SUNA 2000 Leads Circular Economy Shift in Canary Islands Organic Waste Management

Organic waste management in the Canary Islands has transformed significantly over the last few decades, moving from a near-total lack of infrastructure to a successful model of the circular economy. As highlighted in a recent interview with the newspaper El Día, the Arona-based company SUNA 2000 has become a key player in this shift by bridging the gap between agriculture and industrial waste treatment.

The company was founded in 1998 by Aurelio Rodríguez, who introduced composting techniques to the islands at a time when the practice was virtually unknown. His early work not only helped restore degraded soil on tomato farms in Guía de Isora but also provided the technical blueprint for the archipelago’s first waste management laws. The protocols established by the plant for tracking and handling waste have since become industry standards.

Today, the company is led by the second generation, Román Rodríguez. Under his guidance, the firm has modernized its operations, reaching a processing capacity of 25,000 tons of waste per year in 2025. This growth has been driven by investments in new machinery and research aimed at producing high-quality biomass and compost for organic farming.

The company’s work has a direct impact on the environment, helping to regenerate over a hundred agricultural estates across the islands. By focusing on the careful separation of materials, SUNA 2000’s model supports European goals for reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. This generational shift has allowed the company to update its production methods while meeting modern regulatory and staffing requirements.

Looking ahead, SUNA 2000 is pursuing a long-term expansion strategy. While the company is keeping the specifics of its upcoming investments private, it has confirmed that new projects are already in development to increase its operational capacity and strengthen its role in the Canarian economy.