Cleaner technology transfer in the Italian galvanic industry: economic and know-how issues

The paper, providing a technical and economic assessment of the available technologies in the Italian galvanic industry, highlights critical factors influencing strategic decisions on the adoption of BATs (Best Available Technologies) in the light of IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) Directive. A broad-based survey of the galvanic industry is presented revealing a considerable gap between the proposed BATs and the technological solutions currently installed. Then, BATs included in the EC Reference Report [BREF – reference document on best available techniques surface treatment of metals and plastic materials using electrolytic or chemical process (volume of treatment vats > 30 m3). In: Surface treatment of metals and plastic materials using electrolytic or chemical process. European Committee for Surface Treatment; 2001] are analyzed and classified according to their documented economic performance and the complexity of implementation. Even if the analysis confirms the potential of BATs to generate significant cost savings with a short pay-back time, it is difficult for Italian small-medium enterprises (SMEs) to access the know-how needed to make strategic decisions regarding the implementation of BATs.