Discovering the heart of sustainability: a visit to Aquafil Spa

Students from the University of Trento recently visited Aquafil Spa, discovering the production processes of synthetic fibers and the company’s commitment to sustainability. This formative experience connected theory and practice, demonstrating how innovation and environmental respect can coexist.

The students had a unique opportunity to closely observe the workings of a cutting-edge industrial reality and better understand the production processes they had only studied in textbooks. Aquafil Spa, a leading company in the synthetic fiber sector, is located in the city of Arco, Trentino.

The visit began with a general overview of the company, providing foundational knowledge regarding its history, the products developed, and the ethics guiding its operations. Students were introduced to the principles of sustainability and innovation that characterize Aquafil, highlighting the importance of responsible and eco-friendly production.

Subsequently, participants were guided through the various production departments. This second part of the visit allowed them to follow the complete production cycle of synthetic fibers: from the sourcing of caprolactam to the polymerization reactor, and finally to extrusion and the collection of filament strands.

For Elia, one of the students, the most interesting moment was “witnessing the production process live and learning about the story of the product that the company offers to the market.” Similarly, Pietro appreciated “seeing the machines and processes studied in university courses in action.”

A particularly appreciated aspect was Aquafil’s commitment to sustainability. Students observed how the company recycles nylon, transforming industrial waste into new high-quality products. Clara highlighted how the visit allowed them to “understand how an industrial plant of that scale operates and how all the various departments are interconnected.”

The most significant message that students took home was about innovation and sustainability. Dervis noted, “I was struck by how, by exploring a path where others had already failed, they managed to succeed.” The visit demonstrated how a company can not only produce sustainably but also invest in research and projects to manage the product life cycle in an eco-friendly manner.

When asked if they would recommend the visit to colleagues in the coming years, all students responded positively. Alessandro emphasized that “the production of synthetic yarn is an important sector of the industry and can be environmentally friendly,” while Gabriele appreciated the chance to “see in operation all the machinery involved in the various processes of transforming raw materials into the final product.”

The visit to Aquafil Spa was a formative and enlightening experience for the students, providing them with a practical understanding of production processes and a concrete example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. Such initiatives represent a fundamental bridge between theory and practice, enriching students’ educational journeys with real and meaningful experiences.