Roadmap for the decarbonization of ITV
NITextile was present at the presentation of the Roadmap for the decarbonization of ITV, held at CITEVE.
Luís Ramos (CITEVE) revealed that the main objective of this initiative is to create a roadmap for the decarbonization of ITV and help companies in the sector to make decisions about the best available technologies and measures to adopt to comply with the carbon neutrality goals established for 2050.
To achieve this objective, the current reality of the sector and its GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions will be characterized and support will be launched for companies in making decisions on energy transition strategies, process optimization, circular economy and digitalization. Decarbonization trajectories will also be defined for the 2025-2050 horizon, as well as toolkits for individualized roadmaps being launched. The initiative ultimately focuses on dissemination, communication, involvement and training of sector agents.
It is noteworthy that in 2021 Portuguese ITV represented 9% of GHG emissions from manufacturing industries, representing a value of 697 kt CO2e/year, thus consuming around 7% of energy in all manufacturing industries, with a value of 322,000 toe. Also noteworthy is the decreasing evolution of ITV’s carbon intensity in recent years, as a result of the investments and support that companies in the sector have had available.
The event also featured two round tables where experiences and the state of the art of companies and public entities were shared.
The panel “Carbon Neutrality in 2050: How to get there” was attended by José Nogueira (Bondalti), Filipe Rodrigues (DST Solar) and Carlos Pimparel (DGEG).
In this panel it was clear that Energy Efficiency is one of the first paths that companies in the sector should look for on their decarbonization journey. Energy efficiency represents up to 40% in the reduction of GHG emissions and should be the first thought of companies before any investment in alternative sources.
Secondly, energy monitoring, that is, knowing where and how energy from industrial activities is spent, is also a key point for companies to gain know-how and visibility into which are their most energy-intensive processes and what strategies they can take to reduce their impact. However, process changes represent little (on average 7%) in the context of measures that companies take for energy efficiency.
As alternative solutions to fossil fuels, the production of one’s own energy and the consumption of others’ surplus, taking advantage of the existing network, could be a viable alternative for companies that want to reduce a large part of their emissions.
As for Hydrogen, the panel highlighted that it only makes sense to use this energy source in operations where it is difficult to decarbonize, where there is a direct burning of the product, such as natural gas.
With regard to the use of renewable energies, such as wind or solar, it is important to have more investment in the use of batteries for storage and in the creation of energy communities, due to the intermittency of renewable energies. Investing in partnerships with energy providers who are remunerated according to the savings they manage to implement in companies, can be an interesting alternative for those who do not have the infrastructure or knowledge to implement active measures.
As a final note, the panel signaled that efficiency and decarbonization follow parallel paths and that there is a lack of support for bolder solutions.
The second panel with the theme “Decarbonization as an instrument for the sustainability of STV“, was debated by Mafalda Paz (Salsa), Bruno Correia (Etfor), Susana Serrano (Acatel) and José Teixeira (Riopele).
The carbon footprint was one of the highlighted topics, where Salsa mentioned the difficulty of calculating Scope 3 emissions, as well as the diversity of data that must be collected for the categories that represent the greatest impact on company operations. However, it was clear that raw materials and use of parts by consumers represent the majority of emissions.
The adoption of more sustainable practices and materials during product design, as well as the launch of circularity and repair projects for used parts, were highlighted by Salsa as some of the initiatives they have underway.
Riopele demonstrated its ambition to fulfill the decarbonization plan it proposed by 2027. The strategy based on 3 axes that communicate with each other, but do not overlap, is the pillar of ongoing activities. The focus on the thermal efficiency of buildings, equipment, energy sources (electrical and thermal) are some of Riopele’s areas of activity, as well as the installation of units for self-consumption in its facilities. The investment in a biomass boiler reduced natural gas consumption by 70% and in October they even achieved savings of 100%.
Acatel has invested heavily in new technologies and materials, including the use of Colorifix, a bacteria-based dye without the use of chemicals and with a much shorter processing time, as well as the recent investment in Alchemie’s Endeavour, a machine that promises 85% energy savings and dyes without using water. Circular awareness and the choice of low-impact raw materials is also one of the strategies that Acatel has adopted in the development and presentation of its collections.
Etfor has invested in solar panels and LED lights, as well as investing in its own brand (Playup), which only uses organic or recycled materials and where the pieces are designed with circular design strategies. It was clear that brands have an increasingly demanding level, as Portugal is no longer just a country of potato labor. Playup already has a take-back system, where they give customers a benefit for shopping in the online store and intend to promote the sale of second-hand pieces.
The presentation of the script ended with words from Mário Jorge Machado (ATP), who highlighted that Portugal has the advantage of having a very relevant renewable energy mix and that together with Euratex he wants to turn Europe and Portugal into a sustainable textile production hub. Collaboration with associations is therefore important, as they have the power to negotiate with European entities and mitigate negative impacts on companies in this regard.
Luís Figueiredo (Anivec), highlighted the ongoing mobilizing agendas, such as digitalization, and its interconnection with carbon neutrality.
https://www.citeve.pt/inteligencia_tecnologica/projetos/rdc_itv-44a4e4d5