Fedrigoni pioneers large-scale biomethane adoption in Italy’s specialty papers sector
Fedrigoni Group has become the first company in Italy’s specialty papers sector to secure large-scale biomethane supplies through long-term agreements, reinforcing its decarbonisation strategy while strengthening the resilience of its energy supply chain.
The company announced the signing of one of the first long-term biomethane procurement agreements in the Italian paper industry, covering approximately 40% of the natural gas demand of its production facilities in Italy.
Operating in a sector where full electrification remains technically challenging and process-related emissions are difficult to eliminate, Fedrigoni sees renewable biomethane as a practical solution for reducing carbon emissions while enhancing energy security.
The renewable gas will be supplied through Italy’s existing gas distribution network and allocated to specific production sites. The initiative is already operational at the company’s Varone facility in Trentino and is supported by Guarantees of Origin (GO) and Proof of Sustainability (PoS) certifications, in accordance with European renewable energy traceability systems and RED II/III sustainability requirements.
The agreements have been signed with several companies active in biomethane development and management. According to Fedrigoni, securing a significant portion of its gas requirements through long-term biomethane contracts will reduce exposure to geopolitical volatility and dependence on imported fossil fuels while improving the stability of energy sourcing.
The environmental impact is also expected to be substantial. The company estimates that replacing part of its fossil natural gas consumption with biomethane will reduce the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of products manufactured at participating sites by between 30% and 50%, depending on the product line.
The initiative forms part of Fedrigoni’s “Making Progress” sustainability programme and contributes to the Group’s ESG targets for 2030. The strategy focuses on measurable improvements in climate performance, circular product design and responsible sourcing throughout the value chain.
Fedrigoni highlighted that the project demonstrates how decarbonisation and supply chain resilience can be pursued simultaneously rather than being viewed as competing priorities.
“The energy transition is truly sustainable only when it also strengthens competitiveness and resilience, both for Fedrigoni and for the customers who rely on us,” said Stefano Zanoni, Group Head of Energy Transition at Fedrigoni.
The agreement positions Fedrigoni among the early industrial adopters of biomethane in Europe’s paper sector and represents a significant step in reducing the carbon intensity of specialty paper production while supporting the development of renewable gas markets in Italy.
