RDM Group advances toward 2030 sustainability goals through circular packaging innovation
RDM Group has released a pre-publication version of its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting significant progress toward its 2030 environmental and sustainability targets while reinforcing its position as a leading player in circular packaging solutions.
The European recycled cartonboard producer reported recycling 1,058 kilotonnes of paper during 2025, exceeding the 1,055 kilotonnes of cartonboard produced over the same period. This achievement underscores its contribution to Europe’s circular paper economy and reflects the equivalent annual paper waste generated by approximately 15 million people.
RDM also reported strong progress in waste recovery, with 89.8% of waste directed to recovery processes, placing the Group very close to its 2030 target of 90%. Improvements were supported by higher-quality mill waste streams, enhanced cooperation with recovery partners and the performance of the company’s Fiskeby mill in Sweden, where almost all waste is recovered.
The Group’s decarbonisation efforts also accelerated during the year. Carbon intensity declined by 20% compared with the 2020 baseline, reaching 0.397 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per tonne of production. This improvement was driven by a significant increase in renewable electricity procurement, which rose from 42% in 2024 to 79% in 2025, combined with process efficiency improvements and optimised production utilisation.
In parallel, wastewater discharge intensity was reduced by 19% to 8.94 cubic metres per tonne, bringing the company close to its 2030 objective of 8.85 cubic metres per tonne.
Innovation remained a major focus throughout 2025. Among the key developments was the launch of Vincicoat Ecolaminate, a solution combining recycled cartonboard with a biodegradable PVOH barrier film developed in partnership with Ecopol. The product allows recycled board to be used in demanding food-contact applications while remaining recyclable after use. The innovation received recognition through the 4evergreen Alliance Circularity Success Stories Award.
RDM also advanced Vincicoat Plus, a recycled cartonboard grade designed to deliver 15–20% higher strength than conventional white-lined chipboard, enabling packaging weight reductions of up to 20%. Following customer validation, the product was commercially launched in early 2026.
Most recently, the company introduced Multiboard CirculaRR, a polyethylene-coated board manufactured from 100% recycled fibres and 100% recycled plastic, further expanding its portfolio of circular packaging materials.
“These innovations demonstrate that recyclability, performance and functionality no longer need to be competing priorities,” the company stated. Commenting on the results, Michele Bianchi, CEO of RDM Group, emphasised the strategic importance of sustainability within the business. “Putting ESG at the heart of our strategy has made us financially and operationally more resilient, more innovative, and more responsive to our clients’ needs. Our business exists to give new life to materials that would otherwise become waste — a principle that remains fundamental to our long-term strategy. We believe sustainability is not only a responsibility, but a source of competitive advantage.”
Looking ahead, RDM Group identified four strategic priorities on its path to 2030: improving health and safety performance, increasing value creation through circularity, enhancing customer satisfaction through quality and service, and continuing to develop innovative packaging solutions based on recycled fibre.
