A new chapter is being written in Italy's industrial sector with the promise of R3gid, the new recycling plant for rigid plastics that was inaugurated by the Hera Group through Aliplast. This facility, which has invested €50 million, offers employment to over 80 people and is changing the scene of rigid plastic recycling. The important event took place under the presence of Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who launched an alarm about the need to improve Europe’s recycling capacity.

He noticed that increasing demand for virgin plastic is shifting attention away from recycled products, causing problems for end consumers. The recycling plant of R3gid, located in Modena, uses advanced technologies such as those provided by the group Mairé to minimize losses during separation, crushing, washing, and optimal selection of materials. The final product is a polymer with purity exceeding 99% and comparable performance to virgin plastics. This inauguration was not accidental: on October 20th, when the minister Pichetto Fratin attended the event, representatives of two major plastic users were also present: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Stellantis) and L'Oréal.

These companies have highlighted the importance of a safe and efficient recycling system to ensure the quality of their products. Hera, led by Ad Orazio Iacono, has invested €488 million, including €7.7 financed from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, to close an until now reliant on exporting for Italy's rigid plastics industry chain. This industrial impact will not only change the scene of rigid plastic recycling but could also strengthen Italy’s competitiveness in the sector. The new infrastructure of R3gid is providing significant support to local economy, offering over 80 jobs and promising to improve the quality of products that use rigid plastics.

This positive impact on the local society is a good example of how industry can contribute to economic growth and social changes. Additionally, this new Industrial Recycling Infrastructure (R3gid) represents an advance in seeking alternative solutions to address environmental issues related to reducing plastic usage. This industrial innovation not only offers competitive advantages but also significantly contributes to the global sustainability project. END OF REFERENCES