Reducing atmospheric emissions, sourcing cellulose from certified or controlled sources, reducing water consumption, commitment to education. These are the reasons that led WWF to appoint Luigi Lazzareschi, chief executive of the Sofidel Group, as WWF Italy ambassador, on the occasion of the celebrations marking the association's fiftieth anniversary.

Luigi Lazzareschi was also appointed "for his constant attention to the issue of environmental sustainability and for his firm commitment alongside the WWF Climate Savers programme for the voluntary reduction of climate-altering emissions, the sustainable management of forest resources and environmental education in schools," reads the citation.

Sofidel, a company specialising in the production of paper for hygienic and household use and well known in Italy in particular for the Regina brand, has undertaken numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Thanks to investments made to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy, as well as the use of cogeneration plants, the Lucca-based company has already reduced its CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 15.7 per cent.

"The appointment as WWF ambassador is a recognition that fills Sofidel with pride," commented Luigi Lazzareschi, chief executive of the group. "For us, looking to the future with optimism means working every day with commitment and passion in a responsible manner, safeguarding the environment around us in order to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves. Because this is the game we cannot afford to lose."

The paper industry is characterised by high water and energy consumption, and therefore has a significant impact on the planet; for this very reason the results achieved by Sofidel, the only Italian manufacturing company to have joined the WWF Climate Savers project, are particularly significant.