Sonae Arauco has been ranked among the most responsible companies in the world following its latest EcoVadis assessment. The company was awarded the Gold Medal, placing it within the top 5% of organisations assessed globally for sustainability performance.
EcoVadis is recognised as one of the most respected platforms for corporate sustainability ratings. It evaluates companies on environmental, social, ethical and supply chain practices. More than 150,000 companies worldwide are assessed under its framework.
The Gold Medal reflects Sonae Arauco’s strong and consistent performance across key ESG indicators. It also recognises the company’s long-term commitment to responsible business practices. The assessment confirmed that sustainability principles are embedded across operations.
Edite Barbosa, Chief Corporate Officer at Sonae Arauco, said the recognition validated the company’s strategic direction. She stated that the EcoVadis Gold Medal confirmed the organisation was being prepared for the future on solid foundations. The award reinforced confidence in operational excellence and responsible management.
The EcoVadis methodology is based on international standards. These include conventions from the International Labour Organisation, ISO 26000 guidance, Global Reporting Initiative standards, and the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. Sonae Arauco recently joined the UN Global Compact.
Performance was measured across four main areas. These were Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Each area was assessed using evidence-based criteria and benchmarking.
The Gold Medal also recognised Sonae Arauco’s new global management system. This system integrates corporate strategy, policies and daily operations. It ensures that sustainability objectives are applied consistently across all business units.
A robust SEQEn policy has been implemented across the organisation. This covers Safety, Environment, Quality and Energy. Additional policies address Labour and Human Rights, Sustainable Procurement and Business Ethics. These policies are aligned with international best practice.
A Code of Conduct for Suppliers has also been adopted. Through this approach, sustainability commitments are extended across the entire value chain. Suppliers are expected to meet the same ethical and operational standards.
Clear and measurable objectives underpin the company’s ESG strategy. In the Labour and Human Rights area, commitments include full compliance with fundamental rights. Child labour and forced labour are strictly prohibited. A zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment is enforced.
Safety performance has also been prioritised. One of the main objectives is to achieve a global Safety KPI of 100 or below by 2027. This target supports accident prevention and risk mitigation across operations.
By the end of 2026, all critical suppliers are expected to be qualified in Environment, Health and Safety. This requirement has been introduced to strengthen supply chain resilience and worker protection.
Environmental goals are equally defined. Sonae Arauco aims to reduce specific water consumption by 5% by 2026. Post-consumer collection and recycling rates are planned to increase by at least 5% by 2027.
Waste reduction remains a key focus. Practices are being implemented to limit overall waste generation across production sites. Resource efficiency is being continuously improved.
Energy and climate commitments form another central pillar. The company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by at least 58.8% by 2033, compared with 2019 levels. Energy efficiency improvements are being prioritised across facilities.
Sustainable procurement objectives have also been clearly defined. By 2026, 100% of buyers will be trained on the Supplier Policy and Code of Conduct. All potential high-risk suppliers will be required to sign the Code of Conduct.
These measures demonstrate a structured and long-term approach to ESG management. Progress is being monitored through defined indicators and governance systems.
Industry analysts note that EcoVadis recognition has become an important benchmark for global customers and partners. A Gold rating signals strong risk management and transparency.
For Sonae Arauco, the award strengthens its position as a responsible player within the global wood-based panel industry. It also supports trust with customers, suppliers and financial stakeholders.
The company continues to position sustainability as a driver of resilience and competitiveness. The EcoVadis Gold Medal confirms that responsible practices are not peripheral, but central to its business model.
As sustainability expectations increase across industries, Sonae Arauco’s performance places it among global leaders. The recognition highlights how structured governance and measurable targets can deliver credible ESG outcomes.
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