A clear future for solar-powered glass making
How a loan from Banca Intesa Beograd allowed a Serbian glass producer begin powering its own operations
12/06/2024
Konkav Konveks is a Serbian family business founded almost 30 years ago. It produces glass in all formats for a wide variety of uses, using high-precision machinery at its 8,000 sq m factory in Dobanovci, close to Belgrade.
The company makes different special types of glass facades for buildings, partition walls made of glass, glass as a flooring material, glass ceilings, fireproof glass and bulletproof glass.
It has been constantly modernising and expanding since 2000, but in the past few years that modernisation has been focused on integrating sustainable practices into the heart of its glass production and distribution.
"Thanks to the bank's long-term loan, we installed a solar power plant with a capacity of 1MW that covers a large part of our production. "
Mirjana Mihailović, director of Konkav Konveks
The company’s goals to operate more sustainably have been boosted by a long-term loan from Banca Intesa, which allowed it to install a solar power plant on the roof of its factory. Now, around 70% of the business’s electricity needs are fulfilled by its own energy production.
Mirjana Mihailović, a company director of Konkav Konveks, says: “Thanks to the bank's long-term loan, we installed a solar power plant with a capacity of 1MW that covers a large part of our production. The company vehicles are also powered this way. Another goal we are about to achieve is to use only electric vehicles, even for deliveries.”
"The steps Konkav Konveks has taken are impressive. And thanks to cutting-edge machinery, the company recycles 75% of its total waste, wastewater included.
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Tijana Janić, relationship manager Banca Intesa Beograd
Separation and recycling of waste is another high priority in the business model. Currently more than 75% of the company’s total waste is recycled. This includes a system for the purification and recirculation of technical water, which is purer than normal water. It enables the glass production to function with minimal water consumption.
Tijana Janić, relationship manager at Banca Intesa Beograd, underlines the challenges that companies face in their green transition: “The steps Konkav Konveks has taken are impressive.
“And thanks to cutting-edge machinery, the company recycles 75% of its total waste, wastewater included.”
"We support companies of all types and operating in different sectors, in their journey towards sustainability, with the aim of bringing change to every process, product and place."
Alice Grittini, Head of ESG Business Acceleration, Intesa Sanpaolo
Supporting companies in their green transformation is at the heart of parent company Intesa Sanpaolo Group’s mission, says Alice Grittini, head of ESG Business Acceleration, Intesa Sanpaolo: “We support companies of all types and operating in different sectors, in their journey towards sustainability, with the aim of bringing change to every process, product and place.”
