years
Years of continuous innovation in circular economy applications since our transition in 2020
Technological waste generated through our integrated processing systems
Metric tons of CO2 emissions prevented annually through our circular approach
- Environmental Responsibility
Pioneering Ecological Stewardship Through Circular Economy
At AZ Group, environmental responsibility is woven into the very fabric of our business model. We’ve reimagined traditional industrial processes to create a system where nothing goes to waste and every resource finds its highest-value use. Our approach demonstrates that economic growth and environmental protection can work in harmony when business is designed with ecological principles at its core.
Our Environmental Impact
Zero Technological Waste
We’ve achieved what many businesses consider impossible: production processes that generate zero technological waste. Through our integrated circular system, materials that would typically be discarded become valuable inputs for other processes, eliminating the concept of waste entirely from our operations.
Carbon Negative Operations
Our business model doesn’t just reduce carbon emissions – it actively prevents them. By processing over 5,000 tons of animal by-products annually that would otherwise be improperly disposed of, we prevent approximately 17,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalent from entering the atmosphere. This impact is comparable to the carbon capture of 2,000 hectares of forest.
Water Protection
Before our circular economy model was implemented, many animal by-products in Albania were disposed of in ways that threatened water quality. By providing a responsible alternative for processing these materials, we help prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water resources.
Soil Health Promotion
Through our AZ Fert organic fertilizer and NUTRIVIVE biostimulant, we support agricultural practices that build soil health rather than depleting it. These products reduce dependency on chemical inputs that can harm soil microbiomes and lead to long-term degradation of agricultural land.
From Environmental Problem to Solution
When we began operations, we identified a significant environmental challenge: more than 80 red-meat slaughterhouses in Albania were generating substantial animal by-products with no sustainable disposal method. These materials were often buried, sent to landfills, or worse – dumped into rivers, causing serious environmental harm.
Our response was to create Albania’s first complete circular economy system for these materials:
Collection Network
Establishing a logistics system to gather materials from throughout Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro
Specialized Processing
Developing different processing methods based on the specific characteristics of each material
Multiple Value Streams
Creating diverse products for food, pet food, agriculture, and energy applications
Zero-Waste Integration
Ensuring that outputs from each process become inputs for another
- Environmental Certifications and Standards
Our environmental commitment is backed by formal certifications and adherence to rigorous standards:
BioInspecta Organic Certification
Our AZ Fert organic fertilizer is certified according to EU standards (Reg. EU 2018/848) for materials used in organic agriculture
Environmental Protection Champion
Recognized in 2023 as an Environmental Protection Champion for the Western Balkans 6 region
Circular Economy Pioneer
Acknowledged as the first and only group of companies in Albania operating under a complete Circular Economy Business Model
Customer Centric
We place customer needs at the center of everything we do, prioritizing quality and reliability in our products and services. Our commitment extends beyond basic satisfaction – we aim to exceed expectations, even when it requires additional investment on our part. We believe that true customer centricity creates lasting relationships built on trust and consistent performance.
Accountability
We foster a culture where everyone takes ownership of their actions and decisions. This accountability extends throughout our organization, empowering team members to develop high levels of competence and autonomy. We believe that when people take responsibility for outcomes – both successes and failures – they contribute to collective growth and achievement.
Innovation
We embrace thoughtful experimentation and learning through action, understanding that meaningful innovation requires taking calculated risks. We distinguish between mistakes from carelessness (which we avoid) and mistakes made in pursuit of improvement (which we encourage). Our approach creates a safe space for creative problem-solving, recognizing that breakthroughs rarely come on the first attempt.
Collaboration
We believe that better results come from uniting our strengths – whether within our teams, with clients, suppliers, or external partners. Every team member is encouraged to feel they belong and contribute to our shared mission. This collaborative spirit extends beyond our company walls to include our entire value chain, creating integrated solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
Sustainability
We recognize that the environment in which we conduct business is the same one we want to preserve for future generations. This awareness drives our commitment to sustainable practices throughout our operations, from daily routines to strategic decisions. We believe business success and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand to create lasting positive impact.
- Educating for Environmental Change
We believe our responsibility extends beyond our own operations to include sharing knowledge about sustainable practices:
Industry Education
Working with suppliers and partners to improve their environmental practices
Community Awareness
Hosting educational events about circular economy principles
Policy Advocacy
Supporting regulatory frameworks that encourage environmental responsibility across all sectors
Through these efforts, we demonstrate that businesses can be powerful forces for environmental regeneration when they embrace circular principles and place ecological responsibility at the center of their operations.
