World-class sustainability
This week, we had a fantastic opportunity to visit our long-term supplier Pratic in the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. It was not just a routine inspection; it was a deep dive into their manufacturing processes where we saw first-hand how every step is characterised by innovation, quality, and a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Pratic, a leading manufacturer of pergolas, has set a new standard in the industry through its holistic approach to environmental responsibility. During the visit, it became clear why we chose them as a partner: their work with sustainability is not a by-product, but the core of their operations.
Sustainability as Pratic's guiding principle
Pratic has long prioritised the environment in its design and production. Their headquarters are designed to minimise impact on the surroundings and landscape, with solutions that optimise energy efficiency through shading and renewable energy generation.
The manufacturing facilities include a painting plant with near-zero emissions and a highly efficient automated warehouse that reduces unnecessary energy consumption. Material choices are carefully considered – aluminium, steel, glass, and textiles that are strong, durable, and fully recyclable at the end of their life.
A concrete proof of their progress is the Ecol Design Award 2021, which Pratic was awarded for its headquarters and production chain. The award celebrates the company's transition to highly efficient ecological models, with impressive results such as a reduction in waste of 1595 kg, savings of 4618 kg of fossil fuels, conservation of 18156 litres of water, a 25% reduction in kilometres driven for transport, and recycling of 86% of materials in 2021.
These figures come from Pratic's implementation of the ECOL360° environmental management system, which includes efficient waste management and the selection of clean energy sources. The award highlights how sustainability is embedded in everything from design to production, with a zero-impact coating system and rigorous requirements for recyclable raw materials.
For us at PS, this is crucial. We know that our customers demand products that are not only beautiful and functional, but also responsible towards the planet. Therefore, we carefully select suppliers like Pratic – we examine every link in the supply chain to ensure that sustainability permeates the business.
It's about building long-term relationships where environmental considerations are not compromised, but become a competitive advantage for both us and our customers.
The revolutionary coating process: A step ahead of the industry
One of the highlights of the visit was following Pratic's painting process from start to finish. Unlike the industry standard, where waste and water consumption are often high, Pratic has developed a method that is exceptionally resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The process is based on non-toxic and non-polluting pre-treatments with powder that comply with the strictest international quality regulations, resulting in products with superior resistance to moisture, salt, and UV radiation.
Thanks to this advanced process, Pratic can offer a 10-year guarantee on the paint – a guarantee that no one else in the industry can match, providing customers with peace of mind for decades to come.
Here are some of the most impressive details:
This process differs significantly from what is common in the industry, where shorter cycles often lead to higher environmental impact. Pratic's approach is proof that high quality and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Towards a fossil-free future: Solar cells take over
Another area where Pratic impresses is their ambitious commitment to renewable energy. The factory is working intensively to become completely self-sufficient in electricity through solar cells on the roof, a project expected to be completed by 2026.
Even today, solar energy is integrated into their products, such as bioclimatic pergolas that regulate temperature and air circulation to reduce the need for lighting, cooling, and heating.
Technical fabrics in their awnings absorb solar heat and power motors via built-in photovoltaic cells in compatible models. When the solar cell project is in place, Pratic will produce all the electricity they need themselves – a major step towards carbon-neutral production.
Automated warehouse: Efficiency meets innovation
The visit concluded with a tour of Pratic's highly efficient automated warehouse, a technological highlight that optimises logistics and reduces energy consumption.
Here, components are stored in a smart system that handles thousands of items with precision, reducing manual labour and unnecessary internal transport.
We brought back several pictures from the warehouse (see below), showing how robots and AI-driven control create a smooth flow from production to delivery. It is a perfect example of how Pratic combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to reduce their footprint.
New product: Pergola Sense
During the visit, we also got acquainted with Pratic's latest innovation, the bioclimatic pergola Sense. It was exciting to see how it is produced in the factory – a minimalist design with adjustable louvres that optimise light, ventilation, and weather protection, all while staying true to Pratic's sustainability philosophy.
Read more about Sense and its unique features in our dedicated article: Discover Pergola Sense.
Why this means everything for PS and our customers
At PS, we are proud to collaborate with partners like Pratic, where sustainability is not a buzzword but a daily reality.
By choosing suppliers who actively work with environmental issues, we can offer pergolas and outdoor solutions that are kind to both the wallet and the planet.
Our visit confirmed that we are on the right track – and we look forward to continuing to develop products that make a difference.
Do you have questions about Pratic's solutions or how we at PS integrate sustainability into our offerings? Please feel free to contact us!
