Sofidel's goals and results
Sustainability. Our strategic development and growth leverage
In this light, Sofidel implements policies to limit environmental impact and maximise social benefits along the entire value creation chain: from procurement to production processes, products, logistics and promotion of responsible consumption and correct information.
Ecological transformation for a low-carbon economy and reduced consumption of natural capital, digitalisation and social inclusion are just some of the priorities that the Group has set itself in its work to create shared value.
play an increasingly responsible
role in economic, social and environmental growth;
contribute to improving the quality of life
of people and the communities in which we operate and to safeguarding the Planet;
increase our competitiveness in the
medium to long term.
Responsible
procurement of forest raw material
The Group applies strict procurement policies for raw materials of forestry origin and favours suppliers who comply with the main with forest certification schemes.
100% of the pulp used in the production process is certified by independent third parties with forest certification schemes (FSC®, FSC Controlled Wood and PEFC™).
Sofidel has joined the Vancouver Declaration promoted by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), a public promise made by companies across the globe to work towards a more sustainable supply chain of forest products.
Optimisation
in the use of water resources
Aware of how precious water is for the survival of the Planet, Sofidel safeguards and manages responsibly water resources and its production processes are constantly monitored in order to optimise the use of water.
This commitment has led Sofidel to achieve significant results, with an average use of water per kilogram of paper produced decidedly lower than that considered good practice for the sector. In 2022, the specific average amount of water consumed by Sofidel production processes was 7.3 litres per kg of paper produced.
Energy
efficiency
The paper production process is defined as a high energy consuming activity, which requires great amounts of energy. To achieve it in an increasingly sustainable manner, Sofidel focuses great attention on the employed energy sources, as well as the energy efficiency of its plants and production processes.
Since 2008 Sofidel has made public commitments for the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions, certifying its inventory of emissions by third-party and independent bodies annually. Sofidel invested in twelve years (2009 – 2020) about 100 million euros in cogeneration plants and energy production from renewable sources (photovoltaic and hydroelectric), biomass power plants and energy efficiency. In 2020 the Group has reduced direct emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere by 24% (reduction in carbon intensity, 2009-2020). In 2022 Sofidel achieved 15.7% reduction in direct CO2 emissions into the atmosphere (reduction in carbon intensity compared to base year 2018), thanks to energy efficiency measures, the use of cogeneration plants, and the use of renewable energy.
As of today, the Group has reduced direct emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere by 24% (reduction in carbon intensity, 2009-2020).
Sofidel’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets (scopes 1 and 2) to 2030 have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well-below 2°C, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Sustainable packaging
Sofidel has set itself the goal of achieving a 50% reduction in the use of conventional plastic in its production by 2030 (compared to 2013).
A goal pursued with a general reduction in the thickness of the plastic film used in the production process, the introduction of new kraft paper packaging on large-retailer supermarket shelves, and the progressive use, on some markets, of recycled plastics or bioplastics.
From 2013 to 2022, in particular, Sofidel reduced the incidence of plastic packaging by 38.2% thanks to the adoption of thinner plastic film and the optimization of the design of its packaging.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
In 2020, Sofidel has had its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets to 2030 (scopes 1 and 2) approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well-below 2°C, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Specifically, Sofidel has committed to:
- reduce scope 1, 2, and scope 3 emissions from suppliers’ pulping process 40% per ton of paper by 2030 from a 2018 base year;
- reduce scope 3 GHG emissions 24% per ton of paper by 2030 from a 2018 base year.
The target boundary includes biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.
Sofidel’s commitment to achieving the 2030 SBTi targets will be pursued through the substantial use of renewable electric power, either self-produced or purchased through energy tracking systems, such as Power Purchase Agreements (e.g., the RWE wind farm in Alcamo), Guarantees of Origin (GO) or other renewable energy certification systems (RECS), and the increasing introduction of systems to optimize energy consumption at its production sites.
WWF Climate Savers
Sofidel is the first Italian manufacturer – and the first company in the world from the tissue industry – to join the WWF Climate Savers international programme in 2008 (aimed at market-leading businesses with regards to the “low carbon economy”), which sets particularly ambitious objectives for the voluntary implementation of innovative strategies and technologies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sofidel has undertaken, by 2020, to:
- Reduce by 23% its direct emissions of CO2 per tonne of paper produced with respect to 2009 levels. This means the abatement of approximately 900,000 tonnes of CO2, equal to the emissions of a fleet of 10,000 articulated lorries travelling 10,000 km a year for 10 years;
- Limit by 13% indirect emissions of CO2 (caused by third parties within the value chain) per tonne of paper produced with respect to 2010 values;
- Reach 8% of energy from renewable sources on the quantity of fuel consumed annually.
In 2020, Sofidel reduced its direct CO2 emissions by 24% (carbon intensity reduction, 2009-2020), meeting and exceeding the 23% target it set 11 years ago.
