There has been a global shift in perspective to a more sustainable future

Interview with Damià Gelpí, Industrial Applications Manager at Amiblu

How does a company like Amiblu contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
We do so in many ways. Through the strategic ecological transition plan “Amiblu Green 2022-2025”, Amiblu Spain has made significant investments over the last four years to substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The production plant in Camarles is now the first European factory for carbon-neutral GRP pipes, meaning that 100% of its CO2 emissions are offset.
We have participated in reforestation projects in Pontevedra and Ávila, installed 2,000 solar panels on the plant’s roof, implemented circularity in the production system, and we incorporated an ECOTA (Environmental Carbon Offset Alliance) into our product offering. Our company has EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) for all products it manufactures, in accordance with European environmental certification standards. Furthermore, we are constantly seeking ways to minimise waste in our production process, optimising it as much as possible and reusing all surplus materials.

As an engineer, what would you say are the main challenges?
Sustainability and energy efficiency are, without doubt, the main objectives that industry and the economy in general have set for themselves worldwide. Environmental policies are increasingly present, and although some countries remain reluctant, there has been a global shift in perspective towards a more sustainable future. Specific measures in the area of circularity involve significant technological efforts in a sector like ours.

And which role does engineering play in achieving these objectives?
Engineering undoubtedly plays a fundamental role. It’s about reviewing, changing, and optimising processes to be less polluting and more efficient. At Amiblu we have our own R&D department, which allows us to innovate and test all our sustainability solutions. The search for raw materials with a lower environmental impact, the reuse of our production surplus, or finding customers who can incorporate this surplus into their own production chain are key aspects that also represent a challenge for the engineers on our team.

Amiblu recently launched Amiblu PROX, the first low-emission GRP pipe. What is it?
Amiblu PROX is a new range of low-emission GRP pipes, able to deliver the same performance as conventional GRP pipes but with a significantly smaller carbon footprint. Thanks to its manufacturing and transport process, Amiblu PROX achieves a reduction of up to 40% in CO₂ emissions, without compromising quality, performance, or durability. Amiblu PROX undoubtedly sets a new benchmark in the GRP industry and in sustainable engineering, and it has already been installed in the improvement and expansion project of the La Presa de Manises (Valencia) drinking water treatment plant, operated by Global Omnium.