According to the official website of British American Tobacco (BAT), BAT’s innovation center in Trieste, Italy has officially opened. It is reported that the innovation center cost 500 million euros (about 4 billion yuan), with laboratories, production offices, technical rooms and 12 new product lines, took five years to build.
The innovation center was completed in 21 months and designed according to the latest sustainability standards. It runs on 100 percent renewable energy and plans to be carbon neutral certified in early 2024.
The center features a digital boutique and innovation lab focused on digital transformation, sustainability, and open innovation; The photovoltaic array and biopower plant will provide the majority of the building’s energy needs, with the remainder purchased from certified sustainable suppliers.
BAT estimates that the innovation center will create 2,700 jobs, including 600 direct jobs and 2,100 indirect jobs. British American Tobacco Italy already works with around 400 agricultural supply chain companies, employing more than 6,000 people.
Fabio de Petris, CEO of British American Tobacco Italy, said:
“The completion of the Trieste Innovation Center marks an important milestone in BAT’s global innovation and sustainability strategy. I am proud that BAT is the first company in the industry to market its full range of new products.”