Sofidel marks 60th anniversary with investments in renewable energy and supply chain decarbonization
The tissue paper manufacturer highlights the commissioning of a photovoltaic system at its Circleville facility in the United States and its inclusion in CDP’s Supplier Engagement Assessment Leaderboard for 2026
In 2026, Sofidel celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of business development, innovation and continuous improvement. The milestone comes as the company reinforces its sustainability strategy through investments in renewable energy, operational efficiency and engagement with suppliers across its value chain.
Throughout its history, the company has sought to align long-term business growth with environmental responsibility. Sustainability is now incorporated into its investment decisions, operations and relationships with business partners, with recent initiatives reflecting its efforts to translate these commitments into measurable results.
INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY IN CIRCLEVILLE
One of Sofidel’s latest initiatives is the commissioning of a photovoltaic system at its facility in Circleville, Ohio, one of the group’s main production sites in North America.
Installed on the roof of the reel warehouse built as part of the facility’s recent expansion, the system comprises 8,010 photovoltaic panels, with a total installed capacity of 4.65 megawatts. The installation is expected to contribute renewable electricity to the site and reduce its environmental footprint. Between January and June 2026, it helped prevent approximately 1,084 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, based on the region’s market-based emissions factor.
The investment follows the startup of Circleville’s third paper machine, which increased the facility’s annual production capacity to more than 200,000 tons. By expanding its production capacity alongside its renewable energy infrastructure, Sofidel aims to accommodate business growth while managing the environmental impact of its operations.
The project is part of a broader series of renewable energy and decarbonization initiatives implemented across the group. Other recent developments include the commissioning of a biomass boiler at the Frouard facility in France and the installation of a photovoltaic system at the Rothley Lodge facility in the United Kingdom.
CLIMATE ACTION ACROSS THE SUPPLY CHAIN
In addition to investments in its own facilities, Sofidel has emphasized cooperation with suppliers and business partners as part of its climate strategy.
In 2026, the company was once again included in CDP’s Supplier Engagement Assessment Leaderboard after achieving the highest possible rating, an “A”, in the 2025 assessment. The recognition highlights the group’s approach to engaging suppliers in climate action and promoting decarbonization throughout its supply chain.
The assessment evaluates several areas, including climate-related risk management, governance and business strategy; supplier engagement; Scope 3 emissions reporting and verification; and emissions reduction targets.
With more than 22,100 companies assessed by CDP in 2025, inclusion in the leaderboard represents recognition of Sofidel’s efforts to extend climate-related initiatives beyond its direct operations and encourage shared responsibility across its supply chain.
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS FOR THE NEXT 60 YEARS
As it marks its 60th anniversary, Sofidel is maintaining its focus on long-term sustainability objectives. Supplier engagement, renewable energy, energy efficiency and responsible investment are expected to remain central to the company’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2050.
The target was established within the framework of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The company also plans to build on its ongoing progress through additional publicly announced initiatives and investments. Its stated priorities include improving the environmental performance of its operations, strengthening engagement with business partners and increasing corporate resilience.
For Sofidel, the anniversary represents not only six decades of business history but also an opportunity to reinforce its long-term commitments. As the company enters its next chapter, it intends to continue advancing sustainability throughout its operations and value chain, building on its experience through further investment and collaboration.
