PROJECT

Projects

Environmental & Social Review Summary

Project Number

51263

Company Name

ARBOREAL S.A.

Date ESRS Disclosed

Dec 30, 2025

Country

Uruguay

Region

Latin America and the Caribbean

Last Updated Date

Apr 5, 2026

Environmental Category

B - Limited

Status

Pending Disbursement

Previous Events

Approved : Feb 20, 2026
Signed : Mar 31, 2026

Sector

Solid Wood Products (VAP)

Industry

Agribusiness and Forestry

Department

Regional Industry MAS LAC & EUR

Project Description

Arboreal S.A. (“Arboreal” or “the Company”) is a leading mass-timber producer in Latin America, with 100% market share in Uruguay and 50% market share across South America. The Company operates modern sawmill and Mass Timber (cross-laminated timber - CLT, and Glulam - GLT) facilities in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. Arboreal supplies certified softwood products (primarily Taeda pine) to markets in Asia, Europe, Oceania, South & Central America, and MENA (Middle East and North Africa).

The proposed investment consists of an IFC A-loan of up to US$20 million and mobilization of an additional US$20 million from B-lenders, as part of a US$40 million financing package to support Arboreal’s FY25–27 investment program. IFC financing will support Arboreal’s FY26–28 investment program, focused on value addition and operational efficiency. Key initiatives include: (i) installation of a thermally modified timber (TMT) production line, (ii) deployment of a biomass/briquette system for byproducts and sawdust, and (iii) general capital expenditures at the Tacuarembó plant. Additionally, the program will refinance Arboreal’s existing debt. The Project is expected to begin in January 2026 and be completed by June 2027, leading to an estimated 10% increase in the Company’s employment.

Overview of IFC's Scope of Review

IFC's environmental and social (E&S) review of this proposed investment consisted of appraising: (i) project technical information; (ii) the Company’s E&S and Human Resources (HR) procedures: (iii) Arboreal’s environmental and social management system (ESMS); (iv) occupational health and safety (OHS) risk management practices; (v) environmental and social risks and management plans, including the management of air emissions, solid, liquid, and hazardous wastes; (vi) energy consumption and efficiency, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; (vii) community engagement and grievance mechanisms; and (viii) accident and incident records, and emergency response plans. The review included field visits to the Company’s offices in Tacuarembó, the sawmill and CLT production facilities, two forests sites operated by Lumin and UPM, from which Arboreal sources its timber from, and to Rivera, where CLT has been used to build low-income housing. The appraisal included interviews and meetings with Company representatives, workers, contractors and representatives of timber suppliers.

E & S Project Categorization and Applicable Standard

Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures

Stakeholder Engagement

Broad Community Support

Environmental & Social Action Plan