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11/03/2025
Hera Group unveils FIB3R, a pioneering plant that regenerates carbon fibre

Innovation and performance define the first plant of this kind in Europe to operate on an industrial scale, built in Imola to recycle carbon fibre composites while reducing environmental impact

The Hera Group is moving swiftly towards the circular economy of the future and has inaugurated, in Imola (Bologna), the first plant of its kind in Europe, capable of regenerating carbon fibre on an industrial scale. It is called FIB3R, a name that reflects the 3 R's that stand at the basis of the project: recover, reduce, reuse. Carbon fibre is thus recovered and reused, reducing the use of virgin fibre and therefore the environmental impact that would be required to produce it.
There is one important competitive advantage: the fibre regenerated from FIB3R retains the virgin fibre’s characteristic lightness and high strength, guaranteeing - through a state-of-the-art pyrogasification process - that the regenerated product is ready to be reused, rewoven and/or impregnated, for the high-performance purposes for which this type of material is intended. The number of industrial sectors interested in these outstanding features is increasing, ranging from automotive to aerospace, nautical, furniture, textiles and fashion in the broadest sense, only to give a few examples.

 

The Hera Group’s commitment to advancing the ecological transition, as well as the expected increase in demand for carbon fibre over the next few years, have led it to anticipate this megatrend, accepting the challenge of applying it to this material as well, on an industrial scale. This will reinforce the virtuous path towards the circular economy that has been the basis of its strategy for years, combining economic growth with environmental sustainability. This path is the right one, as confirmed by the interest of the European Union, which has allocated FIB3R financing coming to more than 2.2 million euro as part of NextGenerationEU for its innovative technology and the strategic importance of the materials processed. The total investment planned by the Hera Group to build the Imola plant amounts to 8 million euro.
At present, the plant is expected to produce 160 tonnes of recycled carbon fibre each year, with energy savings coming to 75% compared to virgin fibre.

“FIB3R is the first plant of its kind in Europe able to recycle carbon fibre. It is aimed at promoting short and circular supply chains, in line with the strategy of making our served areas more competitive and resilient,” states Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group. “FIB3R is also a concrete example of how the Hera Group is able to combine technological innovation and sustainability, by exploiting the cross fertilisation between the advanced skills of the Group’s various sectors. Recovering carbon fibre not only reduces the environmental impact of this waste, but also creates new market opportunities in strategic industrial sectors. Investing in this kind of circular infrastructure increases the resilience of production chains, reduces dependence on imports of critical raw materials and, at the same time, creates value through sustainable business models. With over 100 advanced plants and 5 new facilities under construction, we have consolidated our country’s largest and most modern set of plants for material treatment and recovery, strengthening our role as a reference operator in the sector and a driving force for the circular economy in Italy. Our Business Plan confirms this strategy, with 2 billion euro in investments for 2024-2028 destined for regenerating resources, a commitment intended to generate value for all our stakeholders.”

The inauguration of the FIB3R plant within the Group’s main facility in Imola, near Bologna, offered a chance to engage in a debate on the future of carbon fibre, combining innovation and sustainability. After the institutional welcome given by Marco Panieri, Mayor of Imola, and Irene Priolo, Councillor for the Environment, Local Planning, Mobility and Transport and Infrastructures of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Herambiente CEO Andrea Ramonda opened the event. This event saw the participation of important representatives of the industrial and academic communities: Davide Abate, Ferrari’s Chief Technologies and Infrastructures Officer; Roberto Frassine, Chairman of Assocompositi; Loris Giorgini, Director of the Department of Industrial Chemistry at the University of Bologna; Raffaella Luglini, Chief Sustainability Officer Leonardo; Horacio Pagani, Founder of Pagani Automobili; Andrea Rangone, Full Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Business Innovation at the Milan Politecnico; Ferruccio Resta, Chairman of the Fondazione Bruno Kessler FBK. The meeting came to a conclusion with a contribution by Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group.

For further information
Find out more on FIB3R webpage
Press release

Asset Publisher

11/03/2025

Hera Group unveils FIB3R, a pioneering plant that regenerates carbon fibre

Innovation and performance define the first plant of this kind in Europe to operate on an industrial scale, built in Imola to recycle carbon fibre composites while reducing environmental impact

27/02/2025

Hera Group expands in the Northeast with Ambiente Energia

A binding agreement has been signed for the acquisition of Ambiente Energia, based in Schio near Vicenza and part of the Marzotto Group, through subsidiary Herambiente Servizi Industriali

11/02/2025

Hera Group best Multi & Water Utility according to S&P

For the fifth consecutive year, Hera has been included in S&P Global’s Yearbook, published today, in the “Top 1%” category among the world's best performing companies in the Multi & Water Utility sector

06/02/2025

HERABIT: the Hera Group’s digital future

Acantho, the Hera Group's digital company, has been renewed to offer increasingly advanced services

23/01/2025

Hera Group presents Business Plan to 2028

Development, resilience and creating value shared with all stakeholders confirmed as the strategic pillars of the new business plan, which allocates more than 5 billion euro in investments to accelerate the achievement of ecological transition targets and further increase the resilience of networks and plants

22/01/2025

Industrial partnership between AIMAG and Hera strengthened

The agreement calls for a capital increase in kind in the coming months through the conferral to AIMAG by Hera of an approximately 45% stake in a Newco managing the integrated water service in the province of Modena, currently managed by Hera

16/01/2025

Top Employer for 16 years without interruption

We have been confirmed as one of the best companies in Italy and worldwide in human resource management, thanks to its commitment to combining corporate growth, collective wellbeing and sustainable development

08/01/2025

Hera Group: new 500 million euro green bond

Maturing in 6.5 years, it will fund the Group’s strategic capex plan focused on sustainable and resilient management of the integrated water cycle, in the circular economy for regenerating resources and in the energy transition for developing renewables and energy efficiency

16/12/2024

Hera Group acquires EstEnergy shares from Ascopiave and increases its holding to 100% of share capital

Following Ascopiave’s decision to exercise its option to sell its 25% stake in EstEnergy, Hera Comm becomes the sole shareholder of the largest energy operator in the Northeastern Italy

14/12/2024

We are the ESG world leader in our sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index ranking

This comes as further recognition of the company’s approach to creating shared value for all stakeholders

Search Results

07/02/2023

Hera awarded 2023 Sustainability Gold Class by S&P Global

With the publication of the 2023 Sustainability Yearbook – the report containing the analyses carried out to gain access the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) – we have been awarded S&P Global’s Gold Class for the third consecutive year. This is the highest recognition for companies listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, in which we confirmed our position as sector leader for the 3rd year in a row. In the most recent edition of the authoritative DJSI international stock market index, which evaluates listed companies on the basis of ESG factors, Hera ranked first internationally in its sector (Multi-utility & Water), with a score of 90/100 compared to a sector average of 34/100, calculated based on the three areas analysed: Environment, Social and Governance. A focus on sustainable development and creating value for the areas and communities served is a commitment and a responsibility that we have taken on since it was established in 2002, with the aim of guaranteeing quality and continuity in essential services for citizens and return value to all stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability, our mission and our purpose – which in 2021 became an integral part of its Articles of Association – indicate the direction in which we intend to continue, in line with the objectives of the United Nations 2030 agenda and with the creation of shared value in three main areas: energy, environment, local areas (and enterprises). For further information Press release Investors web area Sustainability web area S&P Global_870_primopiano.png This year, once again, we have received the Gold Class from the rating agency responsible for the Sustainability Awards S&P Global_110.jpg
31/01/2023

We are in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Always concerned with implementing policies concerning gender equality and enhancing diversity in the workplace, in 2023 as well we have been counted among the most inclusive companies worldwide. Today, we were confirmed – for the fourth consecutive year – as part of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, which analyses the performance of companies engaged in supporting gender equality by developing dedicated active policies and transparency in communicating information. In the 2023 edition, which includes 484 listed companies, based in over 45 countries, selected out of more than 11,700 businesses, we confirmed our results in all areas under analysis with an overall score of 80.1%, above the Italian average (78.27%). The Group stood out in particular for equal pay, an inclusive culture and harassment prevention. This important result confirms our desire to keep valorising the uniqueness of people in a working context highly exposed to change, constantly committing ourselves to promoting and creating fair and inclusive workplaces, thanks to the development of dedicated policies and projects. This path stretches quite far into the past and has been enriched over time, starting with the signing of the Charter for equal opportunities and equality in the workplace in 2009 and the introduction – as early as 2011 – of the figure of the Diversity Manager who undertakes to promote the enhancement of diversity inside and outside the company, with dedicated awareness-raising initiatives. For further information Press release Hera Diversity and Inclusion Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index primo_piano.png We have been included for the fourth year in a row in the international index that assesses outstanding companies for their policies relating to gender equality, diversity and inclusion centrata GEI-Member 2023_110.png
17/01/2023

Top Employer for the 14th consecutive year

We have been certified as a Top Employer for the 14th consecutive time, standing out for its job policies and ranking among the top 3 in Italy out of 1,600 companies analysed. The well-being of people, training, professional growth and transformation of skills are the main strengths that have allowed us to receive this prestigious award. It was conferred by the Institute based in Holland, a global body certifying corporate excellence in the HR field, after a close analysis that becomes increasingly selective every year and concerns specific parameters such as adequate salaries, working conditions, career opportunities, corporate culture, training and people development. With our pioneering vision, concrete decisions and increasing investments in human resources and training, we continue to take on the challenges of change, aiming at developing new skills and competencies. In this sense, a central role is played by HerAcademy, the corporate University founded precisely with the desire to generate new knowledge in response to the trends seen in the context, including an ongoing debate on current issues and collaborations with major national and international institutions. All training activities for Hera’s over 9,000 employees fall within this scope, so that continuous learning and people development are at the heart of the strategy, in line with the growing demand for profiles capable of overcoming the challenges of the transitions currently underway (digital, energy and environmental). In 2022 alone, 97% of the corporate population, including the most operational ones, attended training courses, totalling approximately 270 thousand hours, or roughly 30 hours of training per capita, well above the sector average. In line with this same vision, and above all as a response to the challenge of the energy transition, we have also launched a major talent acquisition campaign throughout Italy in recent months. The goal is to select and train, in collaboration with ManpowerGroup, 300 new resources with technical and operational profiles and include them, within 2023, in the Group’s various companies and in supplier companies. For further information Press release Working in Hera Group HerAcademy primo_piano_Hera Top Employer 2023_870.jpg Early 2023 sees us confirmed among the best companies in human resource management, thanks in particular to substantial investments in welfare, training and skills development Hera Top Employer 2023_110.jpg
29/12/2022

Hera Group and Ascopiave have signed contracts for the acquisition of 92% of Asco TLC

Following the press release issued on 29th November 2022, the Hera Group and the Ascopiave Group here in announce that they have signed the contract deliverables governing the acquisition of 92% of Asco TLC from Asco Holding and the Treviso-Belluno C.C.I.A.A. (Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture). The transfer of the Asco TLC shares will take place upon the closing of the transaction, which is scheduled in the first quarter of 2023. This partnership represents a strategic step in the evolution of Ascopiave and the Hera Group's business portfolio in the IT-TLC sector, consistent with the industrial plans of the two groups. For additional information on the details of the transaction, please refer to the press release dated 29th November 2022. For further information Press release Press release dated 29th November 2022 GH-Ascopiave_870_primo_piano.jpg GH-Ascopiave_110.png
19/12/2022

We are among the best utilities in S&P Global Ratings ESG evaluations

We once again rank among the companies that pay the most attention to sustainability and ESG aspects internationally. Our latest ESG Evaluation, carried out by the Sustainable Finance analysts of S&P Global Ratings, has indeed also been published. This is a cross-industry assessment of our ability to effectively manage, in the medium and long term, our exposure to environmental, social and governance risks, as well as to grasp opportunities arising from the changes required by a constantly evolving international context. This year, we obtained an overall score of 81/100, making it one of the best companies internationally as assessed by S&P Global Ratings. This comes as further important recognition for the attention that we dedicate to ESG aspects in pursuing a strategy of sustainable, long-term growth, which has characterised us since Hera was established in 2002, and which complements and goes hand in hand with our financial solidity. In particular, in the ESG Evaluation just published, we are assessed by S&P Global Ratings as being strongly prepared to implement our strategy of creating shared value, contributing to the transition towards a circular and low-emission economy. We have, in fact, shown ourselves ready to face the potential risks arising from the energy crisis, thanks to our ability to balance the need for transition with the security and availability of energy sources. For further information Press release Hera ESG rating S&P ESG Evaluation primo_piano_s-p-global-ratings-logo_870.png Among the top positions in the international ranking of Utility Networks assessed by S&P Global for our focus on sustainability and our ability to create shared value by contributing to the energy transition s-p-global-ratings-logo_110.jpg
10/12/2022

We are top multi-utility worldwide in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index

For the third consecutive year, we are the top-ranking company in the Multi-Utility & Water sector of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for sustainability performance in all three Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) areas. This recognition comes from S&P Global, which published the updated ranking defined by the prestigious international stock market index that assesses the social responsibility of listed companies. As in past editions, this year as well we have been included in both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index. More specifically, we achieved an overall score of 90/100, the highest in the Multi-Utility & Water sector. The ratings obtained were 89/100 in Environment, 91/100 in Social and 91/100 in Economic & Governance, achieving a leadership position in all three areas assessed. These results provide further recognition of our commitment to all aspects of sustainability as an integral part of our 20-year growth strategy focused on creating value for its stakeholders. For further information Press release Visit Investors web area Visit Sustainability web area DJSI_870_ritaglio.jpg For the third year in a row, we have been confirmed as world leader in the Multi-Utility & Water sector DJSI_110.jpg
09/11/2022

Hera Board of Directors approves 3Q 2022 results

Financial highlights Ebitda* at 875 million euro (+2.4%) Net result* at 248 million euro (-5.6%) Net financial debt at 4,489 million euro, with net debt/Ebitda* at 3.62x Investments increase sharply to 463 million euro (+22.8%) Operating highlights Contribution to growth coming from core businesses Expansion in initiatives for the ecological transition and the circular economy Commercial margins maintained in the energy area Significant operating investments in networks, plus a significant effort in gas storage, as well as the completion of a number of M&As Solid energy customer base, approximately 3.5 million Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated quarterly report at 30 September 2022. Although the results achieved in the first nine months of the year are part of a complicated scenario, characterised by ongoing volatility on the energy market, which became even more pronounced over the last three months, as well as the complex current economic and geopolitical conditions and the gradual increase in inflation in the country, these figures highlight the Group’s ability to offset adversity, continuing to pursue the goals set out in its business plan, with increasing sustainable investments aimed at generating positive effects for the communities and local areas served. Moreover, the Hera Group’s resilient business model, the management policies it implements and its financial solidity have continued to enable it to seize the strategic opportunities offered by the market, to guarantee a high quality and continuity in its services while at the same time supporting and confirming the commitments made to all its stakeholders. Among the initiatives in support of stakeholders, note the flexibility shown towards the Group’s suppliers, who were able to revise their supply conditions based on inflation, and the significant gas storage initiative intended to support the customer base and the Italian gas system as a whole. As regards customers, thanks to the special attention to disadvantaged users, more favourable instalment terms than those provided for by law, an extension of the social bonus to include district heating, compliance with and maintenance of fixed-price contractual conditions, to date the performance in receipts for bills has been confirmed as essentially regular. Revenues rise to roughly 14.3 billion euro In the first nine months of 2022, revenues amounted to 14,320.1 million euro, up sharply (+122.9%) from the 6,424.3 million euro seen in the same period of the previous year. In particular, the energy segments showed significant growth mainly due to the increase in the price of energy commodities, which reached very high figures, especially in the third quarter of the year. Ebitda* increases to 874.8 million euro Ebitda* for the first nine months of the year amounted to 874.8 million euro, up 2.4% from the 854.4 million euro seen at 30 September 2021. The performance of the waste management area was particularly good, with Ebitda up 27.8 million euro, as was that of the water cycle area, up 7.3 million euro, fully offsetting the lower contributions coming from the energy area and the other services area. Financial operations essentially stable and pre-tax profit* at 347.5 million euro The result from financial operations for the first nine months of 2022 came to 89.5 million euro, basically stable compared to the 85.4 million seen during the first nine months of 2021. This change is mainly due to the increase in net financial debt generated by the trend in energy commodity prices compared to 2021. Net result and at 248.4 million euro With a tax rate of 28.5%, up from the same period in 2021 (26.2%) mainly due to the recognition of the non-recurring contribution against high utility bills (amounting to 2.3 million euro) and the recognition of lower benefits related to the tax credit on investments linked to the technological, digital and environmental transformation, the net result* and net profit* for the first nine months of 2022 amounted to 248.4 million euro. Net profit was largely stable compared to the 263 million seen at 30 September 2021. Strong growth in investments and net financial debt sensitive to the higher value of stored gas In the first nine months of 2022, the Hera Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 463.3 million euro, up 22.8% compared to the 377.2 million euro seen in the same period of the previous year, with a major focus on resilience- and circularity-oriented projects, as set out in the business plan. The most significant interventions concerned plants, networks, and infrastructures, as well as regulatory upgrading focusing on gas distribution and the integrated water cycle, respectively involving a large-scale replacement of new-generation meters and specific interventions in the purification and sewerage areas. Income statement (mln €) Sept 22 %Inc. Sept 21 (redetermined) Inc.% Abs. change % change Revenues 14,320.1 0.0% 6,424.3 0.0% 7,895.8 122.9% Other operating revenues 345.3 2.4% 243.6 3.8% 101.7 41.8% Raw and other materials (11,642.5) (81.3)% (3,498.2) (54.5)% 8,144.3 232.8% Service costs (1,693.9) (11.8)% (1,858.6) (28.9)% (164.7) (8.9)% Other operating expenses (56.6) (0.4)% (54.4) (0.8)% 2.2 4.0% Personnel costs (449.8) (3.1)% (442.0) (6.9)% 7.8 1.8% Capitalised costs 52.2 0.4% 39.7 0.6% 12.5 31.5% Ebitda* 874.8 6.1% 854.4 13.3% 20.4 2.4% Amortization, depreciation and provisions (437.8) (3.1)% (412.5) (6.4)% 25.3 6.1% Ebit* 437.0 3.1% 441.9 6.9% (4.9) (1.1)% Financial operations (89.5) (0.6)% (85.4) (1.3)% 4.1 4.8% Pre-tax result* 347.5 2.4% 356.5 5.5% (9.0) (2.5)% Taxes (99.1) (0.7)% (93.4) (1.5)% 5.7 6.1% Net result* 248.4 1.7% 263.1 4.1% (14.7) (5.6)% Result from special items - 0.0% 56.2 0.9% (56.2) 100.0% Net profit for the period* 248.4 1.7% 319.3 5.0% (70.9) (22.2)% Invested capital and sources of financing (mln€) Sept 22 %Inc. Dec 21 (redetermined) %Inc. Abs. change % change Net non-current assets* 7,485.3 +96.3% 7,308.3 +109.4% 177.0 +2.4% Net working capital* 910.6 +11.7% 2.4 +0.0% 908.2 +37,841.7% (Provisions) (622.3) (8.0%) (633.4) (9.5%) 11.1 +1.8% Net invested capital* 7,773.6 +100.0% 6,677.3 +100.0% 1,096.3 +16.4% Equity* (3,284.4) +42.3% (3,416.0) +51.2% 131.6 +3.9% Long-term borrowings (4,680.1) +60.2% (3,633.1) +54.4% (1,047.0) (28.8)% Net current financial debt 190.9 (2.5%) 371.8 (5.6%) (180.9) (48.7%) Net debt (4,489.2) +57.7% (3,261.3) +48.8% (1,227.9) (37.7)% Total sources of financing* (7,773.6) (100.0)% (6,677.3) +100.0% (1,096.3) (16.4)% *Adjusted results For further information Press release Visit Investors web area img_banner_3Q2022_EN.png Despite the complex macro scenario, the Group’s quarterly report at 30 September 2022 shows an increase in Ebitda compared to 2021 img_110x150_3Q2022.jpeg
07/11/2022

Hera Group and ACR create the leading Italian operator in remediation and global service activities

Today, the Hera Group, acting through its subsidiary Herambiente Servizi Industriali (HASI), signed a binding agreement for a long-term partnership that provides for the acquisition of 60% of the company A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A. ® (hereinafter ACR), one of Italy’s largest companies in the reclamation sector, involved in industrial waste treatment, decommissioning industrial plants and oil & gas-related civil works, based in Mirandola (Modena). The new company will also bring together some of the remediation and global services activities carried out by HASI. This unprecedented transaction gives way to the leading national operator in the remediation and global services business, with an extensive presence throughout Italy. The Hera Group will thus further strengthen its leadership in the waste treatment sector, thanks to its approximately one hundred certified, state-of-the-art plants. It can now rely on ACR’s high operating capacity, time-to-market in services and significant machinery and equipment, which is already active in over 100 remediation sites with over 450 employees and having among its customers the major players in the oil & gas sector. With this partnership, on the one hand, the Hera Group will reach in advance the target in reclamation activities set out in its business plan, following up on the path of growth already achieved in this area in terms of both size and sustainability/circular economy, in line with the goals on the UN’s 2030 Agenda, which over the last 10 years have enabled it to double its customer base. On the other hand, ACR is implementing its strategic plan by making an agreement concerning commercial areas with a leading national player in the sector, strengthening its presence in its core remediation business and entering the world of global services. For further information Press release Visit Herambiente Servizi Industriali website 870x320.png The binding agreement signed today provides for the acquisition by the Hera Group of 60% of ACR, based in Modena and one of the major companies in the remediation and industrial waste treatment sector new_sede_hera_110.jpg

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Hera SpA, Viale Carlo Berti Pichat 2/4, 40127 Bologna, Tel.051287111 www.gruppohera.it