Softys Uruguay: Platinum leadership in Zero Waste

At Global Zero Waste We understand that awards acquire true value when they are backed by measurable results, strategic coherence and sustained continuous improvement over time. That is why, during the most recent Zero Waste Awards gala, held on December 9, 2025, we were especially proud to celebrate Softys Uruguay, distinguished as a Platinum Affiliate of the Zero Waste Management System Program.

This milestone consolidates a process that formally began in 2022, when its plant in Pando obtained the Zero Waste Management System Gold category certification, granted by Icontec and Global Zero Waste. After maintaining this certification for three consecutive years and demonstrating consistent results, the operation has now reached the highest level within our affiliate program.

Coherence between strategy and operation

Under the corporate promise “We care for the future today”, Softys Group has defined its Sustainability Strategy 2024-2028 structured on four pillars: being responsible from start to finish, caring for consumers, supporting communities and being better together.

In the environmental area, the company is committed to “doing more with less”, assuming responsibility for its impact throughout the value chain. Among its goals are:

• To be zero industrial waste to landfill.
• Reduce water use by 60% by 2028.
• Reduce GHG emissions by 50% (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2030.
• Certify 100% of its operations under the Zero Waste Management System by 2028.
• Move towards 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2030.

Management with concrete results

The operation currently recovers approximately 89% of the waste generated in its production processes by the end of 2025, reincorporating materials into production cycles through recycling or composting.

Among the wastes managed are:

• Paper and cardboard
• Wooden pallets
• Recovered fiber
• Wires and scrap
• Polyethylenes
• PET Bottles

The recovery of fiber stands out in particular, which reduces the use of virgin raw materials and optimizes the use of resources, strengthening the circular economy logic in the paper industry.

These results are the fruit of rigorous technical management, with traceability, segregation at source, strategic alliances and a consolidated continuous improvement system.

Circular economy with a territorial approach

A differentiating element is territorial articulation. The alliance with the Municipality of Canelones has made it possible to promote joint initiatives for the management and use of organic waste, demonstrating that industrial sustainability is strengthened when there is public-private coordination.

The plant's active participation in regional and national forums has also contributed to making progress visible and sharing best practices, generating an impact beyond its own operational limits.

Leadership that integrates sustainability into corporate management

Global Zero Waste would like to extend a special congratulations to the team that made this achievement possible.

This milestone is strongly supported by senior management. Under the leadership of Mariano Paz, According to Softys Uruguay's Sr. Director and General Manager, sustainability has been consolidated as a structural axis of the business in Uruguay, ensuring that environmental, operational and governance commitments are fully integrated into strategic planning and decision making. When sustainability is incorporated into the management model and does not operate as a parallel initiative, the necessary conditions are generated to sustain results in the long term.

In the same line, the strategic direction in sustainability has been led by Lucía Estrada, from the Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs area, who has promoted the cross-cutting integration of sustainability into corporate management. Her work has strengthened internal governance, the coherence between declared goals and operational execution, and the alignment of the local operation with the Softys Group's regional strategy, ensuring that environmental commitments are measurable, auditable and consistent over time.

At the technical level, the leadership of Santiago Giardello, Head of Safety and Environment and of Victoria Heber, The Environmental Supervisor, who has been instrumental in ensuring the rigorous implementation of the Zero Waste Management System in the operation. The discipline in monitoring indicators, traceability of waste, continuous improvement of processes and the appropriation of the standard by the plant teams are a reflection of a solid technical management that has allowed us to maintain the certification for three consecutive years and advance to the Platinum level.

However, this recognition transcends individual leadership. Each plant employee has contributed to consolidating an organizational culture where responsible waste management is part of the daily work and where continuous improvement is understood as a shared responsibility. Sustaining a standard of this magnitude year after year requires constant training, coordination between areas, transversal commitment and a common conviction that sustainability is an essential part of operational excellence.

A benchmark for the regional industry

Being the first company in Uruguay to obtain and maintain certification in the Gold category, and today consolidating its position as a Platinum Affiliate, positions Softys Uruguay as a reference in the regional paper industry.

This case demonstrates that the circular economy is viable when:

• Sustainability is integrated into the corporate strategy.
• There is clear and responsible leadership.
• The indicators are measurable and auditable.
• Continuous improvement is part of the organizational culture.

Caring for the future today

Recognition as a Platinum Affiliate is not an isolated symbol. It is the result of three years of consistent work, coherent strategic decisions and a committed team that understands that tomorrow is built with concrete actions in the present.

From Global Zero Waste we reiterate our congratulations to Softys Uruguay, to its leaders and to each one of its collaborators. Their work demonstrates that sustainability is not an aspirational discourse, but a solid, measurable and replicable business practice.

Because when an organization decides to take care of the future today, it transforms its operation, strengthens its territory and raises the standard of its entire industry.

If you missed the broadcast of the most recent Zero Waste International Awards Ceremony, we invite you to relive it here: