In today’s world, sustainability in manufacturing has become a prerequisite. With increasing environmental degradation, companies need to adopt sustainable practices that can help reduce their impact on the environment.
In our previous article, we discussed the value attained by utilising The Circular Bioeconomy Model and how it contributes to a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. In this 2nd part of our series, we’ll be focusing on the value of recycling and our goals to achieve carbon neutrality.
The essence of wood-based recycling
Wood-based recycling is the process of converting wood waste into usable products. This process not only helps to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills but also helps to conserve natural and environmental resources. Sonae Arauco’s recycling process uses the waste generated while producing wood-based panels. This waste is collected, sorted, and processed to create new products with various applications.
Converting wood waste to high-performance solutions
Sonae Arauco’s recycling process is designed to create high-performance solutions that can be used in the construction and furniture industries. This process involves using advanced technologies to turn wood waste into innovative products. These products are not only eco-friendly but also have superior quality and durability. Some of the products that are produced using Sonae Arauco’s recycling process include particleboard, MDF, and OSB (OSB is only available in European markets).
Our Recycling Process
Sonae Arauco’s recycling process is a fully integrated system which involves the collection and sorting of wood waste generated during the production of wood-based panels. Implemented with great success throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
The process includes receiving wood waste from hundreds of entities from all sectors, with more than 600 containers distributed throughout customers’ facilities for direct collection. After the waste is received, it undergoes classification and cleaning to remove contaminants, is chipped, and then sent to our industrial units.
By leveraging the potential of these wood residues, whether industrial or municipal, Sonae Arauco’s practice can extend its life cycle and CO2 retention, resulting in greater added value for the business and the environment.
This waste is then processed to remove contaminants and other impurities. The processed waste is then mixed with other materials to create new products. Sonae Arauco’s recycling process is designed to ensure that the quality of the final product is not compromised.
Wood and Carbon Neutrality
Sonae Arauco’s sustainability model is focused on the principles of wood and carbon neutrality, and our recycling process plays a key role in achieving this goal. By using wood waste as a raw material, Sonae Arauco is able to reduce its reliance on wood from the forest. This, in turn, helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the carbon footprint of the company.
Sonae Arauco’s efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality encompass several areas:
Ensuring the sustainability of the forest and its ability to mitigate CO2 emissions by sourcing raw materials from controllable sources.
Incorporating more recycled wood into our product portfolio to prevent the release of carbon into the atmosphere through landfill or burning.
Investing in cutting-edge equipment that reduces the carbon footprint associated with the production process while also enhancing business competitiveness.
Fostering innovation and R&D to promote the value of wood-based solutions in the construction, furniture, and interior design sectors as a sustainable alternative to polluting products.
By converting wood waste into high-performance solutions, Sonae Arauco works to reduce its environmental impact. Our recycling process is designed to create products that are not only eco-friendly but also have superior quality and durability.
By adopting sustainable practices, we continue to lead the way in the construction and furniture industries setting an example for others to follow.
Read Part One of our Sustainability Series.
Take a look at our various distributors and affiliates:
The Building Centre, The Kitchen Specialist association, The Green Building Council, and The African Institute of Interior Design Professions.
For more information on our wood-based decorative panels and services, visit us at https://sonaearauco.co.za/