BEFESA

In the field of Research, Development and Innovation, Befesa develops policies aimed at the creation of value and the sustainable performance of its activities, without compromising future generations.

Befesa’s R&D strategy

Befesa’s research and development strategy is geared towards results and value creation by proposing new technologies in alignment with sustainable development.

Befesa’s strategic research and development plan pursues the following objectives:

• To become a technologically competitive leader in aluminum and galvanized steel waste recycling.
• To develop new technologies for industrial waste management.

Research in the field of aluminum waste recycling seeks to improve performance in the recovery of aluminum raw materials and waste, optimize operating procedures and product quality, and develop new, improved technologies in aid of sustainable development.

The steel and galvanic wastes recycling area has recently formed a new company, Befesa Steel R&D, S. L., with a view to bringing organizational structure in line with the new model, expand the various lines of activity and widen and improve our range of services so as to exceed market expectations and enhance both delivered and customer-perceived value.

The industrial waste integrated management area is developing new technologies along with ongoing change in environmental law. The company prioritizes its management methods based on a hierarchy headed by reuse, recycling and valorization as against merely eliminative treatment. We are also diversifying into new environmental markets and widening the range of treatable wastes.

One of the main vectors of Befesa’s research and development strategy is to enter into external partnerships with institutions and universities. Major partners include the Fundación Euskoiker and the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales de Bilbao, as part of the activities conducted by the Aula Befesa higher education unit in training and research.

It is worth mentioning the collaboration with a large number of research groups from several universities and public research institutions, which include the Universities of Seville, Cadiz, Valladolid, Granada, Malaga, Castilla la Mancha, Girona and the Polytechnic University of Seville, the Superior Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), the Energy and Environment Research Centre (Ciemat), the Solar Energy Research Centre (Ciesol), the Inasmet, Inatec Laboratory, Insesca and Alcan, among others.

Also, collaboration is developed with public entities, whether through subsidies or through research and development grants. Thus, agreements have been signed with the Ministries of Science and Innovation; Industry, Tourism and Trade; Environmental, Rural and Marine Affairs; with the Institution for the Industrial Development (CDTI); with the Programme for the Development of Technical Research (PROFIT); with the Council of Innovation, Science and Business of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia and with the Technological Corporation of Andalusia.

To achieve its research, development and innovation goals, Befesa has built its own research and development center in Seville. Equipped with state-of-the-art, sustainable facilities, the center has the scientific and technological resources to position Befesa at the technological forefront of its chosen fields. The center aspires to become an international benchmark in industrial waste treatment. The facilities, which can house 70 researchers, have a total of 3,000 m² of floor space, used primarily for testing, laboratories, workshop, offices, control room, exhibition room and multi-use room.