Tuesday, October 7, 2025
In the heart of Europe’s wood-based panel industry, Sonae Arauco is redefining innovation. The company’s Research & Development strategy is not only a growth engine – it is a commitment to sustainability, digitalisation, and resource efficiency.
At Sonae Arauco, “Research & Development is currently more than a growth driver – it is a way to ensure that innovation is aligned with purpose.”
Operating across several European locations, Sonae Arauco is deeply engaged in cutting-edge projects that integrate circular economy principles, bio-based materials, and digital product transformation.
Their roadmap for R&D is purpose-driven. “Progress is not only about creating new products but about rethinking raw materials, processes and products, exploring bio-based alternatives, embracing digitalisation, and ensuring our industry evolves towards a circular and sustainable future.”
Every innovation project at Sonae Arauco aims to deliver two main outcomes: enhanced customer value and improved environmental performance. Through strategic alliances with partners across the European value chain, the company ensures its solutions stay ahead of evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes.
This collaboration-first approach reflects a forward-thinking vision. “Our R&D roadmap reflects this ambition: every project is designed to deliver customer value and improved sustainable credentials. These initiatives also allow us to work closely with European partners, connecting expertise across the value chain and ensuring that we stay at the forefront of industry transformation.”
A key highlight is EcoReFibre, an EU-backed initiative addressing fibreboard waste, estimated at over 60 million tonnes across Europe in the last five years.
“EcoReFibre addresses this challenge by developing industrial-scale technologies to recycle end-of-life fibreboards into new, high-quality products.”
The ultimate goal is to replace up to 25% of virgin fibres, reducing the burden on forests and preserving natural ecosystems.
Sonae Arauco is progressing with industrial-scale trials to validate these technologies. A major milestone was recently achieved at their Mangualde factory in Portugal, where the first industrial-scale recycled fibre line is now operational.
“On this topic of recycled fibres, we have just announced the first line operating at an industrial scale at our Mangualde’s factory, showing our commitment to this strategic area.”
Traditional fossil-based resins are under scrutiny due to environmental and health regulations. Sonae Arauco is actively addressing this through its BioResins programme, exploring formaldehyde-free, renewable alternatives.
“Our BioResins programme explores formaldehyde-free, bio-based alternatives that combine performance and sustainability.”
As part of this work, the company participates in major European collaborations:
These projects promise cleaner production and reduced dependency on fossil-based chemicals.
With the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set to enforce Digital Product Passports (DPP), the furniture industry is preparing for a more transparent future.
Sonae Arauco is contributing to the CIR4FUN project, which develops digital infrastructure for product traceability.
“CIR4FUN prepares the furniture industry for this new reality by defining the structure, and infrastructure for the Furniture DPP.”
This includes input into eco-design, durability, reparability, and circular business models. A digital future is not just about compliance – it’s about trust, accountability, and smarter design.
Construction industries face pressure to cut emissions and adopt sustainable practices. Through the Wood4Rise initiative, Sonae Arauco is exploring engineered wood for low-carbon construction.
“Construction is under pressure to cut carbon and build responsibly. Wood is an ideal material for this transition, and through Wood4Rise, we are developing engineered wood products that expand the possibilities of sustainable construction.”
Research includes lightweight solutions, flexible insulation, and hybrid structural components. The AGEPAN® SYSTEM supports the construction of fully timber houses using Sonae Arauco’s own materials.
Together, these projects underscore a shared mission: to make wood-based materials more sustainable, efficient, and aligned with global environmental goals.
“Together, these projects demonstrate how innovation at Sonae Arauco is guided by a clear purpose: making wood-based solutions more circular, resilient, and sustainable. By investing in R&D today, we are not only preparing for tomorrow’s challenges but actively shaping the future of our industry.”
Sonae Arauco’s leadership in bio-based materials, product digitalisation, and circular design places it at the forefront of European sustainable manufacturing. Their work supports not only environmental goals but also economic growth through innovation.
Read more news on Sonae Arauco
Get such updates through woodandpanel.us
Tags: circular economy, engineered wood panels, Sonae Arauco, wood panel transformation, wood-based materials, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
Comments: