Shiro Alga Carta is made with algae from the Venice lagoon, which is used as a partial substitution for pulp and is combined with recycled and FSC fibres. The algae pollutes the lagoon and would otherwise have to be disposed of.

Favini's Shiro Echo is made with a minimum of 50% FSC and FSC recycled pulps, and Shiro Tree Free is made from fibres such as bamboo, hemp and cotton.

The entire range is produced with environmentally friendly electrical energy that comes from renewable sources including wind, solar, biomass and hydropower, in order to reduce CO2 emissions. 

Andrea Nappa, chief executive of Favini, said the company intended to become the European reference for specialist, highly differentiated papers.

"This means high levels of quality and service, listening to customers' needs, along with innovative thinking."

Favini has two Italian mills based in Venice and Milan that employ 450 staff. Its assets were bought by private equity firm Orlando Italy and financial investor Vepafern after it went into liquidation last year.

See also: Favini appoints new UK managing director

Favini ploughs £1.4m into paper kit at Meerssen