Philip Morris Italy launched its innovative recycling project called “Rec – Recycling for circular economy”, focused on the recovery of Iqos devices and Lil tobacco heaters. With over 2 million users, Iqos devices enjoy widespread diffusion in Italy. Presented in the setting of the Civita Association, on the terrace of Palazzo Generali and in the presence of the Minister of the Environment Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, this initiative is part of the corporate sustainability strategy which aims to promoteThe circular economy.
Marco Hannappel, president and CEO of Philip Morris Italia, underlined the importance of this recycling project, considering it a significant step for the company. “We are pleased to present this recycling project, an integral part of our sustainability strategy to promote the circular economy – declared Hannappel -. Over time, the recycling of millions of devices in Italy will allow us to further consolidate our integrated supply chain, developed around innovative combustion-free products. An approach that already involves over 40.000 people, ranging from the agricultural and manufacturing phase to the services provided to consumers".
How Philip Morris' Rec project works
Il operation of the Rec project is complex. In the initial phase, Iqos and Lil devices returned by consumers under Philip Morris warranties and commercial initiatives are examined. Devices classified as waste and no longer usable are delivered by a logistics partner to a company specialized in the treatment of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This company deals with separating and recovering the raw materials contained in the devices.
A contribution to the circular economy
Philip Morris Italia's Rec project represents a substantial contribution to the circular economy, with the aim of recycling up to 500 thousand tobacco heaters within the year. It is expected that more than 80% of the raw materials contained in the devices, including plastic and metal materials, magnets, lithium-ion batteries and circuitry, will be recovered on average. This recycling process, explains a note, translates into a significant reduction in'environmental impact of Iqos and Lil devices, contributing to the sustainable management of waste and the preservation of natural resources.
