Sonae generates €259m from circular economy activities
The recovery of ingredients and raw materials, and the repair, reconditioning and reuse of electronic equipment, are some of the business models adopted by the group that owns Continente and Worten.
Sonae generated €259 million in revenue from circular economy products and services in 2025, underlining the increasing commercial relevance of sustainability-driven business models within one of Portugal’s largest retail groups.
The Maia-based conglomerate led by Cláudia Azevedo has seen a 178% increase compared to the €93 million recorded in 2023 and a 36% rise compared to the approximately €190 million in 2024, reflecting rapid growth in activities such as repair, refurbishment and reuse of electronics, as well as the recovery of ingredients and raw materials. These models generate “positive environmental, economic and social impact”, the company said.
Sonae said the expansion shows how circular economy initiatives are becoming embedded across its businesses, including retail and services operations. Eduardo Piedade, the group’s chief development officer, said “sustainability is integrated into the strategy of all Sonae businesses”, adding that the results “reinforce the relevance of this bet”.
Beyond revenue growth, the company is also scaling operational measures to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. Its waste recovery rate rose to 86% in 2025, while the recyclability of plastic packaging reached 92%, which Sonae describes as a benchmark level globally.
