The Fedrigoni Group has signed two strategic agreements: first of all, an industrial partnership with a specialty paper mill, producer of translucent papers in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, China. In second place, the acquisition of a research and development center in Grenoble, France, which will enable Fedrigoni to further its product innovation roadmap in RFID, printed electronics and advanced research on paper substrates. Both operations were previously part of the Group arjowiggins.
With 130 employees and an annual production capacity of 7000 tons, Quzhou plant is a world leader in the manufacture of translucent papers (sold under the Gateway, Idem and Sylvicta brands) for applications ranging from industrial and graphic design to food packaging, consumer electronics and luxury products. Therefore, Fedrigoni will strengthen its presence in the Asian market, where the group already has an extensive distribution network in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh, 11 warehouses and a production plant for self-adhesive materials in Hefei. In addition to strengthening its geographic presence in Asia, this transaction will lead Fedrigoni to further expand its product portfolio in the translucent papers segment. Product innovation linked to the transition from plastic to paper is one of the largest areas of investment for Fedrigoni and a key pillar of its ESG strategy and roadmap towards 2030.
On the other hand, the acquisition of R&D center in Grenoble, with its people, equipment, patents and brands, including the related Powercoat brand, will enhance Fedrigoni's capabilities in RFID testing and prototyping, printed electronics and advanced paper research. It is essential to find solutions to protect brands, verify their authenticity and prevent counterfeiting. It is also crucial to ensure the traceability of products and goods, as well as for sustainability purposes (for example, tracking transport-related carbon footprints). And finally, an element that is increasingly required by brands is the ability to provide the final consumer with an exclusive and personalized experience through the introduction of cutting-edge digital interactions. Thanks to this acquisition, Fedrigoni will also increase its research, development and innovation capabilities in alternative pulp-based materials, benefiting from relationships established within the existing ecosystem, particularly in the Grenoble area, such as the Grenoble International School of Paper Engineering. INP-PAGORA, or the Pulp and Paper Technical and Research Center (CTP).
Fedrigoni continues its path of strategic expansion to consolidate its position as a global leader in specialty papers after the recent acquisitions of Guarro Casas in Spain (formerly part of the Arjowiggins Group), Papeterie Zuber Rieder in France and the industrial association with Mohawk Fine Papers in the US.
