A first tissue paper converting line, supplied by an Italian equipment manufacturer, will start up at the end of March at Papeterie de la Lune, the new company of the Global Hygiène (GH) group, chaired by Luc Brami (photo). With a capacity of 10,000 t/year, this equipment will be installed in the former Papeteries de Bègles factory, near Bordeaux, France. This facility has been closed since March 2021. It will manufacture large series dedicated to the Away-From-Home (AFH) segment, from tissue reel purchased on the market or from Papeterie de la Montgolfière (Fregata Hygiène), located in Charavines (South East of France) and which belongs to GH. Between 2020 and 2023, the group’s turnover has almost doubled to reach around €80 million last year. This increase is explained in particular by the launch, in spring 2020, of the Charavines Tissue paper machine. With this new converting line in Bègles, GH now owns locations all over France, which allows its customers to further reduce their carbon impact.
Due to its size, this site also has the advantage of possible complete integration, both in the converting and in the production of tissue reels. It also has utilities, including cogeneration. “Once this line is launched, we will examine the situation, particularly from a logistical point of view, before launching a second converting line,” explains Luc Brami. The start-up of a tissue PM, with a capacity of 30,000 t/year and which will use recycled fibers, will take place in a third phase. The old PM was also dismantled and resold in Bangladesh.
While setting up the project had been quite complex, Luc Brami today highlights “the unfailing support of the municipality of Bègles, Bordeaux Métropole, the Nouvelle Aquitaine Region, Dreal and France Travail to relaunch the activity of the site.” Finally, why Papeterie de la Lune? Since the Middle Ages, the port of Bordeaux has been called… “Port de la Lune”, in reference to the wide crescent-shaped meander that the Garonne describes as it passes through the city. Which also explains the crescent moon which appears on the coat of arms of this municipality.
Valérie Lechiffre
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