SCHIRINZI OIL COMPANY
Environmental Policies in the Production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Schirinzi Oil Company places a strong emphasis on environmental issues associated with the production of extra virgin olive oil and the sustainability of the packaging materials it utilizes.
The key environmental and sustainability concerns that the Schirinzi company focuses on are:
1 – Cultivation phase of the olive groves
To cultivate the olive groves, the company employs techniques and methods known as Integrated production, which help ensure a product with minimal environmental impact. This is achieved through ongoing consultation within the company from expert professionals, such as agronomists, during all biological and seasonal stages of the plants.
Low-impact integrated production is an agricultural system that utilizes various agronomic practices and pest control measures to minimize the application of chemical substances (such as pesticides and fertilizers), as well as the use of water and energy; thus, the aim of integrated production is to attain quality output while safeguarding the environment and human health.
2 – Crushing phase of the olives
Once the olives are harvested and sent to our oil mill, our company initiates all the technical procedures to ensure that the extraction of extra virgin oil from the olive paste takes place at the lowest temperature possible, not exceeding 27° C, to qualify for the label of: Cold Extracted Oil. Maintaining low temperatures during this phase is crucial for preserving the organoleptic characteristics of the oils and for decreasing the environmental impact caused by heating the olive pastes. Simply put, lower heating temperatures promote superior product quality while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution and cutting down on operational costs.
3 – Use of clean energy during processes
Concerning energy aspects, to facilitate the processes of crushing, bottling, and product preservation, the Schirinzi Oil Company installed a photovoltaic system at its facility in 2012. This system generates an annual output of 100 Mwatt, fully meeting the yearly electricity requirements for business operations, both for external clients and in-house. As a result, the environmental impact is nullified by exclusively using clean solar energy.
4 – Use of recyclable packaging materials
When we discuss eco-friendly packaging, we refer to materials made from renewable, natural, or recycled sources that can be reused several times. “Reduce, reuse, recycle” is the mantra of the “3Rs,” which increasingly shapes the consumption patterns of today’s society, becoming more aware and considerate of environmental sustainability.
All materials utilized in the bottling and packaging process of extra virgin olive oil are 100% eco-sustainable and recyclable by consumers, including natural cardboard, glass bottles, tinplate cans, and PET adhesive tapes made from recycled plastic materials.
CONCLUSIONS
Our olive oil company adopts strict green policies regarding the production of olive oil, achieving a Pugli extra virgin olive oil of high quality with a minimal environmental impact, through:
- zero emissions through the use of clean solar energy during the olive pressing and bottling process;
- “cold” extraction process saving calories and yielding a superior quality oil;
- integrated agricultural production and olive grove cultivation;
- use of recyclable or already recycled materials in packaging, enabling the final consumer to easily implement waste sorting.
