Over the past decade, Ence has poured more than €200 million into its Pontevedra biofactory, cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainability and industrial innovation.
Since 2015, the company has directed over 40% of this investment toward boosting efficiency, with more than 35% dedicated to environmental and safety enhancements. The rest has been channeled into maintenance and replacements.
In 2024 alone, Ence invested €15 million in upgrading the Pontevedra facility, with plans for an additional €15 million in 2025 to further optimize operations. The company’s forward-looking Pontevedra Avanza project, part of its 2024-2028 Strategic Framework, outlines a bold €120 million investment to modernize the biofactory. An additional €75 million will go toward replacements, upkeep, and technological improvements.
Partnering with Afry, a renowned engineering firm, Ence has completed initial designs for these enhancements. The next steps involve collaborating with top technologists to implement cutting-edge solutions that will not only boost efficiency but also enable the production of high-quality special cellulose products. These products are poised to replace long fibers and plastics across various industries, underscoring Ence’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Pontevedra biofactory is a cornerstone of Galicia’s economic and social fabric, generating approximately 4,250 jobs across direct, indirect, and induced roles. A report by consultancy Valora estimates that the facility contributed €450 million to Galicia’s economy in 2023 alone. Forestry purchases tied to the biofactory supported 1,800 jobs, while transport and logistics activities added another 215 positions.
On a national level, the biofactory’s impact extends even further, contributing over €650 million to Spain’s economy and creating around 5,700 jobs.
Ence’s dedication to sustainability has been widely recognized. The company recently secured the Ecovadis Platinum Medal, a distinction that places it among the global elite in the pulp sector. ESG agency Sustainalytics also ranked Ence as the most sustainable company in its sector worldwide. Adding to these accolades, the biofactory boasts accident rate indicators that are among the best in Europe, reflecting its strong focus on safety and operational excellence.
Ence Energía y Celulosa is a leading European producer of eucalyptus pulp and renewable energy. With a strong focus on sustainability, the company operates state-of-the-art biofactories and biomass energy plants. Ence is dedicated to innovation, efficiency, and reducing its environmental impact, consistently earning recognition for its efforts in social responsibility and sustainability.
