Team size: Three  

Major legal advisers: Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Dentons  

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Italy?   

The paper industry has been, until quite recently, a business where regulation had a very low impact. Quite to the contrary, in the past few years, it has become a business where compliance to specific laws is key to successful operations in the market. For example, regulation on labelling caused companies in the paper market, as well as its customers, to align to provisions which require a description of how to dispose of packaging waste in the packaging itself. Also, food law is becoming increasingly sophisticated with more and more limits to contaminants applicable to paper packaging in direct contact with food (for example, pizza boxes). Another example is the law on plastic bans which opened the door to the switch to paper of packaging which was traditionally made of plastic. Finally, EU law which favours reusing packaging instead of recycling – still under discussion at EU parliament level – can cause additional turmoil in the paper business given that paper is, per se, recyclable but not so reusable. 

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?   

One of the reasons why I am passionate about DS Smith is its focus on ESG, given the importance that paper has in reducing waste and environmental pollution. DS Smith, also partnering with the Ellen McArthur Foundation, has developed a specific strategy for ESG purposes called “Now and Next” which will prioritise circularity, accelerate the journey to net zero, and strengthen the business’ focus on people, communities, and nature. Given my passion towards ESG matters, I have been appointed as a trustee of the DS Smith Charitable Foundation which support worldwide projects aiming to preserve nature and biodiversity around the world.