#Italy #Modena #Aliplast #R3GID #Herambiente

Aliplast Launches State-of-the-Art R3GID Recycling Facility in Modena

On October 20, 2026, Aliplast, a subsidiary of Herambiente Group, inaugurated its new recycling plant, R3GID (Recover Recycle Regenerate Plastic) in Modena, Italy. This facility aims to address the growing demand for recycled plastics in line with new European regulations, making it among the most innovative plastic recycling plants in Europe.

The inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy's Minister of the Environment and Energy Security. The R3GID plant is designed to process a staggering 30,000 tonnes of high-quality recycled polymers annually. The recycled materials produced here boast purity levels exceeding 99% and properties comparable to virgin materials derived from fossil resources.

Aliplast’s investment of €48.8 million, with €7.7 million sourced from the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), underscores the commitment to enhancing Italy's recycling capabilities. The facility will handle rigid plastic waste from both municipal and industrial sources, benefiting sectors such as automotive, cosmetics, household products, consumer electronics, and furniture that generally produce non-recyclable materials.

"R3GID is a perfect example of how Italy can tackle new European regulations, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELV), turning challenges into industrial growth opportunities," stated Minister Fratin. He emphasized the importance of local production, which not only boosts national competitiveness but also reduces reliance on foreign markets and secures supply chains amid geopolitical tensions.

Currently, Europe has a plastic recycling capacity of 13.5 million tonnes, but only 3.5 million tonnes are designed specifically for rigid plastics. The demand by 2040 is projected to rise by an additional 5.7 million tonnes, indicating a significant gap that R3GID aims to bridge. Orazio Iacono, CEO of Hera Group, pointed out that facilities like R3GID provide high-quality locally produced materials, which help mitigate import costs and enhance supply security.

In developing the R3GID plant, Aliplast utilized cutting-edge technology, partnering with NEXTCHEM from the MAIRE Group, which contributed its exclusive NX Replast™ technology, renowned for advanced plastic upcycling. The plant's equipment enables the production of high-purity recycled polymers and compounds, designed to replace fossil-based virgin materials in high-value applications.

The extension of the Modena facility, along with the development at Borgolavezzaro dedicated to recycling low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a 70% stake in Kronos Polymer Polska, which also specializes in LDPE, positions Aliplast to double its recycling capacity. The total annual production of high-quality recycled plastic raw materials is expected to exceed 210,000 tonnes, with a total production capacity reaching 255,000 tonnes annually.

Through the establishment of R3GID, Aliplast is not only responding to market needs but also leading the way in sustainable practices within the plastics industry. The facility represents a significant step forward in combating plastic waste and promoting a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused and regenerated. This commitment to sustainability aligns with global goals, ensuring that the environment and economy can coexist and thrive.

In conclusion, Aliplast's new R3GID facility in Modena sets a precedent for innovation in recycling technologies, making a noteworthy contribution to Italy's efforts in managing plastic waste while catering to the local demand for high-quality recycled materials. As global pressures to reduce plastic waste intensify, R3GID stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in the plastics sector.