Sofidel to Eliminate 50 percent of Plastic from Supermarket Shelves by 2030

Sofidel, one of the global leading manufacturers of tissue paper for hygienic and domestic use, particularly well-known for its Regina brand, is taking another step forward in its sustainable development strategy.

The Group has set itself the goal of achieving a 50 percent reduction in the use of conventional plastic in its production by 2030 (compared with 2013), which is equivalent to the elimination of over 11,000 metric tons of plastic released onto the market every year.

A goal pursued with a general reduction in the thickness of the plastic film used in the production process (launched some years ago), the introduction of new kraft paper packaging, which is already present or due to arrive on European distribution shelves, and the progressive use, on some markets, of recycled plastics or bioplastics.

“This is a consistent and responsible choice by Sofidel,” declares Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel. “A commitment that falls within a broader product innovation and differentiation strategy that we are pursuing. A new contribution towards fully sustainable development which intends to meet the growing demand for attention to the environment.”

The commitment begins with the Sofidel brands, many of which are leaders on their reference markets. Sofidel has already undertaken an effort to eliminate the equivalent of 600 mtpy of plastic from the product packaging of its main European brands (including Regina, Cosynel, Nalys, Le Trèfle, Sopalin and KittenSoft) by the end of 2020. This will be achieved mainly thanks to the introduction of paper packaging in place of or alongside the existing products.

In Italy, the new Rotoloni Regina line, Rotoloni Regina Eco, is arriving in supermarkets in July. This new line, with packs made of kraft paper – a plant-based material that is renewable, biodegradable and easy to recycle – instead of standard polyethylene film, joins the traditional range and is manufactured using electricity from 100 percent renewable sources, generated at the Sofidel production plants.

The Sofidel Group is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and domestic use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group has subsidiaries in 13 countries – Italy, Spain, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Turkey and the USA - with more than 6,000 employees, net sales of 1,724 million Euros (2017) and a production capacity of over one million mtpy (1,098,000 metric tons in 2017). Regina, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Softis, Le Trèfle, Sopalin, Thirst Pockets, KittenSoft, Nalys, Cosynel, Yumy, Volare, Lycke, Forest, Nicky, Papernet. A member of the UN 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.

Back to Tissue360 Newsletter