On Monday, April 8, 2025, in the industrious and strategic setting of Smurfit Westrock paper mill in Verzuolo (CN), the new waste paper treatment and recovery plant was officially inaugurated. It is the second in Italy, following the one active in Marlia (LU)
At Verzuolo, in the province of Cuneo, the paper production supply chain becomes circular. This news marks the beginning of a new, virtuous industrial path: Smurfit Westrock Italy, a multinational and global leader in sustainable packaging, has inaugurated a new recycling facility within the historic paper mill, formerly Burgo and now an integral part of the industrial network of the newly merged giant Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. This move strengthens the Group’s presence in Italy and, more importantly, creates a concrete example of sustainable and efficient integration in the heart of Piedmont.
A closed-loop supply chain, open to the future
“With the inauguration of this new unit”, explained Dietmar Bogensberger, Vice President Recovered Fiber, “we not only strengthen our internal supply of recycled fiber, but we are doing it in one of our strategic sites. This allows us to be more efficient and sustainable by reducing transport and costs, while actively contributing to the development of the region”.
The plant processes post-consumer and post-industrial cellulosic materials from companies, large-scale retail, and urban separate waste collection. Once recovered, the fiber is directly reused in production lines to manufacture paper reels destined for corrugated cardboard. It’s a virtuous process that closes the loop, drastically reduces waste, and enables Verzuolo mill to produce paper with 100% recycled fiber.
“For our unit, we chose to replace the term recycling with recovered fiber, which better represents us”, said Javier Rivas, president Paper and Board Mills. “Our goal is to valorize paper-based fiber, which can be reused up to 25 times. It’s a valuable resource that must be protected and kept in circulation for as long as possible”.
This shift in perspective is not just semantic but deeply strategic. It aims to transform waste into a resource, in line with the principles of the circular economy and sustainability. The results already speak for themselves: Verzuolo site has reduced its energy needs per ton of paper produced by 17%, halved CO₂ emissions and landfill waste, and is targeting an overall 53.3% reduction in waste by 2025 compared to 2022 levels.
A deep commitment to the environment and a strong bond with the local community
Smurfit Westrock Italy has always maintained a strong connection with the areas where it operates, and this new project is no exception. Verzuolo paper mill is not only a source of economic development, but also a key point of reference for the local community.
“The inauguration of this plant represents much more than an industrial achievement: it is a tangible expression of the two pillars that guide everything we do, circularity and integration”, said Raffaele Marinucci, general manager of Verzuolo paper mill. “Here, we recover paper from separate collection and large-scale retail, restoring its value and transforming it into new raw material. It’s a concrete contribution to reducing environmental impact. But our commitment goes beyond that: thanks to a fully integrated business model, the recycled paper returns to our mills to become reels, and ultimately, recyclable packaging. We create value by building synergy with the local area, shortening the supply chain, generating new employment opportunities, and collaborating with schools on educational projects. After 120 years of history, this mill remains a pillar of the community. We look to the future with optimism and a firm intention to continue investing”, Marinucci concluded.
Verzuolo aims to shorten the supply chain and balance the capacity for paper and cardboard recovery within the region. This process goes beyond simple recycling, it becomes a true tool for generating value and synergy for both the local community and the environment.
Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Europe, MEA, and APAC, spoke of a long-standing bond with the town and how social responsibility is central to the company’s strategy. “Verzuolo has taught us how to live in harmony with the local community. We are here to stay and to invest in people, safety, and job quality. Our goal is to give back to the territory a share of the value we create every day”.
Recycling and recovery: paper as a virtuous resource
Also present at the inauguration was Roberto Di Molfetta, Recycling Manager at COMIECO, who emphasized the strategic value of the plant and the importance of continued investment in separate waste collection.
During Paper Week 2025, COMIECO opened the doors of various paper mills and facilities like Verzuolo’s, giving citizens and supply chain operators the opportunity to experience firsthand the sector’s commitment to sustainability, circularity, and recycling capabilities.
Verzuolo paper mill stands out especially for its ability to recover paper even when contaminated with plastics and other impurities, thanks to cutting-edge technologies that allow the production of high-quality raw material, an increasingly sought-after resource in a market focused on sustainability and efficiency.
“Italy is among the leading countries in paper recycling”, said Di Molfetta. “However, we can and must do more. In Piedmont, as in the rest of Italy, improving both the quality and quantity of separate collection is essential. Only then we can enhance the value of the paper supply chain and strengthen our circular model”.
Face to face with Gianluca Castellini: circular packaging, a growing Industry
The paper and cardboard packaging sector is constantly evolving, with growing demand for sustainable solutions, especially in the food and beverage industries. On the occasion of the new plant’s inauguration, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gianluca Castellini, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Corrugated Italy.
How is the corrugated cardboard packaging market evolving, and what role is Smurfit Westrock playing in this context?
“The corrugated cardboard packaging market is experiencing strong expansion, with steadily growing demand. In Italy, the sector is worth around 8 billion square meters of cardboard and 4 billion euros in revenue. Over the past ten years, it has grown by 25%. Smurfit Westrock is focusing on environmental and social sustainability, innovation, and packaging solutions that meet the needs of our customers”.
What are customers looking for in terms of packaging solutions?
“Our customers, especially in the food sector, which accounts for 60% of the market, are increasingly demanding attractive design, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Packaging today is a real marketing tool: it needs to be eye-catching, recognizable, and functional. But it also has to be sustainable. That’s why we are committed to replace traditional packaging with paper-based, sustainable alternatives. Finally, it must be economical. We constantly optimize size and materials to reduce overpackaging, which is both an environmental issue and a cost for our client”.
The new recycling plant in Verzuolo is a crucial step forward for Smurfit Westrock. What does this project mean for the future of the Group and the paper industry in Italy?
“The inauguration of the Verzuolo recycling plant marks a strategic moment for Smurfit Westrock and for the entire national paper sector. In a time when sustainability has become a non-negotiable priority, our goal is not just to talk about it, but to put it in practice. With this plant, we take a concrete step in that direction and actively contribute to develope a truly circular economy. Recovered Fiber best expresses our vision: it’s not just about recycling, it’s about enhancing every single paper fiber and extending its life. This means transforming potential waste into a productive resource, keeping the material’s value within our industrial cycle. Furthermore, the plant significantly improves logistical efficiency: we reduce transport, shorten procurement times, and optimize operational costs, thereby lowering our environmental impact”.
To conclude, what message does Smurfit Westrock want to send to the industry and its clients regarding sustainability?
“Our message is clear: the circular economy is not just a goal, it’s a concrete, daily commitment. We want to show that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. We are ready to contribute to the transformation of the sector by focusing on increasingly integrated processes and a future where recycled fiber forms the foundation of our production. Sustainability, both environmental and social, is at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited to face future challenges with an increasingly innovative and responsible approach”.
Verzuolo plant sends a powerful message: the packaging industry can not only be sustainable, it can lead the change. And when innovation, responsibility, and strong territory ties come together, something greater emerges: a model worth following.
