RiceUp Mantova!

"The RiceUp! project is based on a multifield circular economy, shown in the diagram on the right. From rice we obtain straw, husk and chaff, which we can use for multiple applications. In black the chosen applications are listed. The Burgo papermill by Pierluigi Nervi has always been related to the production of paper, even in the moments in which it was not in activity. We decided to continue with the use, having also the availability of the hundred meters long machine, still functioning. The main role of the industry will then be the production of paper from rice waste and starch. Our RiceUp! startup will also collect the rice waste from our partners and small companies in the territory, stocking them and providing our partners at Pirelli, Goodyear, Finstral, IKEA, Eco Riso, Eco Rice and Nespresso the raw materials for their productions. In an idea of circular economy the rice grain at the beginning of the circle also becomes the final product because, thanks to our partners at Nepresso, which has a project called “From Chicco to Chicco”, we provide them with ecofriendly cups and mugs and they give us the organic rest inside coffee capsules, that can be used as soil fertilizers for rice crops."