Being PEFC certified provides essential value for us

11 January 2022 Certification on the ground

In our interview series Meeting our Certified Companies, we hear from companies from around the world, large and small, which are proud to be a part of PEFC, and to help safeguard our forests through their commitment.

In our latest interview, Natàlia Carmona, Director of Food Quality and Safety at Spanish cardboard packaging manufacturer Alzamora Group, shared her thoughts on sustainability and respect for the environment.

Can you give us a brief introduction to your company and its position in the market?

Alzamora Group is a leader in the carton packaging sector with more than 120 years of experience. We operate in Spain, Portugal and France, and we are present in eight countries on three continents.

Sustainability is a key pillar that has led us to develop revolutionary and sustainable packaging solutions, grouped in our "Green Packaging Planet" line. 

An example of this packaging is LatCub, the first biodegradable and recyclable alternative to plastic rings and shrink wrap for beverage cans.

In the context of timber/forest-based product sourcing, what is your company’s goal?

For many years, the policy of our company has been based on the optimization of all processes, with the aim of minimizing our carbon footprint and being as ecologically efficient as possible.

This is why we offer certified products to all our clients, to ensure that their projects favour the circular economy by using materials from responsibly managed forests.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your background? What are your main responsibilities within the company?

I have been working as Director of Food Quality and Safety for more than 23 years, and two years as part of the Alzamora Group team.

My responsibility at the company is to ensure quality standards throughout the production process, from the receipt of the order to the arrival of the product to the customer, and in the product itself.

How did you hear about PEFC?

We heard about PEFC in 2009 through our suppliers, and it was in 2010 when Alzamora obtained the PEFC chain of custody certificate to prove that our products come from sustainably managed forests. 

Since then, we have offered PEFC-certified products to a wide variety of clients, from the beverage industry to cosmetic companies.

What led you to choose PEFC certification?

One of the main reasons that led the Alzamora Group to choose PEFC certification was the philosophy of our company: to bet on sustainability and offer packaging solutions that are respectful with the environment.

In this sense, PEFC is a leader in certified forest area and wood around the world, and we consider this certification as one more valuable option to offer to our customers.

How has PEFC certification benefited your company and helped achieve your goals?

Being PEFC certified provides essential value for Alzamora Group. It reinforces our commitment to respecting and preserving our planet, taking into account that PEFC's mission is to protect forests by promoting the certification of sustainable forest management.

What does it mean for you personally to work for a company that takes its responsibility for forests seriously?

First of all, it should be noted that the headquarters of Alzamora are located in one of the most impressive natural parks in Catalonia, in the “Garrotxa” area. Working in such an environment makes us more aware and prioritize the care of the environment.

For me, working for a company that takes its responsibility for forests seriously means that I am part of the mission and vision of the company.