THE UNIT, BY EPTA, CHAMPION IN SUSTAINABILITY, WINS THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD

On 5 December, The UNIT, by Epta, champion in sustainability, was announced among the winners of the 2024 edition of the German Design Award, for the Excellent Product Design Retail category, which recognises revolutionary projects on an international scale to promote sustainable transformation through design. Innovative and eco-compatible proposals, which reflect a different approach focused on the use of recycled and recyclable materials, on efficiency and on more ecofriendly production. It is in continuity with this paradigm that The UNIT is born, the first plug-in refrigerated counter developed according to the principles of the circular economy, destined to become an iconic model for the refrigerated counters of the future.

The UNIT, the revolution of refrigeration in the era of the circular economy

The UNIT represents a revolution in the Food&Beverage sector in the era of the circular economy as end-of-life friendly solution. It is a 95% recyclable counter formed by sheet metal with finishes in ecopaint, glass, PLA, and cork 100% of plant origin, to protect deforestation, because it derives from the bark. Further distinctive elements are its modularity, scalability and ease of disassembly and assembly, this last characteristic simplifies maintenance and cleaning. In addition, its compact packaging optimises transport, in favour of less CO2 emissions. The solution responds to the 4Rs – Reuse, Repair, Recondition and Recycle – imperatives of Epta, backbone for more sustainable commercial refrigeration in the future. The UNIT is the tangible representation of the Innovation Reloaded concept. The Epta Sustainable System, which enhances the Epta system, as element of innovation to steer Clients towards an ecological transition.

Italy, the most circular Country in Europe

The circular economy is gaining more and more ground in Italy, in line with the European Green Deal Directives. According to the Circular Economy Network report, this year Italy has asserted itself as the most “circular Country in Europe. This trend is further highlighted by data of the Polytechnic of Milan: in 2022, 57% of Italian companies implemented at least one circular economy practice. In particular, the Food&Bevarege sector distinguishes itself occupying the second place among the most active sectors, with 80% of the companies which have adopted these practices.