Sofidel Noted by WWF for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sustainable Forestry

Sofidel, Italy, known for its Regina brand tissue products, has been mentioned in a WWF report titled "50 Years of WWF in Italy" for its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for its sustainable management of forestry resources.

During a private meeting between a delegation from WWF Italy and Sergio Mattarella, president of the Republic, held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the environmental NGO in Italy, WWF presented the report that quotes Sofidel as a model for corporate environmental sustainability.

Sofidel has adhered to the WWF Climate Savers program since 2008, and has committed itself to making a 23% cut in direct carbon dioxide emissions by 2020, compared with 2009 figures, per ton of paper produced. The commitment also involves a 13% reduction in indirect carbon dioxide emissions and the achievement of 8% of energy from renewable sources.

Sofidel has already reduced its direct carbon dioxide emissions by 17.8% through investments in energy efficiency and through the use of cogeneration systems and renewable energy sources. The Lucca, Italy-based paper producer also obtains very nearly 100% of its cellulose from certified and controlled forests (FSC, PEFC, SFI). The figure actually stands at 99.97%.

For these reasons, WWF International recently listed Sofidel in its "Slow Road to Sustainability" report as one of 22 companies considered frontrunners in sustainability for undertaking ambitious objectives in the sourcing of sustainable raw materials. This important recognition coincides with the 50th anniversary of the formation of Sofidel, and follows the nomination of Luigi Lazzareschi, the Group's CEO, as Ambassador of the 50th anniversary of WWF Italy.

The Sofidel Group, a privately held company owned by the Stefani and Lazzareschi families, is a global producer of paper for hygienic and domestic use. Established in 1966, the Group has subsidiaries in 13 countries—Italy, Spain, the U.K., France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Turkey, and the U.S.—with more than 5,500 employees. With a consolidated turnover of EUR 1,809 million (2015), Sofidel is the second ranking group in Europe in terms of production capacity in the tissue sector (1,058,000 metric tpy-2015). A member of the U.N. Global Compact and the international WWF Climate Savers program, the Sofidel Group considers sustainability a strategic factor with regards to growth and is committed to promoting socially and environmentally responsible development.