Reno de Medici (RDM), the renowned cartonboard manufacturer, has recommenced activities at its Villa Santa Lucia facility in Italy. Following an extended hiatus exceeding seven months, the company has initiated a gradual production ramp-up, as confirmed by the Slc Cgil union to EUWID on March 5. The plant's restart comes after a period of inactivity since July 2023, caused by legal challenges related to environmental management issues at the site.
Initially, in January, RDM had considered permanently shutting down the Villa Santa Lucia mill due to complications arising from disputes over wastewater and sludge treatment processes. This decision prompted immediate action from trade unions and local politicians, who rallied to prevent the closure of the mill. Their efforts, coupled with partial resolution of the disputes, led to RDM retracting its decision to close the plant by late February, opting instead to reboot operations.
Classification of primary sludges
Despite the restart, there are outstanding inquiries that RDM, in collaboration with the Lazio region and the Assocarta paper industry association, has directed to the Ministry of the Environment. A significant point of contention remains the classification of primary sludges—whether they should be treated as waste or as valuable raw material, a topic that remains under review.
The Villa Santa Lucia plant, with its single production line, is instrumental in RDM's portfolio, boasting an annual production capacity of 220,000 tons of white-lined chipboard. This restart not only signifies the resilience and strategic adaptability of RDM but also highlights the ongoing dialogues and efforts aimed at reconciling environmental concerns with industrial productivity.
Source: Euwid