For the third year running, RDM Group and Aticelca have handed over the scholarship, to the author of a highly deserving dissertation on a paper production-related topic, which was presented at an Italian university. The scholarship recipient was Ayoub Fakhri, 30, a former biomedical engineer, with a thesis on cellulose-based materials for packaging applications, mainly in the food industry. It is a very interesting topic for paper mills, in the face of recent legislation seeking to reduce plastics use in the food sector. Ayhou is from Morocco, and he is the first graduated student taking part in the new ‘Technology and Production of paper and cardboard’ master’s degree programme, which is promoted by the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa.
In general, the assessed research projects deal with innovations or production improvements in terms of product quality, process efficiency or cost cutting through changes in plant, process, or management.
On Friday, during the event sponsored by the Province of Lecco, the award was presented by Massimo Marcer, Mill Manager at the RDM Group’s plant in Santa Giustina, in the stunning setting of Castello di Casiglio, Erba (Como).
Within the two-day conference, topics covered ranged from digitisation and Artificial Intelligence to the innovative use of starches and mineral fillers.