Fire Protection with a Green Conscience – Safety Meets Sustainability
Interview with Eva Marciano, Export Sales Manager DACH for Emme Antincendio S.r.l.
Fire protection is an essential safety measure that plays a crucial role in many industries. Emme Antincendio S.r.l., based in Corsalone, Italy, specializes in the production of innovative fire extinguishers and is increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly solutions. Through modern technologies and sustainable materials, the company develops products that not only offer effective protection but also conserve the environment. With exports to 43 countries, the company continues to expand. Eva Marciano, export manager for the DACH market, spoke with Wirtschaftsforum about the importance of sustainable fire protection solutions, the challenges of entering the German market, and the company's future plans.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Marciano, can you give us an overview of the history of Emme Antincendio?
Eva Marciano: Emme Antincendio is a family business that was founded in 1973 by Gianfranco Milli. He had been a volunteer firefighter before that. One day, a boiler caught fire and could only be extinguished with the help of the fire brigade, as at that time very few people owned fire extinguishers. For many people, this event was the trigger to purchase their own fire extinguisher. Shortly afterwards, Gianfranco Milli began selling and maintaining fire extinguishers on a regular basis and founded the company EMME. It all started with a small van with which he went from house to house selling fire extinguishers. Today, our company employs about 100 staff and serves over 1,500 clients throughout Italy.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the core products of Emme Antincendio?
Eva Marciano: Our portfolio includes a wide range of fire extinguishers for various applications. Particularly noteworthy is our new "Green Wave" line – fire extinguishers without fluorine. They are completely PFAS-free and thus more environmentally friendly. The range starts with handy 2-liter devices and extends up to 150-liter extinguishing systems. Another innovative product is our "Clean Agent" extinguisher, a gas-based fire extinguisher that leaves no residue after discharge. It was specifically designed for sensitive environments such as libraries, art collections, or server rooms. Furthermore, we are the only company with a sustainable powder solution for fire extinguishers certified according to ISO 14025:2006 under the International EPD System.
Wirtschaftsforum: How internationally positioned is your company?
Eva Marciano: We export to 43 countries worldwide. I am responsible for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, other colleagues manage markets such as the Netherlands or Belgium. We have a particularly strong presence in Germany, where there is a very high demand for sustainable fire-fighting solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges did you face when entering the German market?
Eva Marciano: One of the biggest challenges was the fact that rechargeable fire extinguishers are mainly used in Germany, whereas in Italy, permanent pressure extinguishers are common. Our strategy was to develop products that meet German standards and are also environmentally friendly.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is sustainability for Emme Antincendio?
Eva Marciano: Sustainability is one of our core values. In addition to fluorine-free foams and sustainable powders, we also focus on recycling programs for extinguishing agents. Our 6-kg powder extinguisher with recycled extinguishing powder filling was the first of its kind to receive the Dutch 'Milieukeur' certification.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role do trade fairs and marketing play for your company?
Eva Marciano: Trade fairs are an essential part of market development for us. This year, we are exhibiting in Germany at the FeuerTrutz in Nuremberg and the Vfdb industry days, and in 2026 at the SMM Hamburg and Interschutz Hannover. In Italy, we are also exhibiting at the Safety Expo in Bergamo. We are also active internationally, for example at the METS in the Netherlands or the Intersec in Dubai. In addition, we are increasingly showing a stronger presence on social media.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the future plans of Emme Antincendio?
Eva Marciano: We plan to build a logistics center in Germany, firstly to have a stronger presence in the local market, and secondly because it would significantly reduce our delivery times for the DACH market. We also want to expand our sustainable product lines and open up new markets: for instance, we have established a new logistics center for the distribution of fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment in Norway with our partner Skandinavisk Brannteknikk AS — with the aim of setting new standards in fire protection there.
Wirtschaftsforum: Finally, what makes Emme Antincendio unique?
Eva Marciano: We focus on quality over price competition. Our customers value our expertise, our sustainable innovations, and our first-class service. Our goal is not just to sell fire extinguishers, but to shape a safer and more environmentally friendly future.