The only Italian company and still the only tissue paper company in the world (paper for hygiene and household purposes) to join the programme, between 2008 and 2012 Sofidel already succeeded in lowering its absolute emissions by 11.1% (186 thousand tonnes of CO2: more or less the equivalent of the amount produced in Italy by 150,000 four-person families per year for electrical consumption), investing more than 25 million Euros. Over the same years, also thanks to new acquisitions in Europe and America, the Group's production capacity has increased by more than 45%.

By the end of 2020 Sofidel is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions for each tonne of paper produced by 23% compared with 2009 level – which has been selected as the base year for the initiative. In terms of comparison, this means avoiding the emission of approximately 900,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the emissions of a fleet of 10,000 HGVs travelling 10,000 km per year for 10 years. This reduction objective will be achieved through an investment plan aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of the processes, the combined production of electrical energy and steam energy and the use of renewable energies. Among the most recent operational investments, or the ones that are currently being brought to completion: a biomass plant installed in France (Frouard) and three cogeneration plants, one of which is already operational in the United States (Haines City, Florida) and two about to be installed in Italy. Over coming years, ISO 50001 energy certification will also be implemented in all facilities.

"For Sofidel, relaunching our commitment with the WWF through the Climate Savers programme is an important instrument to further improve our environmental performance," declares Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel CEO - "It is our way to implement the idea of extended company accountability that obliges us to not only develop the quality of our products but also raise the standards of our production and distribution processes, with the aim of limiting environmental impact and acting as promoters of change."

"For 8 years WWF and Sofidel have been working together on strategic issues for the paper sector, to improve the policies of impact on the climate and forest resources, and encourage the implementation of sustainable practices," declares Gianfranco Bologna, Scientific Director of the WWF - "The objective is to show how environmental sustainability and innovation and opportunity for development and competitivity can go hand in hand, when guided by a vision for the future of the planet that differs from the current scenario. The continuation of the collaboration, which entails positive exchanges of know-how and expertise, offers us the possibility of implementing new actions to reduce the impact on the environment, create awareness and involve the production chain. This has special relevance in this crucial year of commitments that the international community will be taking on, in occasion of the 21st Meeting of the Parties which will be held in Paris next December. This programme greatly involves both Sofidel and WWF, who are aware that good practices can be promoted and shared within the entire sector."