Michele Bianchi, CEO of RDM Group, appointed President of Fibre Packaging Europe

RDM Group announced that its CEO, Michele Bianchi, has been appointed President of Fibre Packaging Europe (FPE), the alliance representing the entire fibre-based packaging value chain across Europe. Fibre Packaging Europe brings together seven major associations, representing around 1,500 companies, 2,200 manufacturing plants, and approximately 710,000 employees, with a combined annual turnover of over €110 billion.

FPE has released a position statement calling for competitiveness to be embedded as a core principle in European policymaking, particularly in the context of the upcoming “One Europe – One Market” roadmap expected from the European Commission.

Michele Bianchi underlined the importance of aligning sustainability objectives with industrial competitiveness: “We must focus on policies that strengthen European industry and support circularity, aligned with the ‘One Europe – One Market’ roadmap. Competitiveness must remain a guiding principle in EU packaging policies.”

According to FPE, the development of a truly harmonised Single Market is essential to support investment, innovation and long-term growth in the fibre-based packaging sector. Fragmented regulations, particularly in the field of packaging, continue to represent a significant barrier to a fully integrated European market. With the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) approaching, the industry is calling for clear and consistent guidance to avoid regulatory uncertainty and prevent diverging national interpretations that could undermine the Single Market.

FPE has also outlined several priorities for future European policies, including the harmonisation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems, the alignment of regulations affecting fibre-based materials, and stronger support for recycling through effective separate collection systems.

The coalition emphasises that fibre-based packaging already represents a circular and renewable solution, supported by high recycling rates and a well-established industrial infrastructure. Recognising bio-based materials as circular inputs and ensuring consistent regulatory frameworks are seen as key factors in strengthening Europe’s industrial base.

For RDM Group, the appointment of its CEO to lead FPE represents both a recognition of its role within the sector and a confirmation of its long-standing commitment to sustainable, fibre-based packaging solutions.