ILSA recognized by J.M. Huber Corporation for safety and sustainability

The Arzignano site stands out globally for environmental management and people-centered practices: a testament to the consistency of a journey built over 70 years.

(Arzignano) There is a common thread running through the industrial history of ILSA, a Vicenza-based company active since 1956 in the production of low environmental impact fertilizers. A genuine commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation has been at the heart of its identity—and has now been officially recognized: ILSA has received the “Rising Star Award 2024” for Safety & Sustainability from J.M. Huber Corporation, the U.S.-based multinational that acquired the company at the end of 2022.

The award is presented to newly acquired sites within the Huber group that have demonstrated excellence in environmental management, risk reduction and employee engagement. “Even though it’s an internal award, this recognition holds special value for us,” says Franco Cavazza, ILSA’s Industrial Director and Sustainability Lead EMEA for Huber AgroSolutions, a division of J.M. Huber. “It means that what we’ve always communicated as part of our identity is now validated by a global benchmark. The standards have risen, but our consistency has remained.”

Safety and sustainability: measurable results

In less than two years, ILSA has successfully implemented advanced tools such as Enablon—a health, safety, and environmental reporting software already used in Huber sites worldwide—and adopted the HSMS (Huber Safety Management System), incorporating the Life Saving principles into daily operations.

“We focused on high-risk areas and implemented both technical and organizational solutions: lifelines in production departments, pedestrian safety signage, and targeted training for confined space safety,” explains Andrea Panzolato, HSE Manager. “It’s not just about compliance, but about building a company culture: empowering people, sharing knowledge, and improving every day.”

This work has led to tangible results. In 2024 alone, the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) was reduced by 40% compared to the previous year, thanks in part to the introduction of innovative engineering controls such as automated handrails and anchoring systems for lifelines.

At the same time, ILSA’s environmental commitment translated into the processing of more than 38,000 tons of leather industry by-products per year, achieving a recovery rate of over 99%. Also in 2024, two new photovoltaic systems were installed, with a total capacity of 440 kWp, and CO₂ equivalent emissions decreased by 10% in just twelve months, thanks in part to a certified energy management system and cutting-edge real-time monitoring of key energy performance indicators.

The award jury also highlighted ILSA’s role in promoting an open and transparent sustainability culture, actively engaging with schools, universities, stakeholders, and local authorities. The company has also embraced the long-term environmental goals defined by Huber’s Vision 150 strategy, reinforcing its commitment to generating a positive impact—not only on the environment, but on the wider community as well.

“This recognition is not a finish line, but a powerful incentive to keep evolving,” concludes Cavazza.