French Government Supports Revival Project for Chapelle-Darblay Papeterie
State backing is seen as a critical step in the effort to revive the Grand-Couronne paper mill, following years of advocacy from labor representatives.
The French government has formally committed to providing financial support for the revival of the Chapelle-Darblay paper mill located in Grand-Couronne, Seine-Maritime, marking a significant moment in a complex industrial saga.
This decision followed extensive lobbying by the CGT trade union, local government bodies, and a pressing ultimatum from Fibre Excellence, the buyer interested in the mill's operations, who threatened to withdraw from the project by June 10. The announcement was made during a meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Bercy on June 6.
While specific details of the financial assistance are yet to be finalized, it is anticipated to facilitate the necessary private funding for Fibre Excellence, which has expressed the need for additional support.
The CGT heralded the government's commitment as a major victory, emphasizing the five years, eight months, and 26 days of sustained effort to prevent the permanent closure of the facility.
Chapelle-Darblay has a long history; the mill was set to close in late 2019, resulting in the loss of 228 jobs when its then-owner, UPM, deemed it uncompetitive amid declining demand for newsprint.
The mill produced 100% recycled paper using approximately 480,000 tonnes of paper waste annually, equivalent to the waste generated by 24 million urban inhabitants.
In light of the closure announcement, a consortium of potential buyers had proposed a conversion of the site towards green hydrogen production.
In response, the CGT initiated an alternate plan, making it the cornerstone of their ‘Plus jamais ça’ initiative, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly reindustrialization in collaboration with organizations such as Attac and Greenpeace.
As the project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential revival of this industrial landmark and its role in sustainable production.
This decision followed extensive lobbying by the CGT trade union, local government bodies, and a pressing ultimatum from Fibre Excellence, the buyer interested in the mill's operations, who threatened to withdraw from the project by June 10. The announcement was made during a meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Bercy on June 6.
While specific details of the financial assistance are yet to be finalized, it is anticipated to facilitate the necessary private funding for Fibre Excellence, which has expressed the need for additional support.
The CGT heralded the government's commitment as a major victory, emphasizing the five years, eight months, and 26 days of sustained effort to prevent the permanent closure of the facility.
Chapelle-Darblay has a long history; the mill was set to close in late 2019, resulting in the loss of 228 jobs when its then-owner, UPM, deemed it uncompetitive amid declining demand for newsprint.
The mill produced 100% recycled paper using approximately 480,000 tonnes of paper waste annually, equivalent to the waste generated by 24 million urban inhabitants.
In light of the closure announcement, a consortium of potential buyers had proposed a conversion of the site towards green hydrogen production.
In response, the CGT initiated an alternate plan, making it the cornerstone of their ‘Plus jamais ça’ initiative, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly reindustrialization in collaboration with organizations such as Attac and Greenpeace.
As the project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential revival of this industrial landmark and its role in sustainable production.