In a time when industries are called to do more than just deliver — to lead, rethink, and regenerate — Tratos is stepping forward with actions, not just promises. The 2023 Sustainability Report is a testament to the company’s bold, science-driven approach to sustainability, weaving together innovation, ethics, and environmental stewardship.
R&D: Redesigning the Future with Smarter, Greener Cables
“We believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Every product we design must not only perform but also preserve.”
— Tratos Sustainability Team
At Tratos, Research and Development is the foundation of sustainability. The company keeps designing cable solutions that not only perform better but also reduce environmental impact.
Among its key R&D achievements:
• Development of halogen-free flame retardant compounds, which reduce toxic emissions during fire incidents and are fully recyclable.
• Introduction of low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) materials across product lines.
• Enhanced product longevity through abrasion and weather-resistant sheaths, minimising replacement cycles and waste.
These breakthroughs are not happening in isolation. Tratos collaborates with external labs and universities (e.g., University of Perugia) to prototype and test sustainable compounds and cable technologies that meet EU Green Deal goals.
Circular Economy: Building a Loop, Not a Line
“We have engineered sustainability into the DNA of our cables. Every product is a commitment to the future of our planet and our people.”
— Tratos Sustainability Report 2023
Tratos isn’t just producing cables — it’s designing systems that loop materials back into use. Key practices include:
• 100% of copper and aluminium waste is recovered and reintroduced into the production cycle.
• Plastic waste from cable insulation is mechanically separated and sent to certified recyclers.
• The company uses recycled wooden reels and has eliminated single-use plastics in packaging, opting for returnable and biodegradable alternatives.
• In 2022, Tratos achieved 91.35% reuse of all production waste — a significant step in circular manufacturing.
Tratos’s product designs also factor in ease of disassembly, facilitating recovery at the end of product life. This is a true cradle-to-cradle philosophy in action.
Recycling: Turning Waste into Value
Recycling is embedded in Tratos’ operations:
• Over 1,000 tons of copper were recovered and reused.
• Reel recovery systems have been expanded to all Italian plants.
• Introduction of on-site cable granulation systems allows separation of conductors and insulators without external processing, minimising carbon emissions from logistics.
Tratos also recycles:
• Water is used in its production processes through closed-loop cooling systems.
• Packaging materials, with 53% being reused and 47% sent for recycling in 2022.
Energy & Emissions: Greener Plants, Cleaner Air
Tratos has made massive strides in energy sustainability:
• Transitioned to 100% certified renewable electricity in its Italian operations.
• Achieved a 13% reduction in CO₂ emissions per unit of output.
• Introduced high-efficiency air compression and lighting systems.
• Implemented real-time energy monitoring in its largest manufacturing facility, optimising power use across production lines.
The new plant, Tratos Cavi Sud, has been designed from the ground up for energy efficiency, low emissions, and minimal environmental impact.
Certified Commitment
Tratos’ environmental and social commitments are backed by strong certifications:
• ISO 14001 certification – Environmental Management
• ISO 45001 certification – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• Ecovadis Silver Rating — placing Tratos among the top 25% of companies globally in terms of sustainability
Tratos Group has also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting:
• Responsible consumption and production (Goal 12)
• Climate action (Goal 13)
• Industry, innovation, and infrastructure (Goal 9)
With deep investments in green R&D, a clear commitment to the circular economy, and performance-backed recycling and energy practices, Tratos isn’t just adapting to a sustainable future — it’s building it, one cable at a time.
