In 2025, Sonae Arauco joined the United Nations Global Compact, aligning with its Ten Principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. As a participant, the company committed to integrating these principles into its business practices and to reporting annually on its progress through the Communication on Progress (CoP) framework.

Sonae Arauco invested approximately €6 million in a new MDF sanding line at its Beeskow plant in Germany. The new technology enhances product quality, increases operational efficiency and supports future growth, reflecting the company's continued commitment to innovation and industrial excellence. 

Sonae Arauco has agreed to a Sustainability-Linked Loan worth 200 million euros. For this financing, the Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) defined until 2029 include an increase of 9.3 p.p. in the share of recycled wood used and a 59% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) intensity, to which Sonae Arauco is committed.

Sonae Arauco has signed a contract with Capwatt for the supply of renewable electricity in Valladolid, through the installation of a photovoltaic plant at this industrial unit. The project involves the installation of over 13,000 photovoltaic panels, which will prevent the emission of 2,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, ensuring the production of 25% of the plant’s total electricity consumption.

Sonae Arauco has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Sidenhol, an Enhol Group subsidiary, to install photovoltaic panels at the Linares industrial unit. The agreement has a duration of ten years and intends to supply energy from photovoltaic panels to this unit.

The funding, totalling 184 million euros, extends until 2027 and considers two ESG performance indicators: greater incorporation of recycled wood and reduction of work accidents. The operation was led by CaixaBank, which coordinated the financing.

Sonae Arauco’s Innovus decorative product range won in the Interior & Lifestyle category. This is one of the most recognised international competitions in sustainable design. With the incorporation of recycled wood as raw material and its high-tech surface, Innovus® solutions combine aesthetic credentials, technical performance and environmental sustainability.

Launch of Innovus® brand in the South African market

Innovus® brand was launched in South Africa in May 2021, during an online digital launch. This moment allowed the South African market to leverage a global position.

The particularly impressive combination with the decorative Feel Light Grey, inspired by textile felt, also won in the Excellent Product Design and Elements category of the German Design Award.

The Valladolid College of Architects (COAVA) has given the DOCOMOMO plaque to the building of Sonae Arauco’s industrial unit in Valladolid, as a recognition for its patrimonial value.

Sonae Arauco joins FSC® International

3DF -Three Dimensional Fibreboard®awarded the “High Product Quality – intelligent material & design” prize, upon its launch, at Interzum, a prize that given for the innovative, functional and design aspects of the product. 

Launch of the new Innovus® brand – Sonae Indústria´s brand of decorative products that offers versatile and contemporary solutions for interior spaces.

Purchase of Sappi Novobord in South Africa. At the same time, Sonae Indústria began an ambitious diversification programme of its product range and modernisation of its technical assets, making major investments in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Brazil and Canada.

Purchase of Tafisa in Canada, which is today one of the biggest particleboard factories in the world, plus new factories in Brazil (for particleboard and MDF panels) and in South Africa (particleboard).

The expansion and diversification of Sonae Indústria began in 1971, upon taking over Novopan, a particleboard factory located near Porto. At the same time, the first melamine coating line in Portugal was installed and production of components for the furniture and interior design industries began.

SONAE was founded in Maia, where it has its head office, with the purpose of producing decorative high pressure laminates.