Who chose EPDItaly tells its story: Ferrari BK
Michele Lavarini, Technical Office Manager – QHSE – R&D
For more than fifty years, Ferrari BK S.r.l. has been producing concrete products for flooring and masonry. A leading reality in Italy, Ferrari BK produces exclusively in the heart of the Verona marble district. The Veneto-based company decided to rely on EPDItaly to obtain EPD certification for its BK RICE insulating infill block. In this regard, we interviewed Michele Lavarini, Technical Office Manager – QHSE – R&D, who told us about the motivations that led the company to adopt EPD certification and what are the advantages of such a document.
What are the main motivations that pushed you toward voluntary EPD certification?
Ferrari BK’s decision to become EPD certified stems from a deep desire for transparency and improvement. It is not only a matter of communicating the environmental commitment that the company has been carrying out for years, as also demonstrated by the ISO 14001 certification, but also of deepening the knowledge of its environmental impact in order to be able to identify specific areas of intervention. EPD, in fact, is not just a marketing tool, but a path that drives continuous improvement in the environmental performance of products. In this sense, EPD certification fits perfectly with Ferrari BK’s corporate philosophy, which has always been focused on innovation and the search for more sustainable solutions for the building industry.
Which product(s) in your company has obtained EPD? What are its main features?
Ferrari BK’s flagship product that has obtained EPD certification is the BK RICE insulating infill block. This block, made from rice husk and hemp, stands out for its high performance in terms of thermal-acoustic insulation and energy efficiency.
In addition to these advantages, BK RICE is also:
- Breathable: promotes moisture regulation inside buildings.
- Hygroscopic: capable of absorbing and releasing moisture, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
- Thermoregulatory: having excellent thermal inertia that allows for excellent summer performance, it helps maintain a constant indoor temperature, reducing energy requirements for cooling and heating.
The use of natural materials such as rice husk and hemp, together with its technical characteristics, makes BK RICE an ideal solution for green building and for those seeking sustainable and energy-efficient construction solutions.
What are the main benefits gained from publishing the Environmental Product Declaration? What are the impacts on the end consumer?
The publication of the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) offers several advantages. For companies, it increases transparency and environmental credibility, as the EPD provides clear and verified information about a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle. In addition, the EPD demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, enhancing its image and reputation. For end consumers, EPD increases environmental awareness and trust in certified products, enabling more sustainable purchasing choices. In essence, EPD promotes environmental sustainability for both companies and consumers.
Do you think EPDItaly can help spread the culture of product sustainability?
Absolutely. EPDItaly, by offering an internationally recognized and accredited certification, can make a substantial and professional contribution to spreading the culture of product sustainability for both business operators and product users. Through its certification program, EPDItaly facilitates Italian companies in creating standardized and recognized environmental declarations, providing tools to transparently communicate the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle.
How important, in your opinion, is the presence of Italian sustainable products within a Program Operator that makes international networking one of its strengths?
The presence of Italian sustainable products in an international Program Operator like EPDItaly is of fundamental importance. First of all, it increases the visibility and prestige of Made in Italy in the world, associating it with quality and sustainability. In addition, EPD certification allows Italian companies to compete globally by demonstrating their environmental commitment. Comparison with international realities stimulates innovation and continuous improvement, while participation in the network facilitates the exchange of knowledge and the spread of greater awareness about sustainability. In short, the presence of Italian products in EPDItaly is a strategic opportunity for Italian excellence and a more sustainable future.