Monday, February 16, 2026
Sonae Arauco has formally endorsed the Antwerp Declaration and its follow-up call to action, urging European policymakers to reinforce the competitiveness of the continent’s industrial base. The move aligns the wood-based solutions producer with a broader coalition of industry leaders advocating structural reforms across the European Union.
The declaration calls on the European Commission to act decisively on the recommendations outlined in the Draghi Report. It stresses the need for urgent measures to restore industrial strength and secure Europe’s long-term economic resilience.
Rui Correia, Chief Executive Officer of Sonae Arauco, signed the Antwerp Declaration on behalf of the company. The endorsement reflects the group’s commitment to a stronger and more competitive European industry.
Three core priorities are highlighted. Energy and carbon costs must be reduced. Fair global trade conditions should be ensured. Access to finance needs to be improved. In addition, European institutions are encouraged to promote pride in purchasing goods manufactured within Europe.
The Antwerp Call to Alden Biesen builds upon these principles. It is framed as a collective appeal to European leaders to take bold and urgent action. Industrial competitiveness is positioned as fundamental to Europe’s future stability.
The document underlines a clear message. A resilient Europe requires a resilient industrial sector. High energy prices have been identified as a structural burden. Persistently elevated carbon costs have also been cited as a competitive disadvantage.
High-quality employment is at stake. Future generations depend on sustainable industrial foundations. Decisive measures are therefore being demanded.
By supporting the declaration, Sonae Arauco signals alignment with the shift from policy diagnosis to practical delivery. Industrial acceleration is being prioritised. Investment attractiveness must be preserved.
European manufacturing competitiveness has faced mounting pressure in recent years. Energy volatility has weighed on production costs. Regulatory complexity has increased. Global competition has intensified.
Industry leaders argue that corrective action must be taken swiftly. Structural reforms are being requested. Market distortions should be addressed.
Sonae Arauco operates with what it describes as an “industrial soul”. The company ranks among the world’s largest producers of wood-based solutions. Its portfolio spans furniture, interior design and construction markets.
Sustainable development forms a central pillar of its strategy. Forest certification standards are applied across sourcing operations. A circular bioeconomic model has been implemented. Recycled wood is permanently integrated into industrial processes.
Material efficiency is prioritised. Renewable raw materials are utilised. Circularity principles are embedded within production systems.
The company’s product range includes Innovus® decorative panels, Core & Technical® solutions and AGEPAN® systems. These offerings serve both standard and highly technical applications. Versatility is emphasised. Added value is pursued.
The endorsement of the Antwerp Declaration reflects broader sector concerns. European wood-based industries rely heavily on stable energy pricing. Carbon-intensive manufacturing processes are particularly exposed to cost fluctuations.
Energy cost reduction is considered critical. Competitive parity with global producers must be restored. Industrial financing mechanisms should be strengthened.
Fair trade conditions are also central to the appeal. Level playing fields are being requested. Trade imbalances must be addressed.
The declaration further calls for a renewed sense of confidence in European manufacturing. Locally produced goods should be supported. Industrial ecosystems must be reinforced.
It has been argued that Europe’s strategic autonomy depends on a robust industrial core. Without it, economic security could be weakened. The call to Alden Biesen emphasises urgency.
For Sonae Arauco, participation reinforces its positioning as a long-term European industrial stakeholder. Investment decisions are influenced by regulatory clarity. Competitiveness frameworks shape expansion strategies.
The wood-based solutions sector contributes significantly to Europe’s green transition. Renewable materials store carbon throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable construction practices are supported.
Industrial transformation is already underway. However, policy alignment is required. Market signals must be consistent.
By endorsing the Antwerp Declaration, Sonae Arauco joins a coalition advocating structural reform and economic revitalisation. Industrial leadership is being mobilised. Policy momentum is being encouraged.
Europe’s manufacturing landscape remains at a crossroads. Strategic direction will shape its future trajectory. Industry voices are seeking clarity and action.
The Antwerp Call to Alden Biesen has placed competitiveness at the centre of the debate. Energy affordability is viewed as foundational. Carbon cost rationalisation is demanded. Investment conditions must be improved.
Sonae Arauco’s endorsement underscores its belief that Europe must move decisively from analysis to implementation. Industrial capability is regarded as essential to resilience, sustainability and prosperity across the continent.
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Tags: Antwerp Declaration, circular bioeconomy industry, European industrial competitiveness, Sonae Arauco, Sustainable Construction Materials, Wood-Based Solutions, woodworking and processing, woodworking industry
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