Progeva Srl is a small yet pioneering company in the organic waste recycling sector, producing certified natural fertilisers and sustainable biomethane. With a team of 30 employees and a site covering approximately 100,000 sqm, Progeva integrates technological innovation and holistic sustainability - environmental, social, and economic - at the core of its business model.
Industry: Recycling Sector
Size: 30 employees
EMAS registered since: 2018
What is your approach towards sustainability?
For Progeva, sustainability is more than a goal—it’s a guiding principle. The company plays a vital role in closing the loop on organic waste, transforming it into high-quality compost and sustainable biomethane. Through an integrated plant system, Progeva supports soil regeneration and low-impact agriculture, while its renewable energy production advances national and European climate targets.
Their approach extends beyond operations: using renewable raw materials, recycled packaging, and maximising resource efficiency through self-generated green energy. Every pro cess is designed to minimise waste and optimise the use of water, materials, and energy, demonstrating that even small companies can have a significant impact.
Corporate sustainability
(from top to bottom and from left to right): Organic fertiliser production plant using composting and biorefinery (Impianto di produzione di fertilizzanti organici mediante compostaggio e bioraffineria) / social responsibility (Responsabilità sociale) / economic responsibility (Responsabilità economica) / environmental responsibility (Responsabilità ambientale) / We are committed to creating value for people and the planet (Ci impegniamo a creare valore per le persone e per il pianeta).
Why did your company join EMAS?
Progeva chose EMAS to strengthen its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. EMAS provides robust tools to measure and improve environmental performance, turning sustainability into a certified competitive ad vantage. For Progeva, EMAS is not just a label—it’s a roadmap for responsible growth and circular economy leadership.
EMAS registration brought not only operational improvements, but also tangible business advantages for Progeva, such as a substantial reduction in insurance costs for environmental liability and an extended validity period for key environmental authorisations. These benefits provided additional motivation and security for the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Progeva’s journey shows that EMAS can be a powerful tool for both environmental and organisational development, offering real incentives for companies ready to take the next step.
What are the main results so far?
Since joining EMAS, Progeva has made significant strides in both environmental performance and its contribution to the circular economy. The company expanded its plant capacity, now treating 100,000 tonnes of organic waste annually – up from 77,000 tonnes - transforming this material into high-quality compost and organic fertilisers that support sustainable agriculture and help address local waste challenges. The process not only regenerates agricultural soils but also ensures that valuable organic resources are valorised rather than wasted, thus avoiding the economic and environmental costs of landfill or incineration. This also offers a valid strategic solution to the local waste disposal needs.
By producing over 4.6 million cubic metres of sustainable biomethane each year, Progeva has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by around 66% compared to fossil fuels, advancing decarbonisation and energy autonomy in line with European climate goals.
Continuous technological upgrades to plant facilities and environmental control systems ensure that all processes are carried out in confined environments with advanced emission abatement systems. Investments in renewable energy, including photovoltaic panels and a high-efficiency cogeneration unit, now cover a substantial share of the company’s electricity and thermal needs. In addition, advanced water purification systems and the near-total conversion of organic waste into energy highlight Progeva’s dedication to resource efficiency.
Beyond technical achievements, Progeva is committed to raising environmental awareness and fostering best practices in the community. The company organises training sessions and information campaigns to promote proper organic waste collection, ensuring that both individuals and local organisations understand how their actions contribute to a more sustainable future. Progeva also collaborates with partners on experimental studies to advance innovative composting techniques and develops tailored solutions to further minimise environmental impacts at every stage of its operations.
Research and development are at the core of Progeva’s approach, driving continuous progress in sustainability and resource efficiency. By combining technological innovation with active community engagement and educational initiatives, Progeva not only improves its own practices but also inspires others to embrace environmental responsibility.
Every sustainable choice we make, every resource we bring back to life, every impact we mitigate demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond mere compliance. It’s not just respect for the rules, but 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, in line with the new Bioeconomy Strategy promoted by the EU.
Lella Miccolis
CEO of Progeva
What can other organisations learn from your example?
Progeva’s experience demonstrates that even small and medium-sized enterprises can successfully adopt EMAS and achieve meaningful environmental improvements. By taking a gradual, structured approach - beginning with ISO 14001 certification in 2013 and steadily enhancing environ mental management practices - the company was able to meet EMAS requirements by 2018 without overburdening its budgetary and human resources. Setting clear priorities, investing in staff training, and breaking the process into manageable steps made EMAS implementation achievable. Open communication, both internally and with stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous improvement, have proven essential to Progeva’s success.
What do you have in mind for the future?
Looking ahead, Progeva plans to further expand its plant capacity to treat up to 140,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, enabling the company to support the local area’s evolving needs. Future investments will focus on advanced technologies and environmental measures to reduce impacts even further and boost energy self-sufficiency from renewables. The company remains dedicated to innovation and community engagement, aiming to strengthen its contribution to climate goals and inspire other small businesses to join the journey toward sustainability.
Contacts
info
progeva [dot] it (info[at]progeva[dot]it)
qualitaprogeva [dot] it (qualita[at]progeva[dot]it)
- Publication date
- 11 November 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment