Innovation and sustainability: The paper of the future is green
The students tell us about the Lucca paper sector, which has undergone a major transformation
CLASSES II B – III B SECONDARY SCHOOL M. BUONARROTI PONTE A MORIANO
LUCCA
Paper is now part of our daily lives: every day we use tissues, toilet paper, and kitchen towels. During the pandemic, these products have become essential goods, essential for ensuring hygiene and safety.
The paper industry, highly developed in our province, has undergone significant change in recent years and has now become a concrete example of innovation and sustainability, particularly in the tissue sector (sanitary products).
Establishments are no longer the polluting ones of the past, but today they are based on production models in which technology, resource savings, and respect for the environment play a central role.
The second goal is water saving. The modern paper mill, highly developed in the Lucca district, manages to reduce water consumption by 95% thanks to the internal recycling of processing water.
Decarbonisation is a crucial challenge in the future: production processes, particularly paper drying, require large amounts of energy. For this reason, several companies are adopting innovative solutions for the use of biomass and hydrogen, combined with renewable energy, to reduce CO2 emissions.
Especially in recent years, alongside traditional cellulose, alternative fibres such as straw, bamboo or hemp are being developed. In some cases, the integration of recycled plastic has also been tested. All these actions have a positive impact: minimizing waste and enhancing every available resource, creating increasingly sustainable products.
For this reason, a key element is how things are used: production waste is no longer considered waste to be disposed of, but a resource to be reintroduced into the production cycle, helping to create an increasingly efficient and sustainable system. With this in mind, the use of recycled paper is spreading. Many consumers choose it not only as a virtuous gesture, but as a real opportunity.
Today, in fact, recycled paper, thanks to many innovations, offers quality, strength and safety comparable to traditional paper, but has the advantage of reducing the consumption of virgin raw materials and production-related emissions.
In conclusion, the paper sector, so important to our province’s GDP, demonstrates how it’s possible to combine innovation, sustainability, and daily needs.
Paper, a simple, everyday item, becomes a major transformation, destined to positively impact our future and that of our planet.
Eurovast’s challenge: Combining profit and environmental sustainability
Among the many companies operating in the province of Lucca, Eurovast occupies a prominent position in the production of tissue: paper products intended for hygienic and sanitary use.
Its history began in 1992, in our territory where the most important paper district at Italian and European level is located.
Founded by Vincenzo Romano, now managed together with his son Umberto, it has become an international company; the group currently has five paper mills, produces 150,000 tons annually, and operates six processing plants.
The company is also known for brands such as Fior di Carta Lifestyle, Bravo, Buffalo and Suprema.
Eurovast is a company that has invested in environmental and social sustainability: it uses renewable energy (especially solar) and reduces water waste.
A major challenge concerns the reduction of CO2 emissions through the purchase of cutting-edge machinery for energy technology and efficiency.
Another challenge is to address social needs and create well-being for the territory.
We chose Eurovast after in-depth activities on paper production in our area, which represents an excellence of sustainable development and environmental protection.
