Committed to the Future
The Portucel Soporcel group has over the years demonstrated its concern for the needs of local communities in the regions around its industrial facilities, in keeping with its declared policy of social engagement. Its concerns have been translated into an active role in promoting and supporting welfare initiatives for disadvantaged and at-risk groups in local society, and for projects relating to environmental education and heritage conservation.
The Group's wide-ranging involvement has led it to take part in educational and social projects, as well as in humanitarian aid efforts, environmental awareness-raising and support for the arts. These projects have recently included:
- "Give a hand to Nature" project - as part of the celebrations for World Forests Day, the Group organized educational activities at the Espirra Estate, involving some 300 primary school children from the regions around its plant. The project was designed to raise youth's awareness of the need to protect woodlands and preserve the environment.
- Support for forestation - on Forests Day, the Group took part in a number of initiatives up and down the country, and donated thousands of saplings overall, all with the purpose of raising public awareness of wildlife and countryside preservation.
- "Open Doors" Programme - in October and November 2010, the Group's employees and their families were welcome to visit the new paper mill in Setúbal with some 1500 visitors. The main aim of this initiative was for them to see one of our Group's largest development projects first hand, hence helping to build a sense of internal cohesion and belonging.
- Hospital de São Bernardo in Setúbal - acquisition of equipment for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. This equipment will be used by children with serious handicaps from low income families.
The Group also gives priority to donations of paper to schools and welfare institutions located in the vicinity of its mills.
In keeping with its policy of social responsibility, the Portucel Soporcel Group has been prompt to support welfare and humanitarian projects.
Special attention has also been paid to the advancement of science, with the Group supporting seminars, conferences and publications, especially in fields of relevance to its industrial operations.
In the field of education, the Group has awarded a prize to the best student of the Chemical Engineering degree at the University of Beira Interior.
Partnerships with high-profile organizations
The Group is also actively engaged as a member of national and international organizations in the field of sustainable development and socially responsible business practice.
These include BCSD Portugal (Business Council for Sustainable Development), RSE Portugal (Portuguese Association for Corporate Social Responsibility), WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development) and the Business Forum for the Ocean-based Economy.
» WBCSD - World Business Council for Sustainable Development 
» BCSD Portugal - Conselho Empresarial para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável
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