Certottica: a grant for studying plastic
A grant for studying plastic awarded to Certottica. Plastic has invaded every corner of our daily life and it is the subject of eco-friendly-oriented research. ‘We are investing in a study for modifying the chemical-physical characteristics of plastic because it is a material that is habitually used by the eyewear industry’ stated Certottica general director Luigino Boito. ‘We are also looking for new ways to use plastic and new frontiers that will make it as environmentally-friendly as possible’. The study grant that Padua Chamber of Commerce has allocated to the Institute in Longarone totals 12.000 euro. Because of this, every year Padua Chamber of Commerce will provide Certottica with the opportunity to train a qualified researcher in the field of product and process innovation.
From cufflinks to cardiac valves, flatware handles, photographic film, electrical components, toys, socks and eyewear: the common denominator is plastic, a material that is so versatile and ubiquitous that it has become invasive and is causing concern about the environment. And the eyewear industry has always used large amounts of plastic. Indeed, Certottica has focused its research on this issue, thus leading to the development of both research- and laboratory-oriented projects aimed at understanding the benefits for the industry. In particular, it is now time to take the most “ecological” route possible, one that not only helps to remove polluting substances from the environment but also eliminates hazardous substances (such as solvents). Since the Sixties, the overproduction of plastic has led to a deluge that has given rise to protests and genuine concern for the environment. The message now coming from industrialists tends to be reassuring. Separate collection, recycling and energy recovery campaigns have begun in all industrialized countries. Attentive to the dynamics of the global economy, Certottica already perceived some time ago that research must support industry by providing processes that do not pollute the environment.
