Sofidel and WWF Italy have renewed their collaboration with a new three-year agreement covering the period 2026-2028, extending one of the longest-running partnerships in the history of the environmental organization in Italy. The renewal comes in a symbolic year, as both organizations celebrate the 60th anniversary of their founding.
The partnership, which began in 2008 when Sofidel became the first Italian manufacturing company and the first tissue producer worldwide to join the WWF Climate Savers programme, will continue to focus on three strategic areas: climate and energy transition, responsible forest sourcing, and stakeholder awareness.
At the core of the renewed agreement is the concept of “critical friendship”, a model of collaboration based on continuous and constructive dialogue. Within this framework, WWF provides its scientific expertise and independent perspective to support Sofidel in making responsible industrial decisions and further strengthening its sustainability strategy.
“Our partnership with WWF has been an enabling factor from the very beginning. It has helped us build internal awareness, develop responsible energy and sourcing policies, and measure our progress with rigor,” said Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel. “We believe this long-standing collaboration has been a valuable cultural catalyst, helping Sofidel build its sustainable growth journey on solid foundations. Renewing our partnership with WWF Italy during our 60th anniversary year is an excellent way to continue investing in the future of the Group.”
Alessandra Prampolini, Director General of WWF Italy, added: “Addressing the climate and nature crises requires vision, responsibility and the ability to innovate. We are proud to continue the journey we began with Sofidel eighteen years ago. Over time, this collaboration has shown how open, constructive and rigorous dialogue can strengthen corporate strategies and turn commitments into concrete positive results. Renewing this partnership confirms our shared determination to tackle environmental challenges with ambition and responsibility.”
Three strategic priorities
Under the renewed agreement, Sofidel and WWF Italy will continue working together on climate and energy, supporting the Group in maintaining its commitments under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The collaboration on responsible forest sourcing will also continue, extending across Europe and the United States with the support of WWF International. Activities include updating responsible sourcing criteria, monitoring supply chains and carrying out annual assessments of raw material origins to ensure full traceability throughout the value chain. This builds on work that has already enabled Sofidel to source 100% of its virgin pulp from FSC® and PEFC-certified sources.
The third pillar focuses on stakeholder awareness, with WWF supporting environmental education initiatives designed to promote sustainable practices and strengthen sustainability culture throughout Sofidel’s value chain.
International ESG recognition
Sofidel’s sustainability strategy continues to receive recognition from leading international ESG rating agencies. In 2025, CDP awarded the Group an A- rating for both Climate Change and Forests, including the highest A score for timber sourcing and supply chain engagement on climate action.
The company also received the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing Sofidel among the top 1% of companies worldwide assessed for ESG performance.
