Paper Board Alliance

What Paper Board Alliance does

Paper Board Alliance S.p.A. is a privately held Italian holding company, wholly owned by the Cima family, that consolidates two complementary recycled paper and cardboard mills—Cartiera dell'Adda in Calolziocorte (Lecco) and Industria Cartaria Pieretti (ICP) in Marlia (Lucca, founded 1924)—alongside a 70%-owned metalmechanical equipment subsidiary (Tecno Paper, acquired March 2022) and a tube-manufacturing subsidiary (Tubicom). The group produces 320,000 tonnes of recycled paper and cardboard annually, positioning it as Europe's largest producer of recycled cardboard cores for the tissue industry, with additional output spanning corrugated paper, spiral and in-line tubes, honeycomb panels, laminates, angular strips, and flat sheets for industrial packaging customers.

The underlying technology combines proprietary pulp preparation and production processes capable of recovering fiber from lower-grade recovered paper, with sustainability infrastructure including a biomass power plant achieving zero CO2 emissions, a 7.5 MW cogeneration facility, 220 kWh/tonne energy consumption (among Europe's lowest), 5 liters/kg water usage against a 5–12 liter BAT benchmark, and 95% closed-loop water recycling. The group sells directly to industrial manufacturers in tissue, industrial cardboard, and tube production across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, with active participation in trade shows such as Tissue World and Paper Arabia. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; products are customized to industrial buyer specifications under multi-year contracts. Marketing relies on direct enterprise sales, corporate website content, LinkedIn/Facebook presence, and trade show engagement.

Consolidated revenue was approximately €130 million in FY2021 (up from €120 million in FY2020), with headcount between 230 and 300+ depending on period and inclusion of acquired entities. The group is pursuing vertical integration via Tecno Paper equipment manufacturing, ESG positioning through the 2024 GSE-Assocarta decarbonization agreement, and international expansion in emerging tissue markets. Ownership remains 100% family-controlled, with no public listing or external equity capital disclosed.

Name

Paper Board Alliance

Legal name

Paper Board Alliance S.p.A.

Website

https://paperboardalliance.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Recycled Paper and Cardboard Manufacturing

NAICS

Paperboard Mills (32213), Paperboard Mills (322130), Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing (322219), Paperboard Container Manufacturing (32221), Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills (3221)

SIC

Paperboard Mills (2631), Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650), Papers & Allied Products (2600)

akta.pro primary industry

Recycled Paperboard & Containerboard (IMAMAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recycled Containerboard (Testliner) Manufacturing (IMAMAFAB), Recycled Corrugated Products (Boxes, Sheets) (IMAMAKAH), Protective Paper Packaging (Honeycomb, Paper Cushioning, Paper Wrap) (IMALACAH), Recycled Paper Converting & Finishing (Cut/Size, Coating, Laminating) (IMAMAKAL)

Keywords

• Recycled paper production
• Cardboard cores manufacturing
• Industrial packaging materials
• Tissue core cardboard
• Corrugated paper products

Headquarters

HQ city

Milano

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Recycled Paper and Cardboard Sales: Manufacturing and selling recycled paper and cardboard products for industrial applications including tissue cores, industrial tubes, corrugated materials, and packaging
2. Paper Mill Equipment (Tecno Paper): Production and sale of equipment and machinery for paper mills, including winders, rewinders, and production line upgrades

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Paper Board Alliance manufactures and sells 100% recycled paper and cardboard products for industrial applications through two complementary production sites (Cartiera dell'Adda in Lecco and ICP in Marlia/Lucca). Its core offerings include cardboard cores for the tissue industry (60% of business), corrugated paper, honeycomb panels, spiral and in-line tubes, laminates, angular strips, and flat sheets. Following the 2022 acquisition of Tecno Paper, the group also produces equipment and machinery for paper mills, including winders, rewinders, and production line upgrades.

Product overview

Paper Board Alliance is a group of companies specializing in the production of recycled paper and cardboard. The portfolio includes Cartiera dell'Adda (producing recycled cardboard for industrial applications) and ICP (Industria Cartaria Pieretti, producing recycled cardboard with specialization in cores for tissue paper and towels). The product range includes cores for tissue, corrugated paper, honeycomb panels, spiral and in-line tubes, laminates, angular strips, flat sheets, and collateral products. The group also acquired Tecno Paper, a metal-mechanical company producing paper mill equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cardboard Cores for Tissue (Anime per il Tissue)

Quantifiable outcome

• Energy consumption of 220 kWh per tonne of paper produced - among lowest in European paper mills
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Decarbonization collaboration agreement signed at Cartiera dell'Adda facility between GSE and Assocarta (association representing Italian paper, cardboard, and pulp manufacturers). Part of efforts to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. PBA hosting the agreement signing demonstrates commitment to sustainability transition.
• AssocartaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Italian association that aggregates, represents, and protects Italian companies producing paper, cardboard, and pulp. Collaborates on decarbonization initiatives and sector-wide sustainability programs. GSE collaboration agreement signed at PBA facility.
• ComiecocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023Cartiera dell'Adda participates in Paper Week organized by Comieco (National Consortium for Paper Recovery and Recycling). Hosts educational visits for school children to teach about paper recycling cycle. Partnership focuses on environmental education and promoting correct recycling habits.
• Tecno PapercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Acquired 70% of Tecno Paper, a Lucca-based metalmechanical company producing equipment and machines for paper mills. Founded 2005 by experienced metalworking technicians. Maintains 30% with founders Claudio Ferrari and Paolo Baldaccini (15% each). Specializes in winder and rewinder technology (winding system technology), production line upgrades, and technical service. Enables PBA to improve technological efficiency of its machinery and optimize production processes.
• Basket Le MuraminorGTM or Marketing PartnericP sponsors the women's basketball team Basket Le Mura based in Lucca. Partnership supports local sports and community engagement while building brand visibility.
• 511 Racing TeamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCartiera dell'Adda and icP support the 511 Racing Team, an all-female motorcycle racing team competing in the Italian Supersport 300 Championship. First all-female team in the championship with female riders, mechanics, and telemetry specialist.
• Withu 511 Racing TeamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrevious sponsorship of Withu 511 Racing Team, the first all-female motorcycle racing team. Team competes in Italian Supersport 300 Championship with riders Sara Sanchez and Jessica Howden.
• Liceo Artistico PassagliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOngoing collaboration with Liceo Artistico Passaglia in Lucca for annual calendar projects. Students create artwork using recycled paper for company calendars, promoting sustainability and supporting art education.
• Italian Medical SystemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports Cuore In Forma project for installing defibrillators in local communities. Contributed to installation near schools in Calolziocorte area, demonstrating commitment to community health and safety.
• Conservatorio Boccherini di LuccaminorGTM or Marketing PartnericP sponsors Boccherini News, a TV program on Noi Tv Lucca showcasing students and teachers from the Boccherini Music Institute (now State Conservatory). Supports local music education and cultural initiatives.
• LegambientecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPBA participates in Ecoforum organized by Legambiente, a major environmental event promoting multidisciplinary projects with national and international stakeholders. Cartiera dell'Adda presented as sustainability case study.
• AFC - Associazione per la Formazione professionale CartariacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with AFC (Association for Paper Professional Training) to train and employ young professionals in the paper industry. PBA hires graduates from AFC programs for positions in production facilities.
• Scuola Interregionale Cartaria di San ZenocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Scuola Interregionale Cartaria in San Zeno for training paper industry professionals. Joint programs enable employment of qualified young workers in PBA facilities.
• Università di PisacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPBA supports Master's Degree Program in Technology and Production of Paper and Cardboard at University of Pisa, in collaboration with Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca. Only program of its kind in Italy addressing paper industry educational needs.
• Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di LuccacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with PBA and University of Pisa to support Master's Degree in Paper Technology. Joint initiative addresses industry educational needs and workforce development.
• TubicomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint acquisition by ICP and Moba Eurotubi in January 2020. Tubicom is a cardboard tube manufacturer with strong specialization in the tissue sector. Strategic acquisition enhanced product knowledge and quality of ICP's cardboard cores.
• Moba EurotubiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint acquisition partner with ICP for Tubicom. Metalworking company specializing in tube production machinery.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PaperBoardAlliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/paper-board-alliance

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Paper Board Alliance