Certimac is a Research and Certification Body founded by ENEA and CNR, Italy’s leading research institutions. Certimac supports industries and Public Administrations in their technological innovation, energy and ecological transition processes with laboratory services, research and specialized consultancy to test, certify and improve the performance of materials, buildings and productive processes. Headquartered in Faenza, Italy, Certimac serves clients across Italy and internationally, with a focus on the EU, Middle East, and Asia.
Interview with Eng. Luca Laghi, Technical Director at Certimac.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Luca Laghi: Certimac operates in 3 distinct business units, each with a dedicated team: Materials, Energy and Sustainability.
Materials Science
Recognizing the critical role of high-performing materials in product development, Certimac offers a comprehensive suite of services to support manufacturers throughout the product life cycle. Our five state-of-the-art laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly qualified professionals, enabling us to conduct a wide range of analyses and tests. Our commitment to quality and compliance is underscored by our designation as Notified Body n. 2685 for CE Marking of construction products according to Regulation CPR (EU) 305/’11 and our authorization for composite material qualification by the High Council of Public Works of the Italian Ministry for infrastructures and transports.
Energy efficiency and Management
The transition to a more sustainable energy future is not just a necessity but an opportunity. Certimac is dedicated to assisting the industry and Public Administration in embracing this transformation. Our team of energy experts possesses the knowledge and experience to help you identify and implement strategies that reduce energy costs, optimize products and processes, and enhance building performance. We offer a comprehensive range of energy-related services, including ISO 50001 consultancy, energy audits, environmental monitoring, and support for development and management of renewable energy communities.
Sustainability and Eco-design
Certimac is committed to helping clients understand and minimize the environmental and energy impact of their products, processes, and services. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies provide a comprehensive overview of environmental footprints, while Environmental Product Declarations enable transparent communication of sustainability credentials. We assist clients in calculating their carbon footprints and developing strategies to reduce them, including identifying sources of greenhouse gas emissions, implementing emission reduction measures, and offsetting remaining emissions.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
L.L: In the last year, Certimac has expanded its services, especially regarding the Sustainability field:
Sustainability
Life Cycle Assessment, Carbon Footprint, and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): we help businesses to assess the environmental impact of their products and processes and activate a sustainable approach towards eco-design
Support for businesses in the circular economy: we help businesses in their green transition by developing new products and processes with the use – for example – of recycled construction and demolition waste. We are involved right from the eco-design of products and processes, to the development of solutions for recycling and recovering waste.
Material Science
Emissions, safety, and health assessments: we assess the emissions, safety, and health impacts of a wide range of materials used in confined environments. This ensures they contribute to a healthy living environment, promoting good air quality and the well-being of occupants.
Laboratory testing of composite materials: we develop and test composite consolidation and restoration solutions for the existing building stock and infrastructure. These solutions can be used to extend the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure, saving money and reducing the need for new construction. Furthermore, composite materials and solutions for automotive and storage systems are under investigation through several EU-funded projects.
The overall mission of Certimac is to respond to the growing demands for low environmental impact products / buildings without any compromise on performance and fostering the achievement of a cost/effective upcycling of such sustainable solutions.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
L.L: Across all industries – Construction and Building, Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Medical, Electronics, Textiles, … – the demand for high-performance, sustainable materials is surging.
This trend is driven by a confluence of factors: environmental and health concerns, regulatory pressure, and the relentless pursuit of efficiency and innovation.
Certimac is positioned at the forefront of this transformation, offering a comprehensive suite of services that empower businesses in all sectors – not just construction – to navigate this evolving landscape.
We are partners in innovation, helping companies develop and implement cutting-edge materials, treatments, and components. Our expertise extends beyond traditional engineering, encompassing low-impact solutions that benefit both the environment and your users. We help businesses to seize the competitive edge in a future defined by sustainability and peak performance.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
L.L: The market trends paint a clear picture: sustainability is no longer a niche concern, it’s the driving force of all industries. We’re witnessing a fundamental shift towards a more circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are maximized. Imagine a world where products are designed not just for functionality, but also for disassembly and reuse. This mentality is gaining traction, with industries that are hungry for innovative, high-performance materials that are not only efficient and durable, but also minimize their environmental footprint.
Another key trend is the growing emphasis on industrial optimization. Companies are also actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and this is being achieved through a multi-pronged approach.
In essence, the market is demanding a complete overhaul, a move towards sustainable practices at every stage of the process. This creates a significant opportunity for Certimac. Our expertise in materials, unwavering commitment to innovation and dedication to minimizing environmental impact perfectly align with the industry’s evolving needs.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?
L.L: As anticipated before, all sectors are undergoing a significant transformation driven by environmental responsibility and the need for innovative materials and processes (with high performance and low environmental impact). Sustainability is a top priority, with customers and regulations pushing for greener practices.
The drive for sustainable and resilient products is transforming industries that rely on advanced materials. Similar to the construction industry’s focus on withstanding extreme weather, various sectors are prioritizing materials with superior durability and resilience. This is leading to the development of cutting-edge solutions like self-healing composites and high-performance recycled materials.
The concept of a circular economy is gaining traction. Companies are implementing design strategies that allow for disassembly and future reuse of materials. This shift, along with the incorporation of recycled materials into new products, fosters a more sustainable and responsible approach across industries.
In conclusion, a strong commitment to sustainability and resilience is shaping the future of materials across various sectors. Advanced materials, innovative design strategies, and the adoption of new technologies are paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and future-proof approach to product development.
In this context, Certimac expects continued growth in 2024, supporting companies that wish to respond to market needs: increasingly reliable, sustainable and high-performance materials and products.
We also want to underline that by statute, we are a non-profit research organization, so the profit is redeployed for new equipment, training courses, and hiring new skills and professionals. This will enable us to increase our services and respond more readily to market needs in the future.
