Adamant Group for the environment: "We give new life to waste"

by Alberto Lazzarini

FERRARA

Founded in 2013 in Ferrara, Adamant is a rapidly growing international company active in the advanced biofuels and renewable raw materials sector. In 2014, it generated revenues of €750 million (up 17% from the previous year), with exports accounting for a full 70% of this revenue (to the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, the USA, Southeast Asia, and South America). It employs 50 people. CEO Riccardo Marchetti answers our questions.

What does Adamant produce?

Adamant transforms waste and residues into advanced biofuels. We collect, pre-treat, and market used oils, greases, agricultural residues, and byproducts for sustainable energy production.

The environment must be protected, and ultimately, you produce while safeguarding it. Is that right?

"Yes. Every ton of material we recover is one less ton of waste and one more ton of renewable energy. Our business is at the heart of the energy transition."

What does your well-known "circular" approach consist of?

"It means transforming what was previously waste, such as used oil, agricultural byproducts, or organic waste, into energy resources. It's a production model that regenerates, rather than consumes. And we do this by ensuring traceability and quality at every stage."

Are technology and research strategic?

"Absolutely. We're investing in innovation to develop new biofuels, particularly for the maritime sector, and to valorize increasingly complex raw materials. We're also exploring new technologies for the chemical recycling of plastic."

Adamant is experiencing strong, constant growth. What are the reasons?

"International growth, solid supply chains, strategic investments, and a long-term vision. But also the ability to adapt to an ever-changing regulatory environment and meet increasingly sustainability-focused demand."

You don't play alone, but in the supply chain; who are the other players?

We collaborate with local suppliers, industrial partners, and major players in the energy sector. One example is our recent partnership with OMV, which acquired 30% of our subsidiary Adamant Ecodev to strengthen the renewable raw materials supply chain.

The export share is very high. Will it grow further?

"Yes. Our international network allows us to serve European and global markets. We operate in over 20 countries, and we see great growth potential in Africa, Asia, and Latin America."

How will this fundamental sector evolve?

"It will become increasingly central to the European and global energy strategy. The challenge will be to guarantee the quantity, quality, and traceability of raw materials, within a demanding regulatory framework. And the circular economy will be an essential pillar."

How would you define the company's relationship with the local area?

"Very strong. We were born in Ferrara, and even though we operate globally, Emilia-Romagna remains our strategic heart. Our ideas, our people, and much of our value come from here."