Innovation and sustainability in a new circular economy project
Livorno, 1 April 2025 – Laviosa, a leader in the extraction and processing of bentonites into high value-added solutions for both industry and consumer use, and Consorzi Agrari d’Italia, the largest platform for the promotion of national agriculture, announce a new project born under the banner of sustainability and innovation.
Laviosa and Consorzi Agrari d’Italia are joining forces to launch a project that gives new life to plant waste: the first cat litter completely upcycled from agricultural materials.
The initiative, which sees Laviosa become the world’s first manufacturer of mineral- and plant-based litter, promotes sustainable innovation capable of generating tangible benefits for the local area, communities, businesses and individuals. A key aspect is upcycling, a creative reuse process that transforms waste materials into innovative products, one of the principles underlying the green economy. Production takes place at the CAI Nutrizione plant in Mantua, one of the production facilities of the Consorzi Agrari d’Italia feed hub. This choice allows for more efficient management of raw materials and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions linked to transport, thus contributing to a lower environmental impact throughout the entire production chain.
The new litter is composed of a blend of vegetable waste from agricultural food production. Laviosa’s Research & Development department has perfected the formula to ensure excellent product performance while fully respecting the needs of cats and their owners. The upcycled plant-based litter is TUV OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certified, attesting to its compliance with European standard EN 13432 regarding compostability in industrial composting plants. Further certifications are currently being obtained to ensure that the product complies with high safety and quality standards and is entirely composed of by-products that do not take resources away from human consumption.
The development plan for this entirely Italian project represents a virtuous model that can be replicated in all countries where Laviosa operates, starting with France, in order to enhance the value of local agricultural by-products, with a view to minimising CO2 emissions and contributing positively to the economy of the territory that hosts us.
Olimpia Laviosa, director of Laviosa Pet Care, said: “We believe in progress that generates tangible benefits for people, communities and territories. Our upcycled litter is a virtuous example of the circular economy: it comes from the earth and returns to the earth. As leaders in the mineral litter segment, we are well aware of the value of natural resources. It is thanks to our drive for innovation and continuous investment in research and development that we have created a product in which the valorisation of by-products and reduction of consumption come together in perfect balance.”
Gianluca Lelli, CEO of Consorzi Agrari d’Italia, said: “The collaboration with Laviosa confirms CAI’s commitment to promoting the products of Italian farmers, even when it comes to processing waste. Thanks to the partnership between Laviosa researchers and CAI Nutrizione technicians, we have transformed food waste into a new resource, demonstrating how vision, expertise and technology are the concrete answer to sustainable growth.”
Upcycled plant-based bedding is an initiative born out of shared values – earth, roots, care, authenticity – and a common vision: to build a more sustainable future starting with simple things, such as caring for our pets in the most responsible way possible. The technology at the Valdaro production site and the expertise of CAI Nutrizione’s feed specialists were perfectly suited to the development of the project, ensuring the use of by-products originating from the Italian supply chain and obtained from non-GMO seeds.ricoli.
