CARTIERA SOTTRICI BINDA [IT]

Exploration #255 Cartiera Sottrici Binda. The former Binda paper mill in Vaprio d’Adda was founded in 1890 by the Binda family, active in the production of paper, and was one of the most important industrial companies in the area in the late 19th and early 20th century. The strategic location along the Adda river was ideal for industrial activity, as the river provided the water power needed to drive the paper mill machinery.

The surrounding area was already well known for its industrial activities, thanks to the presence of the Naviglio della Martesana canal and the Edison hydroelectric power plant in Vaprio d’Adda. In its peak years, the Binda paper mill employed many people in the area, contributing significantly to the economic development of the area. Every Vaprio family had at least one member employed at the paper mill or at the nearby Velvis velvet mill.

Production ranged from paper for notebooks, registers, envelopes and drawing sheets, to the manufacture of decorative paper for plastic laminates, which began in 1956 and became the product of excellence. However, as the years went by, the crisis in the paper industry and increasing competition led to a gradual reduction in the mill’s activities. Following several changes of ownership, the mill was finally closed in 2007 under the management of the Finnish Munksjö Paper.