long fibres and hardwood pulp with short fibres are used. The proportions depend on the product; however, softwood pulp supplied by Metsä Fibre is always needed to improve strength.
such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management) certifications. “Due to Renova’s presence in multiple countries as a result of our internationalisation strategy, there is a significant need to adapt to diverse realities, which entails an ongoing pursuit of new certifications, particularly in the area of social responsibility,” Saramago says.
Everyday products should be fun and sustainable
Saramago highlights Renova’s purpose is to develop and convert ordinary everyday items into extraordinary, enjoyable products for consumers. Besides black, their products come in a palette of bright colours with creative and playful packaging. Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), which is a framework that evaluates a company’s commitment to sustainable practices, play a key role in this ambition, driven by Renova’s aspiration for a harmonious relationship between nature and people, contributing to a sustainable and circular society. “Aligned with Renova’s business vision, one of the most significant changes in ESG practices compared to previous years is the increased integration and prioritisation in corporate strategies, investment decisions and long-term commitments,” notes Saramago. From a technical standpoint, the sustainability of tissue products is ensured through a wide range of measures. These include sourcing more sustainable raw materials, optimising energy efficiency and using green energy in the production process. Saving water and utilising recycled fibres are also vital.
Engaging stakeholders to reach ESG targets
As part of the ongoing task of ensuring sustainability throughout the value chain, it is essential to establish clear ESG goals and engage all stakeholders. This means collaborating with suppliers, partners and local communities to promote responsible practices. “By involving employees and other stakeholders, we can drive innovation and continuously enhance our sustainability initiatives,” Saramago says. Transparency and proactive management of ESG risks are also important. Continuous monitoring and regular reporting are necessary to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. This includes establishing clear goals, developing relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and collecting and managing data accurately. “Engaging stakeholders and conducting external audits ensure transparency and compliance,” Saramago adds.
RENOVA
Renova is a European brand known for its innovative, high-quality tissue products.
Markets are changing
Saramago sees important changes in the markets, mainly driven by factors and trends such as technological advances in artificial intelligence and data science, growing concerns about sustainability, shifts in consumer behaviour, armed conflicts, regulatory changes and global economic dynamics. Digitalisation and increasing investments in e-commerce are other significant drivers. “While there are common global trends and dynamics, markets around the world differ significantly due to a complex interplay of economy, culture, regulations, technology and geopolitics. Understanding these differences is crucial for Renova in our ambition to be a successful global brand,” Saramago highlights. Renova’s solid reputation provides a strong foundation for continuous growth and expansion into new markets. Yet increased competition, fluctuations in raw material prices, value chain disruptions and regulatory changes may pose challenges. “Renova’s future success will depend on our ability to effectively face these challenges,” says Saramago. •
Reduced plastic in packaging
Renova’s headquarters are in Torres Novas, Portugal, and the Renova brand emerged around 200 years ago.
In response to growing customer expectations, products with biodegradable and recyclable packaging in place of plastic have recently been launched. This includes the use of thinner plastic films, the use of plastic films with recycled content, and the replacing of plastic with paper. According to Saramago, it is a demanding project, not only due to the feasibility and continuous operational capability of the machines, but also because of the increased costs associated with these changes. “Despite the challenges, Renova is on a very interesting journey. We already have several products packaged in paper and those that are not in paper are packaged in plastic films that are either thinner or contain 30 per cent recycled plastic on average. This is a reduction of thousands of tons of plastic overall,” Saramago emphasises. Saramago also highlights Renova’s ongoing efforts to obtain new certifications and maintain existing ones,
The company employs around 600 people.
Renova’s products are available in more than 70 countries around the world.
Metsä Fibre provides Renova with high-quality softwood pulp, contributing to the strength and resistance of their tissue paper products.
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