase the scope of its activities, aimed at sharing good practices and spreading a culture of circular economy," Hera commented.

The first project in the offing involves the collection of more than 100 tons of used vegetable oils produced in more than 70 Autogrill catering outlets-those that remain at the end of food preparation, for example, frying oils or those used to preserve food-that will be recovered to promote sustainable mobility. Once pre-treated, in fact, the oils will be conveyed to the Venice biorefinery in Porto Marghera, where, thanks to the Hera Group's partnership with Eni Spa, they will be transformed into biofuel.

"This agreement with Autogrill, one of the international leaders in the catering sector, is a further example of how the Hera group can be a strategic partner for the industrial fabric of our country, as well as for institutions, in the transition to a circular economy, a new development paradigm where matter stays alive as long as possible while simultaneously generating economic, environmental and social benefits," said Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera group.

"The regeneration of resources is one of the reasons for Hera's existence, as outlined in the company's purpose, and the progress achieved in this area places the area we serve at the forefront and well ahead of European targets for increasing recycling and minimizing the use of landfill disposal. On the strength of our decades of experience and the results we have achieved, through circularity projects such as those that characterize the agreement signed today with Autogrill, we want to be increasingly alongside companies in reducing and recycling waste."

"The integration of sustainability in its business activities is a priority objective for Autogrill," explained Massimiliano Santoro, CEO Italy of Autogrill. "In this direction, the collaboration with the Hera group enhances circular economy projects, capable of generating value, combining together innovation and sustainability. The recycling of materials used in our stores, for example, represents an opportunity to create and support an efficient recovery industry that contributes to the welfare of the community. Today, more than ever, it is increasingly important for companies to join forces on common goals so that everyone can do their part in safeguarding the Planet's resources."

Autogrill's stock is down 0.3 percent to EUR6.56 per share and Hera gives up 1.4 percent to EUR2.87 per share.

By Giuseppe Fabio Ciccomascolo, Alliance News senior reporter

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