Industrial Waste Silver Extraction: The Certifying Authority and Extraction Process
The Italian silver export industry is undergoing significant changes, with a growing focus on sustainability that aligns with global ethical standards. This shift is part of a broader dynamic in the Italian jewellery and precious metals sector, which has seen impressive growth recently. In 2024, Italian jewellery exports reached €15.65 billion, marking a remarkable 40.91% increase from the previous year, positioning Italy as the second-largest jewellery exporter globally[1].
Sustainability has become a critical factor in the precious metals and jewellery industry, and Italy’s jewellery and silver industry is responding accordingly. One of the key ways this is being achieved is through the adoption of Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) standards. The RJC is a prominent organization that promotes responsible ethical, social, and environmental practices throughout the jewellery supply chain[6]. Approximately 300 Italian companies involved in silver are part of the RJC, committing to transparency, responsible sourcing of metals, and sustainable manufacturing processes[1].
In addition to adhering to RJC standards, Italian companies are incorporating clean technology and AI in production. This includes minimizing waste and energy use in manufacturing, consistent with the broader national focus on green and longevity economy principles[4][5]. The industrial demand for silver in green technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicles, further enhances the sustainability profile of silver usage while supporting the Italian industry’s export capacity[2].
Companies like Italpreziosi of Arezzo, a leading player in the Italian silver industry, are at the forefront of this sustainability movement. Italpreziosi only works with mines that pay attention to the environment and buys industrial waste to put back on the market in a perfect balance of the circular economy[3]. Another RJC-certified company, Karizia, only buys recycled silver from Italy[3].
The silver export industry is projected to reach one billion euros by 2025, up from 893 million in 2024[2]. With an estimated potential increase of 11% between 2024 and 2025, the silver export industry is not only strong but also growing[2]. Companies in the sector, such as Italpreziosi, are continually investing in state-of-the-art machinery and acknowledging room for improvement in training and awareness[3].
The demand for silver is driven by industrial applications related to sustainable electricity, such as photovoltaic panels, and electric mobility, particularly car batteries[3]. Fabiani Gioiellerie notes that silver has greater versatility and a higher recycling potential, making it more sustainable[3].
In conclusion, Italy's silver export industry is embracing sustainability to meet modern ethical standards, positioning itself as a major player in responsible silver sourcing and exportation globally. The industry's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through adherence to RJC standards, integration of advanced, greener production technologies, and a focus on recycling and circular economy principles[3]. As the world transitions towards a greener future, the Italian silver export industry is poised to play a crucial role in this transformation.
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Technologies like clean technology and AI are being integrated into the production processes of Italian silver companies, promoting sustainability by minimizing waste and energy use. By doing so, these companies are responding to the broader national focus on the green and longevity economy principles.
The demonstrated commitment to sustainability by Italian silver companies, as shown through their adherence to RJC standards and focus on recycling and circular economy principles, positions the Italian silver export industry as a leader in responsible silver sourcing and exportation.
