From Latin America to Italy: Learning from Alessandro Reginato’s Circular Economy Journey

Welcome to a fascinating journey through the world of water management and circular economy with Alessandro Reginato, General Manager of Gruppo CAP in Italy. Renowned for his expansive experience across Latin America and Italy, Alessandro’s insights provide us with a unique perspective on the challenges and innovations within the water sector.

Introducing Alessandro Reginato and Gruppo CAP

Alessandro has had a dynamic career journey as a civil engineer, marked by significant contributions in Spain and various Central and South American countries. His experience spans water and waste management, making a significant impact in regions like Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Mexico. Now, as part of Gruppo CAP, Alessandro oversees a team of over 900 people dedicated to serving the metropolitan area of Milan with water services. His leadership focuses on managing an extensive network of drinking and wastewater infrastructure to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

Insights from Latin America’s Water Challenges

With such a diverse background, Alessandro brings a wealth of knowledge about the differing priorities in water management across regions. In many South and Central American countries, expanding the drinking water services coverage remains a priority. Urban population growth around major cities poses additional challenges, often hindered by gaps in water coverage and non-revenue water. Alessandro highlights the opportunities for specialized providers to enhance billing and collection processes, a crucial step in driving financial sustainability and capital investments for utility companies.

Wastewater Management Innovations

Alessandro contrasts these priorities with the wastewater management sector, where landfill disposal of sludge predominates, and anaerobic digestion is still limited. He notes the potential for improved collection efficiency to fund technical advancements. Cities like Mexico City face infrastructure challenges such as massive drainage systems, while others like Lima, in an arid environment, need to find innovative solutions for water provision.

The European Approach to Circular Economy

Returning to Europe, Alessandro emphasizes the stark differences he observed. In Italy, the regulatory landscape and investment focus differ significantly, allowing companies like Gruppo CAP to strengthen processes towards a circular economy. He showcases innovative projects like biomethane injection into the distribution grid and the creation of fertilizers from sludge. These projects represent a significant shift towards resource recovery, a strong focus in regions like Milan.

Harnessing Biochar and Pigments

One of the most intriguing innovations shared by Alessandro is the use of pyrolysis in wastewater plants to produce biochar, which has multiple applications, including pigment extraction. Gruppo CAP’s Robecco wastewater treatment plant exemplifies this innovation, aiming to produce energy while eliminating waste, a clear triumph in resource management.

Lessons from Latin America

Alessandro credits his experience in Latin America with teaching him flexibility and resourcefulness. In countries with limited financial capacity, maximizing available resources becomes essential. Alessandro applies this mindset in Italy, ensuring that Gruppo CAP’s financial resources fund truly innovative projects.

Reflecting on a Career Path

As Alessandro reflects on his career journey, he encourages future innovators to push boundaries and integrate circular economy principles in their strategies. He emphasizes the importance of precision and planning, deriving insights from the manufacturing industry to enhance resource management. Alessandro Reginato’s experiences and insights contribute invaluable lessons for water sector leaders worldwide. By bridging the gap between regions and embracing innovative solutions, he exemplifies how resourcefulness and dedication can drive progress in the water management industry.

Conclusion

This engaging discussion with Alessandro Reginato on the Exec Exchange podcast provides a rich understanding of how different regions approach water management challenges. His journey from Latin America to Italy highlights the importance of innovation, strategic resource use, and the pursuit of a circular economy in the water sector.

Join us next time for more enlightening conversations with industry leaders.