French Government Secures Funding for Recycling Paper Factory in Chapelle Darblay
A financial commitment of €52 million from the state aims to support the revival of a recycling paper facility, generating 185 jobs.
The French government has confirmed its financial commitment to support the reindustrialization project of the recycling paper factory in Chapelle Darblay, located in Seine-Maritime, with a funding package amounting to €52 million.
This financial aid, as stated by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is contingent upon private fundraising efforts by Fibre Excellence, the project's leading company.
Local socialist mayors of Rouen and Grand-Couronne, along with representatives from the CGT union, have actively advocated for governmental support to ensure the project's success, which they estimate requires a state loan of €27 million to complete.
Fibre Excellence, the largest producer of market pulp in France, acquired the Chapelle Darblay site in 2022 in collaboration with Veolia, a global leader in water and waste management.
Veolia has committed to providing a consistent supply of recycled paper and cardboard for the factory's operations.
Julien Sénécal, a CGT union representative and former secretary of the site's economic committee, expressed relief over the developments, stating that Fibre Excellence was on the verge of exiting the project last week without state investment.
Sénécal highlighted that an additional €160 million in private financing is still needed, but he noted that securing this funding would likely be easier now that the state is involved in the capital.
He described this agreement as a crucial milestone following a six-year effort, with plans to resume operations at the facility projected for 2028.
Marc Ferracci, a representative from the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the commitment from both the government and local elected officials to support the factory project in Chapelle Darblay.
He acknowledged the long-standing backing from the local community and employees, stating that public assistance from the state and the Rouen metropolitan area should enable Fibre Excellence to proceed with the initiative.
Rouen's mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, expressed his appreciation on social media, declaring that the efforts of those involved are beginning to yield results.
This financial aid, as stated by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is contingent upon private fundraising efforts by Fibre Excellence, the project's leading company.
Local socialist mayors of Rouen and Grand-Couronne, along with representatives from the CGT union, have actively advocated for governmental support to ensure the project's success, which they estimate requires a state loan of €27 million to complete.
Fibre Excellence, the largest producer of market pulp in France, acquired the Chapelle Darblay site in 2022 in collaboration with Veolia, a global leader in water and waste management.
Veolia has committed to providing a consistent supply of recycled paper and cardboard for the factory's operations.
Julien Sénécal, a CGT union representative and former secretary of the site's economic committee, expressed relief over the developments, stating that Fibre Excellence was on the verge of exiting the project last week without state investment.
Sénécal highlighted that an additional €160 million in private financing is still needed, but he noted that securing this funding would likely be easier now that the state is involved in the capital.
He described this agreement as a crucial milestone following a six-year effort, with plans to resume operations at the facility projected for 2028.
Marc Ferracci, a representative from the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the commitment from both the government and local elected officials to support the factory project in Chapelle Darblay.
He acknowledged the long-standing backing from the local community and employees, stating that public assistance from the state and the Rouen metropolitan area should enable Fibre Excellence to proceed with the initiative.
Rouen's mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, expressed his appreciation on social media, declaring that the efforts of those involved are beginning to yield results.
