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History
CALP was founded in 1967 after the merger of two companies, both located in Colle Val d’Elsa, whose origins were solidly rooted in craftsmanship: the CALB and Cristalleria La Piana Spa, the first Italian company to produce authentic lead crystal well before the introduction of the EC regulations. CALP produces only lead crystal with over 24% PbO, and a refraction index superior to 1.545.
Tradition
CALP has always used traditional production methods to manufacture its outstanding crystal products whose superior quality also derives from the purity of the raw materials used and the expertise of its master artisans. CALP has always striven to improve its competitive advantage through the introduction of innovative technology and marketing policies. As a consequence it has enjoyed a remarkable growth rate and today, thanks to the use of the most sophisticated production processes, it has become one of the most advanced companies in its field at world level.
Technology
Needless to say, this growth process will continue to go ahead. Proof of this is CALP’s latest investments in the technological field. A new system was created to produce goblets with a drawn stem exactly like those made by hand by master craftsmen. A fully computerised system has for many years ensured that the plant achieves maximum efficiency from its production systems through computer management and control of the various phases of manufacture. This sophisticated management system monitors the production potential of each line and detects the onset of malfunctions. Controls starts with analyses of raw materials and, subsequently, of the melted crystal. For this reason CALP has developed one of the best-equipped laboratories in the industry that carries out the advanced analyses on the production, quality in production and researches new glass mixtures.
Design
The RCR brand has been a great success worldwide for CALP Cristalleria Artistica La Piana. Its strong points are undoubtedly the wide product assortment and the excellence price/quality ratio. The designs have been inspired by classic and traditional cut and decorated crystal.
Ecology
CALP has always been convinced that technology must be put to the service of nature, so they have studied “clean” systems for the production and recycling of materials. Besides its commitment to technological development, CALP is also well aware of the importance of the environment. Therefore, it also dedicates research, technical-scientific resources and investments to environmental problems. The environmental policies implemented by CALP are diversified and specific, including:
- environmental protection of the workplace; scrupulous purification of production plant emissions;
- recycling of materials, later used in other industrial segments.
CALP was committed to maintaining the company’s quality standards, but research on these procedures proved to be complex. As a result of these efforts however, CALP now recycles 99.7% of its cullet on-site. All residue materials are also recycled and can be conveniently re-used if opportunely treated, for example chemical gypsum can be utilized by cement works. |
