Mechanisms for identifying and addressing grievances, reports and concerns

All applicable policies, protocols, regulations and standards are embedded in internal procedures outlining processes and guidelines on managing social, environmental and governance issues (read more in GRI 2-24).

Bracell has two dedicated channels for receiving complaints, concerns, and whistleblower reports: Bracell Escuta and Contact Us. Through these channels, we maintain contact with whistleblowers to provide updates on the progress and status of their case.

The entire process, including the measures taken to address issues, is managed within an internal system that tracks and documents case progress. Through this system, we record and track key performance indicators, including case resolution time. Whistleblowers can also provide feedback on their experience and satisfaction with the resolution of their case.

Bracell’s Internal Audit function is responsible for investigating reports. Working with other key process functions, such as controllership and legal, it seeks to identify the root cause of reported incidents and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

Bracell also engages specialized consultants to implement strategic sustainability projects. Examples include:

• an assessment of social and environmental operational risks affecting our Bahia and São Paulo operations over the last two years;
• development of the Bracell Sustainability Strategy, launched in 2021;
• development of the Bracell 2030 targets;
• materiality assessments, the most recent edition in 2022;
• Sustainability Policy review and updates;
• the development of our Human Rights Policy;
• the development of our Pulpwood and Fiber Sourcing Policy;
• the development of our Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy.

In 2023, as part of the process for managing social and environmental impacts and risks, the senior leadership team directly participated in approving the sustainability metrics and targets for Bracell 2030. Our long-term plan for sustainability anchored in 14 targets and commitments that are benchmark in the pulp industry in Brazil, focusing on climate, biodiversity, sustainable production, people and communities (further details in GRI 2-22).

Bracell Escuta

Available to all Bracell stakeholders, Bracell Escuta is a platform for reporting misconduct and non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations, our Code of Conduct, or other company policies.

Reports are handled confidentially and whistleblowers remain anonymous. Reports are investigated by an internal audit team, which reports directly to senior management at Bracell and the RGE group.

Contact information:
bracell_escuta@bracell.com
Bahia: 0800-006-6012
São Paulo: 0800-033-3384

 

Contact Us

Our Contact Us channel is also open to all stakeholders to submit inquiries, suggestions, compliments, and complaints. Cases are directed to the relevant departments depending on the nature of the issue.

Contact information:

Bahia
0800-284-4747
faleconosco@bracell.com

São Paulo
0800-709-1490
faleconoscosp@bracell.com

Remediating impacts

To remediate impacts, we:

• Maintain an updated survey of social and environmental aspects and impacts, involving all our operations in order to identify, prevent and address any issues;
• Identifies and assess social and environmental impacts before commencing operations;
• Conduct product assessments on risks related to safety, health, and the environment;
• Regularly monitor impacts to measure progress and the need to implement strategic action plans.

Bracell’s approach to stakeholder engagement includes:

• Collecting community data in the field relevant to managing, preventing or mitigating impacts from our operations;
• Preparing impact zoning maps identifying Bracell properties for planting, protected areas, and development in the areas where we operate;
• Preparing a map and matrix of stakeholders, or people or groups who are directly or indirectly impacted by a project and/or activity, and those who might have a stake in a project and/or are able to influence the outcome in a positive or negative way;
• Holding regular meetings with communities and neighbors before, during and after harvesting, hauling and other forestry operations to keep all stakeholders informed;
• Maintaining an Odor Perception Network in the area surrounding the mill in Caçari (BA), with 25 community representatives around the mill receiving training, attending periodic meetings and communicating directly with Company representatives.

Distributing informational materials in communities, such as pamphlets and digital cards. During visits to stakeholders affected by forestry operations, we deliver operational communication kits consisting of a drawstring bag, keychain, cap, and a brochure with presentations on the eucalyptus cycle, as well as information about Community Relations procedures and Bracell’s Contact Us channel.