The Bachelor’s degree course in Chemistry for Industry and the Environment of the University of Pisa has been enriched by a new curriculum dedicated to paper, developed through an agreement between the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry of the University and Confindustria Toscana Nord. In addition to providing a solid foundation in industrial chemistry, this curriculum includes two newly introduced courses: the first course is on “Paper Chemistry” and it aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the chemical-physical properties of paper, industrial and reactive processes for cellulose pulp production, the main material functionalisation techniques, and paper recovery and recycling technologies. The objective of the course is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of paper material, production phases, and the strategies for the treatment and reuse of cellulose fibres.
The second course focuses on the “Environmental impact and sustainability of paper production”, and is dedicated to the analysis of the paper product life cycle and the sustainability of paper production processes. Key topics such as the use of renewable and recycled raw materials, resource optimisation, waste and by-product management, and emission reduction technologies are covered. The course also provides environmental assessment tools such as LC analysis, carbon footprint, and similar indicators, integrating aspects of process chemistry, environmental biotechnologies, and environmental certifications. It includes an introduction to sector-specific environmental regulations, focusing on permits, European legislation, and waste management.
The new training programme was presented on June 11 at the Polo Didattico San Rossore, as part of the “Paper Day” event, dedicated to job opportunities offered by paper industry companies. The event was organised by the University Career Service in collaboration with Confindustria Toscana Nord.
“Introducing a paper-related topic within our degree course is a concrete example of education focused on the needs of the local area, aiming to enhance chemical skills in a key industrial sector such as the paper industry,” says Professor Andrea Pucci, lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry and head of the degree course in Chemistry for Industry and the Environment. “This initiative is the result of a fruitful dialogue between the University and the companies, demonstrating the Department’s commitment to developing up-to-date and well-informed professionals ready to enter the workforce. The new courses, combined with the direct experience provided by the traineeship periods in companies, will enable students to acquire technical knowledge, environmental awareness, and a systemic vision, fundamental elements to face the challenges of sustainability and innovation in production processes.”
According to data provided by the Centro Studi di Confindustria Toscana Nord, the course is strategic for the region. These data confirm that the paper district of Lucca and Pistoia, known for its production of tissue paper, corrugated cardboard sheets and boxes, as well as machinery for the paper and cardboard industry (332 companies employing 10,857 people), is the most important in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. It is definitely a place to consider when looking for a qualified job.
