Italian tanners share best practice at trade fairs
Italian tanners’ association UNIC and tanners groups from Tuscany have shared their experience of the Eco-Management Audit Scheme (EMAS) and best practice around environmental strategies at the Rimini-based Ecomondo fair (November 4-7).
EMAS is a tool created by the European Community to encourage sustainable development. In Italy, it is promoted by the Ministry of the Environment and has been awarded to the Tuscan tanning district since 2010.
Enrico Cancila, president of the EMAS section of the Ecolabel Eco-audit Committee at the Ministry of the Environment, has travelled to trade fairs to promote the tanners’ achievements.
He said: "The sharing of best practices encourages the entire local community to be environmentally responsible."
Fabio Iraldo, who oversees scientific work related to EMAS, highlighted the Tuscan district's foresight in adopting this certification in 2010, thanks to the commitment of trade associations.
The only two Italian industrial districts certified by EMAS are the Tuscan tanning district and the Ravenna chemical district. Representatives of the two are planning to collaborate to promote EMAS further.
