EMAS SME success story: Progeva Srl

How can small companies use EMAS to achieve big environmental gains? The success story of Progeva Srl—an Italian SME with 30 employees—shows how a structured approach can turn ambition into measurable impact and stakeholder trust.

Progeva operates on a 100,000 sqm site, transforming organic waste into certified fertilisers and sustainable biomethane. To anchor transparency and continuous improvement, the company adopted the EU EcoManagement and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in 2018, building on ISO 14001 (certified in 2013). EMAS has helped Progeva systematise their monitoring, optimise their processes, and translate their limited resources into targeted upgrades and clear results.

Measurable Environmental Gains

Since registration, Progeva has expanded capacity to treat 100,000 tonnes of organic waste annually (up from 77,000 tonnes), producing high quality compost and organic fertilisers that regenerate soils. It now generates over 4.6 million cubic metres of biomethane per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by around 66% compared to fossil fuels. Investments in photovoltaic panels and high efficiency cogeneration cover a substantial share of electricity and thermal needs, while confined operations with advanced abatement and water purification ensure controlled emissions. EMAS has also delivered practical business benefits for a small enterprise, including lower environmental liability insurance costs and extended validity of key environmental authorisations.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

Progeva pairs technical upgrades with staff training, community information campaigns on organic waste collection, and research partnerships to refine composting techniques. They have shown how a small team can amplify impact beyond one plant. Its phased journey—from ISO 14001 to EMAS—offers a replicable path for SMEs: set priorities, invest in people, communicate openly, and progress step by step without overstretching budgets.

Looking ahead, Progeva plans to increase capacity to treat up to 140,000 tonnes annually and continue investing in technologies that cut impacts and boost renewable self-sufficiency. As CEO Lella Miccolis notes, “Every sustainable choice we make… is a firm desire to write a different story: that of a greener future, a prosperous region, and generations to whom we can leave a clean legacy.” Progeva’s experience demonstrates that EMAS can be a practical guide for continuous improvement and competitiveness—especially for small companies.

To learn more, access the full success story here: EMAS - Success Story "Progeva Srl"