The Blendecques RDM paper mill should restart in early 2023, it is learned with the declaration of the Reno de Medici group (RDM) to increase its production capacity of folding carton. Victim of a violent fire last March the French paper mill Blendecques RDM with 72 employees located in the Pas-de-Calais has been at a standstill ever since.
The Italian paper manufacturer announces that it intends to have an additional 200,000 tons of grey innerliner (GD) board production capacity over the next three years by increasing capacity at several sites. "This goal will be achieved by increasing the capacity of existing plants, including Blendecques which is scheduled to restart in early 2023, as well as by reallocating other product volumes through the RDM Group's multi-site concept."
European demand for GD panels has increased over the past 18 months. RDM Group believes this increase in demand is related to changes in structural factors, including increased plastics substitution, relocation of operations from the Far East, and increased use of recycled materials in packaging.
Yet, the paper maker points out, at the same time, Europe has reduced production capacity, creating significant supply chain stress and, in some cases, disruptions that have negatively impacted the packaging industry's operations.
