Riccardo Piunti, president of CONOU, explains to Rinnovabili how HVO biodiesel derived from waste oils can generate both environmental and economic value.
Italy stands out in several industrial sectors, and the collection and regeneration of used lubricating oils is among the country’s most effective circular economy systems. The national model has achieved a remarkable 98% regeneration and circularity rate, confirming Italy among Europe’s leading performers in this field.
At the core of this result is CONOU, the National Consortium for Used Mineral Oils, which for more than four decades has served as a benchmark not only nationally but also across Europe. By coordinating a wide network of companies and operators, the consortium has helped build awareness and participation around a best practice circular model for used oil recovery and regeneration. As often happens in circular value chains, progress in one segment tends to generate further innovation across the system.
