Friday, January 9, 2026
Sonae Arauco, a leader in the wood-based solutions industry, is taking bold steps to reduce Scope 3 emissions with its involvement in the SUSBOARD project, an EU-funded Horizon Europe initiative. With a total budget of €6.9 million, SUSBOARD is focused on developing 100% bio-based, formaldehyde-free, and cost-competitive adhesives for the production of particleboard (PB) and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). This innovative solution will contribute to safer, more sustainable furniture and align with key EU Green Deal and Circular Economy goals.
Sonae Arauco’s participation in the SUSBOARD project is a significant part of its decarbonisation strategy. The company recognises that adhesives and chemicals represent a major source of its Scope 3 emissions, accounting for approximately 82% of its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By supporting the development of bio-based adhesives, Sonae Arauco is actively seeking solutions to reduce emissions across its entire value chain, from production to end product.
The project forms part of Sonae Arauco’s broader sustainability efforts, which have already shown substantial progress. Since 2019, the company has achieved a 41% reduction in total GHG emissions, including a 39% reduction in Scope 3 emissions. This was made possible through collaboration with suppliers and the implementation of circular economy strategies. Sonae Arauco’s commitment to climate action is clear: it is aiming for a 58.8% reduction in emissions by 2033, in line with the Paris Agreement and European Green Deal.
The SUSBOARD project represents a tangible step towards a low-carbon future. By developing bio-based adhesives, Sonae Arauco is helping shift the industry from fossil-based inputs to renewable materials, supporting the company’s sustainability goals and enabling customers to access greener and more affordable products.
This collaboration with leading companies and research institutes across Europe will drive the transition to bio-based materials, which will be crucial for meeting global sustainability targets. The goal is to create products that are not only better for the environment but also meet the economic needs of consumers and businesses.
Sonae Arauco’s commitment to a low-carbon future is evident in its strategic focus on bio-based materials and renewable resources. The SUSBOARD project will scale up production over the next four years, with a focus on industrial applications and testing. This will accelerate the transition to bio-based solutions, making furniture and construction materials safer, greener, and more sustainable.
Sonae Arauco is one of the largest wood-based solutions players globally, and its commitment to sustainable development is demonstrated through its comprehensive approach to the circular bioeconomy. The company integrates recycled wood into its industrial processes, ensuring that its products are part of a sustainable life cycle.
Moreover, Sonae Arauco holds forest certifications and has pioneered efforts to make the wood processing industry more sustainable by focusing on renewable resources, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
Sonae Arauco offers a diverse and versatile portfolio of products that cater to varied applications across furniture, interior design, and construction. The company’s Innovus® decorative products are widely used in the furniture industry, while its Core & Technical® products and AGEPAN® solutions provide high-performance solutions for both the furniture and construction sectors.
With its strong focus on sustainability, Sonae Arauco is committed to providing products that not only meet the highest quality standards but also support customers in their environmental goals. The company’s solutions range from individual components to complete turnkey plants, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to customer needs.
The success of the SUSBOARD project will help the wood processing industry transition towards more sustainable and circular practices. Sonae Arauco’s participation is a step toward reducing its carbon footprint while advancing the development of innovative products that are more environmentally friendly. By investing in bio-based, formaldehyde-free adhesives, Sonae Arauco is taking responsibility for the future and driving forward the sustainable transformation of the furniture and wood processing industries.
As Sonae Arauco continues to work on cutting-edge solutions like those developed through the SUSBOARD project, its global leadership in wood-based solutions will contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for the industry and the world.
The SUSBOARD project is a groundbreaking initiative that aligns with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy goals. Sonae Arauco’s involvement is a critical step in advancing the development of bio-based and formaldehyde-free adhesives that will not only reduce Scope 3 emissions but also transform the industry. The company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration will continue to play a pivotal role in driving the wood processing technology sector towards a low-carbon future.
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Tags: bio-based adhesives, circular economy, EU green deal, formaldehyde-free, Horizon Europe, Sonae Arauco, SUSBOARD, sustainability, wood processing technology, woodworking and processing, woodworking industry
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