REFIBER

Who we are

REFIBER is an association formed as a result of cooperation between Innovando Srl, an innovative SME committed to sustainability, Extended Producer Responsibility and to supporting the transition to the Circular Economy, and Area Science Park, national research and multisectoral technological body managing the main science park in Italy

The research program is co-financed by ARGO, the new industrial system based on the innovation of processes and products capable of increasing economic productivity and generating new jobs, through the interaction between research and industry. ARGO is coordinated by Area Science Park and funded by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE).

What we do

REFIBER intends to create a regulatory framework and a network of qualified service providers at national level that guarantee the management of pleasure boats at the end of thir life. In particular, the scope is to create a new national scheme for the recovery of various materials including fiber-reinforced plastic ones, according to the EPR model (Extended Producer Reponsibility), aligned with Circular Economy. The goal is to transform an environmental problem into an economic opportunity by enhancing the flows of materials which have the most difficult treatment such as fiberglass that represent the most important structural component (on average 60% of the weight).

REFIBER is aligned with the European strategy of the Circular Economy which pursues, among others, the objectives of increasing the reuse, prevention, recycling and recovery of waste along with the reduction of landfills to 10% by 2035. The project REFIBER aims to draft of a feasibility plan for the creation of the “REFIBER System”. This future system will include entities and companies in various capacities interested in the research and development of innovative technologies as well as in the management of the entire supply chain of collection, deconstruction, recycling and disposal of materials such as fiber-reinforced plastic materials that are not currently recycled. Fundamental is the promotion as well as the selection of research and development initiatives that aim to recover and recycle non-valued components with economically and environmentally sustainable methods. In addition, the introduction of the EPR for pleasure boats will indirectly promote investments in recycling plant capacity with a view to achieving the objectives set and in economically advantageous terms.

The mission of REFIBER is to create a better future for pleasure boating based on the principles of environmental and economic sustainability. Aligned with Circular Economy and Sustainability principles outlied by the European Union, the program REFIBER allows entities and companies to bring their own contribution to the network, along with the requests within the framework of the emerging EPR normative.