Modernization of industrial equipment for a Moroccan SME specialized in collection & recovery of paper and board.

RECUPAP a Moroccan SME specialized in the collection, shredding, and baling of paper and cardboard waste for recyclers and the shaping of virgin cardboard paper for printing companies. To modernize its paper and cardboard shaping unit and meet the needs of their customers, RECUPAP requested financing and technical assistance from the Green Value Chain (GVC) programme to replace a 20-year-old slitter rewinder machine with a new one of the latest generation.

The new machine offers advanced capabilities; transforming large paper reels into continuous sheets or narrower webs to cater to the specific requirements of printing companies. With its high-speed capabilities, the new machine enables faster processing and increased output compared to its outdated predecessor. This leads to reduced production time and improved overall efficiency.

Furthermore, the machine is equipped with precision control devices, ensuring accurate and consistent paper cutting. These features result in the production of high-quality paper webs or sheets that are ready for use across a wide range of applications. By embracing this modernized slitter rewinder machine, RECUPAP positions itself at the forefront of the industry, meeting customer demands while optimizing its production processes.

This investment enabled the company to further improve its productivity and competitiveness, thanks to a reduction in energy consumption by 46.8 MWh per year and its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 27 TCO2 per year. The return on investment is estimated to 4 years and 5 months as a result of the productivity gains and the energy savings. In addition, the implementation of the project enabled to reduce material losses and the production increased by 75%.

Green Value Chain (GVC) in Morocco is a credit facility of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to provide funding to local partner financial institutions for on-lending to Moroccan SMEs belonging to agribusiness, processing industries and logistics value chains and ecosystems. Supported by the European Union, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Korean Technical Assistance and Cooperation Account (KTACA) and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund (EBRD SSF), the facility aims to improve competitiveness of SMEs and that of their value chains and ecosystems through highly efficient green investments.