Softys reaffirms its leadership in sustainability: four of its plants in Latin America receive Platinum Zero Waste Affiliate recognition

At Global Zero Waste we celebrate with particular pride the organisations that keep demonstrating a real, consistent and measurable commitment to sustainability. At the most recent International Zero Waste Recognition Ceremony, held on 9 December, we singled out the companies that, after more than three years of certification, reached the highest level within the Zero Waste Management System Affiliate Programme.

This year, one business group again stood out for its strategic vision, its culture of continuous improvement and the positive impact of its actions: Softys, a multi-Latin company leading in hygiene and care, which added four plants recognised as Platinum Affiliates across different countries in Latin America. This achievement establishes Softys as one of the organisations that has advanced furthest in implementing the Zero Waste Management System in the region.

Softys: sustainability with meaning and results

For Softys, "caring for the future today" is not just a statement but a cross-cutting guideline behind every corporate decision. Its 2024–2028 sustainability strategy puts that purpose into practice through clear actions that place its people at the centre, strengthen its relationship with communities, promote innovation with an environmental focus and guarantee responsible practices from start to finish.

With operations in eight countries, more than 10,000 employees and brands recognised across Latin America, Softys has managed to build the Zero Waste Management System into 100% of its plants, making determined headway in certifications and circular economy initiatives.

A journey of progress: from the first certifications to the new Platinum Affiliates

Softys Colombia – Santander de Quilichao plant

Cauca, Colombia — Certification: 2020

Softys's road towards excellence in Zero Waste had one of its most important milestones at the plant in Santander de Quilichao, one of the first to complete its certification cycle. That operation has become a regional benchmark thanks to its ability to reach a 97% recovery rate and the rigour with which it manages its materials. It has also driven circular economy projects that have gone beyond its own operation, such as developing soil water-retainers from industrial waste and integrating sludge into brick-sector processes, initiatives that strengthen relationships with local partners and have even attracted interest abroad. Its leadership has been key to consolidating the group's sustainability vision in Colombia.

Softys Colombia – Gachancipá plant

Cundinamarca, Colombia — Certification: 2020

Another Colombian operation that has set the pace is the Gachancipá plant. Its disciplined approach to circularity has allowed it to reach a 96% recovery rate, reflecting sustained work on waste reduction and the optimisation of its internal processes. The plant has strengthened its organisational culture around sustainability, so that every work area contributes to meeting the objectives of the Zero Waste Management System. That progress has positioned Gachancipá as a solid, committed facility, constantly geared towards improving its environmental indicators.

Softys Ecuador S.A.

Ecuador — Certification: 2022

In Ecuador, the commitment to sustainability is equally clear. The Productos Tissue del Ecuador S.A. plant has established itself as one of the best-performing operations within the group, thanks to a disciplined implementation of the SGZW that has allowed it to reach around 93% waste recovery and obtain a score of 94.2 in its certification with ICONTEC. Its evolution reflects a constant effort to strengthen efficiency in material management and respond to operational challenges with innovative, measurable solutions. Ecuador thus becomes a key country in Softys's regional progress on circularity.

Softys Uruguay – Industria Papelera Uruguaya S.A.

Canelones, Uruguay — Certification: 2022

Finally, we celebrate with particular enthusiasm the Softys plant in Canelones, Uruguay, one of the most recent to join the group of Platinum Affiliates. That operation has achieved 87% recovery and has stood out for bringing in innovative practices such as fibre recovery to reduce the use of virgin raw materials. Its active participation in regional and national events has also helped give visibility to its progress and strengthen the exchange of good practice. One particularly valuable aspect is its partnership with the Intendencia de Canelones, through which they drive joint initiatives for the management and recovery of organic waste, showing that territorial coordination is key to moving towards a circular economy.

Leadership that sets a regional precedent

Softys's progress — from the first certifications in 2020 to the new recognitions in 2025 — shows a coherent trajectory deeply committed to sustainability. The company's ability to replicate the Zero Waste Management System across different countries and operational contexts demonstrates that the circular approach can be built effectively into large-scale organisations.

This achievement not only positions Softys as a regional benchmark, it also inspires other companies to strengthen their own management systems and move with determination towards reducing their environmental impact.

Congratulations to Softys and to all its teams

At Global Zero Waste we extend our recognition to the Softys teams in Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay. Their dedication, discipline and commitment to sustainability show that it is possible to turn traditional industrial operations into management models that are responsible, efficient and aligned with today's environmental challenges.

Thank you for inspiring the region and for showing that a sustainable future is built through daily work!

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