A major player on the international paper and paper pulp market, the Portucel Soporcel group is today the European leader in the production of premium office paper, having gained this position thanks to the start-up of the new Setúbal mill.
The Portucel Soporcel group is one of Portugal's strongest players on the world stage, operating in a core sector for the country's economy, and amongst the largest producers on the international market for uncoated woodfree (UWF) paper for the printing industry and for office use, as well the largest European producer of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP).
With annual production capacity of 1.55 million tons of paper and 1.34 million tons of pulp, the Portucel Soporcel group generates turnover in excess of 1,100 million euros. The Group is Portugal's third largest exporter, and accounts for approximately 3% of all Portuguese exports.
Once operating at full capacity, the new Paper Plant will boost the Group's annual exports by more than 400 million euros. This will be added to current annual exports of more than 950 million euros to more than 90 countries over five continents, corresponding to approximately 90% of its paper and pulp sales.
The Portucel Soporcel group's pulp and paper mills are a benchmark for the international industry, in terms of size and technology. Leading the way is the group's new paper mill in Setúbal, which houses the world's largest and most sophisticated paper machine, boasting annual capacity of 500 thousand tons and which started production on 15 August 2009. This mill represents a major leap forwards for the international standing and industrial development of the Group, whose production facilities are located at the industrial complexes in Setúbal, Figueira da Foz and Cacia. All these industrial units operate to high standards of environmental protection, meeting the strictest international standards as dictated by the demands of today's market.
