By Graça Cáceres, Responsible for Viroc and Valbopan Certifications
Despite the global economic crisis that has significantly impacted the construction industry, this sector remains one of the largest and most active across Europe.
In this context, the European Union (EU) has prioritised developing strategies to help mitigate climate change, focusing on actions that reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption.
The wood-based derivatives and construction materials industries have progressively adapted to new environmental requirements. Viroc and Valbopan, aware of the shift in the current economic paradigm—where sustainability drives new management practices—have embraced more sustainable measures, with an increasing focus on sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
Products like Viroc and Valchromat stand out not only for their quality and versatility but also for the progressively more efficient practices implemented throughout their value chain.
Our factories prioritise sustainable forest management practices, using wood from certified sources and responsibly managing forest resources. They are also certified with FSC® and PEFC chain of custody certifications, contributing to construction projects seeking LEED® and BREEAM® certifications under the wellbeing category.
Furthermore, these factories promote respect for the Fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) within the organisation and across their supply chain. These practices make Viroc and Valbopan examples of how the industry can integrate sustainability at every stage of the value chain, promoting not only environmental responsibility but also economic and social development.
Viroc: Energy Efficiency and Circular Economy
Viroc is a composite material of cement and wood particles (CBPB), known for its unique characteristics.
From the start, Viroc has contributed to the circular economy, as the dust generated in its manufacturing process and product residues are redirected to the cement supplier, reintroduced into the value chain, and kept out of landfills.
In the near future, Viroc plans to incorporate these by-products into its material. However, this year, with a focus on the circular economy, the company has decided to develop new production methods for its panels, based on reusing waste and by-products from other industries while improving the eco-efficiency of its production processes. By doing so, the company aims not only to reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimise its environmental impact but also to innovate its product, creating significant competitive advantages.
In 2024, Viroc has taken another significant step towards sustainability and energy independence by incorporating renewable energy through the installation of a self-consumption solar energy unit (UPAC) at its industrial plant. This photovoltaic panel installation has reduced carbon emissions and advanced decarbonisation efforts.
Next year, the thermal plant, currently operating on fossil fuels, will be replaced with a biomass plant. This transition will bring significant environmental benefits, substantially reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using pine bark, a by-product of its own production process, will further contribute to Viroc’s decarbonisation efforts.
Valchromat: An Integrated Approach to Sustainability
Valchromat, a high-density coloured MDF panel, follows similar principles, prioritising wood from sustainable forest sources and adopting industrial practices that minimise environmental impact.
Valbopan, the company producing Valchromat, manages an area of maritime pine plantations that excels in carbon capture capacity, contributing natural solutions that also benefit biodiversity. This commitment to carbon sequestration reinforces the company’s fight against climate change.
Valbopan uses biomass as an energy source in its thermal plant, avoiding fossil fuels and promoting decarbonisation. Moreover, its focus on the circular economy and efficient resource use not only supports sustainability but also helps preserve biodiversity and promotes a responsible management model.
The company already incorporates other wood by-products into its products and, motivated by its innovative spirit, continues to explore the potential to integrate waste from other industries into Valchromat. Additionally, Valbopan is actively working on developing bio-based resins to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Efficient practices within its processes have allowed Valbopan to reduce waste and maximise product durability, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated environmental impacts. This model, which promotes responsibility and efficiency, benefits both the economy and the environment, creating a positive and lasting impact.
Conclusion
Integrating sustainable practices into the production processes of construction materials, such as in the cases of Viroc and Valbopan, is essential to meet the growing environmental demands of today. These products exemplify how innovation and efficiency can align with environmental responsibility, contributing to a more sustainable future.
As the industry adapts to a new era of decarbonisation, successful examples like Viroc and Valchromat should be increasingly adopted, shaping a greener and more conscious future.
It is worth noting that Viroc and Valchromat products are a significant source of carbon capture, helping mitigate climate change. The wood used in these materials captures tonnes of CO2, reducing GHG emissions. Thanks to this property, wood-based solutions produced by Viroc and Valbopan will retain millions of tonnes of CO2.
These practices position Viroc and Valbopan as examples of how the industry can integrate sustainability at every stage of the value chain, promoting not only environmental responsibility but also economic and social development.
