Sammontana’s Sustainability Journey
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. Sammontana, the largest Italian gelato company, is setting a remarkable example with its sustainability initiatives, particularly in energy management and value chain efficiency. Let’s dive into their journey and explore the inspiring strides they’ve made towards a greener future.
Sammontana’s sustainability strategy is built on three core pillars:
Sammontana’s journey is marked by impressive achievements and innovative solutions that have significantly reduced its environmental footprint. Switching from plastic to paper packaging for the Barattolino range resulted in a 9% reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions in the entire life cycle, amounting to 4,168,965 kg CO2 equivalent saved or the equivalent to the CO2 absorption of 555,862 trees. Also, by installing high-efficiency electric motors, LED lighting systems, and trigeneration systems,
Sammontana accomplished a 31% reduction in tons of CO2 per ton of finished product in the perimeter of its factories (scope 1+2) between 2016 and 2023.
Sammontana has implemented several innovative solutions to advance its sustainability goals. In terms of energy efficiency, the company has installed high-efficiency electric motors and LED lighting systems across its facilities and improved the management and supervision of refrigeration engine rooms. Additionally, Sammontana has introduced trigeneration systems in two key sites to reduce CO2 emissions further. The company is also embracing renewable energy sources, with photovoltaic systems installed in one of their raw material warehouses and the use of biogenic CO2 for cooling during croissant production.
Sammontana has an organisational approach to sustainability, integrating environmental responsibility across its value chain. The company works closely with suppliers and distribution partners to optimise supply chain efficiency and promote sustainable practices, focusing on Scope 3 emissions. By collaborating with industries across Tuscany and Italy, Sammontana is developing standardised systems for collecting sustainability data from suppliers and customers through platforms such as ECOVADIS, CDP, and SPACESHIP. This data-driven approach enables the company to encourage best practices, drive collaboration, and reduce environmental impact.
A key component of this strategy is the Supplier Engagement Programme, which includes a dedicated questionnaire to gather primary sustainability data. In 2023, Sammontana held a workshop with its top 50 suppliers to highlight the importance of sustainable supply chain management and share best practices across all stages of the value chain.
To further enhance sustainability, Sammontana is focused on sourcing raw materials from circular supply chains, reducing CO₂ emissions through ingredient selection and recipe adjustments, and developing more sustainable packaging solutions, including the use of 100% recyclable materials. The company is also investing in lean production processes to minimise waste and is supporting distribution partners in adopting low-energy freezers with environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Sammontana is actively involved in a number of collaborative circular economy projects aimed at enhancing value chain sustainability. These include initiatives such as transforming industrial waste into biomethane for transport fuel, reusing plastic waste for furniture production, and promoting sustainable almond and apple farming with suppliers.
The company is also optimising logistics through reverse supply chain strategies, shared transportation solutions, and investment in fuel-efficient vehicles.
Through these initiatives, Sammontana continues to drive sustainability within its value chain, working towards long-term environmental and economic resilience.
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