1936: The Origins

Founded in 1936, S.I.R.E.G. S.p.A. – an acronym for Società Italiana Rigenerato e Gomme – focused its earliest activities on the processing and regeneration of rubber, particularly discarded tires.

This marked the beginning of a journey shaped by ingenuity, industrial vision, and know-how. Values that, across the decades, continue to guide Sireg today.

The Founding Family

At the heart of everything is a family.

Emilio Blanc (1907–1972) founded Sireg on strong values, a deep work ethic, and a forward-looking spirit of innovation. His vision built upon an industrial legacy already oriented toward the future: in the late 19th century, the Blanc family was involved in producing the first lead-acid batteries used to light Italian trains.

In 1958, his second son Edoardo joined the company, marking the beginning of a generational continuity that would support and strengthen Sireg’s growth over the decades.

A family story that became a business legacy.

1940s-1950s: New Materials

In the post-war years, Sireg embraced reconstruction with vision and determination. The arrival of thermoplastic materials led to the development of Athermophon, a patented fire-retardant thermal and acoustic insulation solution. An emblem of Sireg’s ability to evolve through materials.

Athermophon was used in the interiors of major vessels such as the Andrea Doria and in aeronautical equipment, including aircraft from the Macchi air fleet.

1950s: Battery Separators

More than 20 years after its founding, Sireg expanded into new markets and new opportunities.

Building on its connection to the industrial accumulator sector, the company entered the electric battery market by developing a key component for stationary and traction batteries: the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) separator, a sheet that ensures safe separation between the battery’s positive and negative plates.

Sireg became the exclusive European manufacturer, keeping production in Arcore. Today, separators are still produced by Sireg Polyvinyl.

New sectors, new expertise, same vision: innovating through materials.

The 1970s: New leadership, new markets

In the 1970s, leadership of the company passed to Edoardo Blanc, alongside Amelia Blanc. A complementary partnership in both life and work, they set a new strategic direction for the company.

While continuing its established production of battery separators, Sireg began to diversify its product portfolio and expand into new markets.

Plastics soon became a defining element of the company’s manufacturing: TAM pipes and drainage pipes, corrugated sheaths, waterstop joints and special profiles marked the beginning of Sireg’s specialization in the geotechnical sector.

During this period, geotechnical engineeringproved to be the market most receptive to the company’s innovative solutions.
This transformation was also reflected in the company’s name:

• 1956: S.I.R.E.G. S.p.A. – Società Italiana Resine e Gomme
• 1980: S.I.R.E.G. S.p.A. – Società Italiana Ricerca Elementi Geotecnica

A name that reflects the transition from materials to applied research, and a vision increasingly focused on underground engineering.

1986: Sireg’s 50th anniversary

In 1986, Sireg celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Over half a century of activity, the company has continuously evolved: from the recycling of discarded tyres, to battery separators, and later to PVC products for geotechnical applications.

Thanks to a path built on innovation and diversification, during these years Sireg is already present in numerous European countries, with a solid and well-organized industrial structure.

By the mid-1980s, the company employs around 100 people, across the Geotechnical division and the battery separator division.
Figures that reflect the growth of a company that has become a benchmark in its fields.

Water Division: Sireg Hydros is founded

In 1988, Sireg Hydros was founded from the vision of Amelia and Edoardo Blanc, developed in collaboration with a former De Nora executive: the goal was to design and produce a domestic water purification system.

The first unit, the WP60, installable under the kitchen sink, delivered 60 liters of purified water per hour.

This marked the beginning of Sireg’s activity in water treatment, complementing its other divisions as a natural path of diversification.

1980s-90s: People and Sport

Before “team building” became common practice, Sireg already felt like a family.
Connection, sport and passion.

Sponsorships:

• IMSA GTO Championship (’87-88)
• Paris-Dakar (’88-89)
• Renault Europa Cup (’89)
• Offshore (’88-91)
• Women’s basketball (Basket Club Brianza, ’88-92)

1990s: Composites, Water, and New Applications

In the early 1990s, Sireg expanded its product range with the introduction of composite materials FRP.
Glass fiber (DURGLASS® and GLASSPREE®), carbon fiber (CARBOPREE®), and aramid fiber (ARAPREE®) became advanced solutions for civil engineering and structural reinforcement applications.

An increasingly diversified product portfolio, driven by continuous research, in-house expertise, and a strong focus on long-term performance.

During the same decade, Sireg Hydros also experienced significant growth.
In 1990, the company developed its first seawater treatment system for marine applications (SW Red Sea).
Throughout the decade, Sireg expanded its water treatment solutions for both domestic and marine use, establishing important industrial partnerships, including collaborations with Fincantieri.

2000s: the third generation takes the lead

In the 2000s, Sireg entered a new phase of growth with Sonja Blanc, the third generation of the founding family, taking the lead.

These were years of innovation and transformation: the R&D department grew stronger, leading to advanced solutions such as GLASSPREE® fiberglass bars, a high-performance and durable alternative to traditional steel rebar.

At the same time, Sireg Hydros evolved towards industrial-scale projects, developing water treatment systems and international collaborations in complex contexts such as Western Sahara and Gaza.

For 90 years, Sireg has built its history on research, expertise and global vision, while staying true to its identity.