Zest for life
Agrumaria Reggina’s citrus juices, concentrates and essential oils deliver high-quality flavour and fragrance to a wide range of industries. Applications for the Italian company’s products range from food and drinks to cosmetics, perfumes, oral hygiene and home care.
Founded by Francesco Chirico in 1985, this third-generation family business has an approach to sustainability with a family feel. That is, it builds lasting relationships with partners, working with growers to encourage sustainable methods of agriculture.
“We are not alone in the world. We need to think of the next generation and partner with all actors that can support us to generate value for the community,” says Agrumaria Reggina’s CEO and co-owner, Felice Chirico.
Circle of growth
“Sustainability is an imperative. You can’t do business without integrating sustainability principles into your operation,” says Fresia Messi, Agrumaria Reggina’s Sustainability Specialist.
For Agrumaria Reggina, this has meant developing a circular economy system that not only governs the company’s production process but is fundamental to its concept of what “quality” means. Put another way, a quality product is a sustainable product.
Re-use of waste products is a key part of the cycle. The company blends nutrient-rich waste material to create a natural fertiliser for the citrus orchards, returning vital nourishment to the earth and completing the circle.
“Unlike synthetic fertilisers, natural fertilisers have a much broader range of minerals and organic matter within them, which allows for better water drainage and creates a sustainable soil that lasts a long time,” says Messi.
The fruits of labor
Agrumaria Reggina harnesses the benefits of pastazzo – a mixture of citrus pulp and fibers left over after the mechanical extraction of juice and essential oils. Traditionally regarded as industrial waste, pastazzo is now recognised as a valuable by-product.
The pastazzo that Agrumaria Reggina uses is collected from its own processes and those of nearby companies. It is then used to fuel a biogas plant that generates electricity to supply the company’s factory. In this way, Agrumaria Reggina sets a powerful example of how to use natural resources to eliminate waste as part of a circular economy.
