Calculating the Environmental Footprint

Hello Everyone,

Out students of the Master Program in Risk Management at the University of Tirana engaged in an activity aiming at calculating the environmental footprint of several products among selected Albanian Production Companies. For this purpose Footprint calculator tool available at: FOOTPRINTCALC - Free product footprint calculator was used.

@Julia @lauragjikola @kendicara Please share insights of your visits in the companies and ongoing work on this task.

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Calculating the environmental footprint of products is essential for promoting sustainable production practices.
I look forward to hearing about your experiences @Julia, @lauragjikola , kendicara, visiting the companies, and any significant findings from the data collected so far. It would also be interesting to learn how receptive the companies were to this assessment and if they showed interest in improving their sustainability metrics.

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Hello everyone,

Me and my friends recently had the privilege of visiting the Maccaferri Balkans as part of a study tour, and I wanted to share my insights from this eye-opening experience.

It was an incredible opportunity to see firsthand how Maccaferri is leading the way in innovative engineering solutions, particularly in the fields of infrastructure and sustainability.

During our visit, we were deeply impressed by the team’s commitment to developing cutting-edge, environmentally-conscious solutions in geotechnical engineering.

A key takeaway was the emphasis Maccaferri places on finding balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. Their work not only addresses current engineering needs but also anticipates the challenges of the future, creating lasting, positive impacts on both the industry and the planet.

As part of our study tour, we are also working on a report focused on the carbon footprint of one of their key product “gabionet” . The report will delve into how Maccaferri’s innovative solutions contribute to reducing environmental impact, specifically by analyzing the life-cycle emissions of the “gabions”.

Our goal is to highlight the effectiveness of their sustainable engineering practices and their commitment to minimizing carbon footprints, while also providing insights into potential improvements for even greater environmental benefit.

I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Maccaferri team, especially to Managing Director Robert Masha, for making this valuable learning experience possible, professors elonapojani & PersetaGrabova and my team @Anisa @Xhesara Zyra.Mahmuti. It was an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the future of engineering and sustainability.

I highly recommend anyone interested in geotechnical engineering, infrastructure, or sustainable development to explore the incredible work Maccaferri is doing. If anyone has questions or would like to discuss this further, feel free to reach out.

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Have you ever thought about what goes into making a simple paper bag?

Our visit to GULIT SH.P.K. gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the sustainable choices shaping this industry.

GULIT SH.P.K. is a leading Albanian company specializing in the production of paper bags for the construction sector (TITAN, DEKOLL, KNAUF) and the food industry (flour bags). This visit provided us with valuable insights into their production processes, sustainability efforts, and future strategies.

It was fascinating to see how GULIT SH.P.K. prioritizes environmentally friendly materials. They use starch-based adhesive (derived from potatoes) and water-based printing ink, reducing harmful emissions and making the final product 100% recyclable. Additionally, all production waste is sent for recycling to Edipack in Durrës, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Another key topic of discussion was energy consumption. Printing machines are the largest energy consumers, and while the company has invested in new machinery with inverters for greater efficiency, they are now evaluating the installation of solar panels to further reduce their carbon footprint.

The company is also making significant strides in workforce training and development, focusing on enhancing employee skills to ensure high production standards. It was particularly inspiring to see women actively working in the factory, contributing to an industry traditionally dominated by men.

As part of our study, we are working on a report assessing the environmental footprint of GULIT SH.P.K.’s paper bags. Our research will analyze the entire product life cycle, from raw materials to production and recycling, with the goal of identifying opportunities for further sustainability improvements.

Our visit to GULIT SH.P.K. was not only informative but also inspiring, revealing how the blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative, sustainable practices can drive success both domestically and in export markets.

A huge thank you to Ramiz Abili (Owner) and Besjan Elezi (Foreign Affairs And Export Chief Officer) for hosting us and sharing their valuable insights. Also, special thanks to Professors @elonapojani & @PersetaGrabova , and my team for their collaboration on this project!

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Exploring Sustainability at Aquila Group

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Aquila Group with my professors, where we explored sustainability and its role in business. This visit provided valuable insights into how companies are integrating environmentally responsible practices into their operations.

We had the chance to see the company from the inside, observing its production process firsthand. It was fascinating to understand how different stages come together to create a final product while considering efficiency and sustainability.

A key part of our visit was gathering datasets for our ongoing study on carbon footprint calculations. The data provided by Aquila Group will help us analyze the environmental impact of their production process, allowing us to assess key sustainability metrics and better understand how businesses can track and minimize their carbon footprint.

This experience was both insightful and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in modern business. I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply these insights to my study and to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between business operations and environmental responsibility.

A sincere thank you to Aquila Group for their collaboration and openness, and to my professors @elonapojani @PersetaGrabova
for guiding us through this enriching learning experience!


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