In 2023, 80% of our workforce were men and 20% were women. In 2021, the ratio was 81% men to 19% women. In 2022, 80% men to 80%. For details on the percentage of women in middle and senior management roles at Bracell, refer to disclosure GRI 405.

Total workforce by region and gender
	2021			2022			2023
	Men	Women	Total	Men	Women	Total	Men	Women	Total
Bahia	1,235	356	1,591	1,342	436	1,778	1,434	470	1,904
São Paulo	2,592	523	3,115	3,412	715	4,127	4,501	986	5,487
Total by gender	3,827	879	4,706	4,754	1,151	5,905	5,935	1,456	7,391

Note: the total workforce in 2022 differs from the figure reported in the 2022 Sustainability Report as it excludes employees in our operations in Mato Grosso do Sul (a total of 392 employees; 310 men and 82 women). In 2023, our operations in Mato Grosso do Sul were merged into MS Florestal, an RGE group company, and therefore ceased to be part of Bracell’s operations.

Workforce by gender, location, employment type and contract type
	2021			2022			2023
CONTRACT TYPE	Men	Women	Total	Men	Women	Total	Men	Women	Total
Number of permanent employees	2,627	805	3,432	4,785	1153	5,938	5,897	1421	7,318
Number of temporary employees	39	22	61	122	80	202	38	35	73
Non-guaranteed hours employees¹	169	35	204	1,769	146	1,915	4,683	1033	5,716
Full-time employees	3,670	862	4,532	4,653	1133	5,786	5,735	1387	7,122
Part-time employees ²	0	0	0	72	58	130	17	23	40
Note: Permanent employees are non-temporary employees whose employment contracts are governed by the Brazilian Consolidated Labor Regulations, working either full time, part time or with non-guaranteed hours.
¹ Employees in specialist, coordinator, middle management and senior management positions;
² Young apprentices.

 

 

BY REGION
2021				2022			2023
Gender	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell
Men	3,414	5,946	9,360	3,025	unavailable	3,025	2,671	12,056	14,727
Women	130	494	624	138	unavailable	138	138	1,182	1,320
Total	3,544	6,440	9,984	3,163	12,434	15,597	2,809	13,238	16,047

Note 1: due to a limitation in the system used to collect data on contractors, Bracell cannot provide a breakdown by gender of contractors working in our operations in São Paulo. The system used in 2023 will support breakdowns by gender. Data on contractors in the Tissue project are managed by a third-party firm.

Valuing our human capital is a material topic for Bracell encompassing initiatives and programs to develop and recognize our human capital (employees).

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Empowering Lives targets:

Promoting equal opportunities for women

Fostering an inclusive work environment for diversity groups

Additionally, Bracell’s strategic priorities include attracting and retaining talent, through initiatives such as Trainee, Internship, and Young Apprentice programs. We also invest in the development and training of our employees and in leadership development (learn more in disclosure GRI 404-2).

Core values

Bracell operates in accordance with a set of core values established by RGE. It is our Group’s belief that in order to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision for the future, we must adhere to a set of core values known as T.O.P.I.C.C.

T
We are aligned by our common purpose and work together as a complementary Team.

O
We take Ownership to achieve outstanding results and seek value at all times.

P
We develop our People to grow with us.

I
We act with Integrity at all times.

C
We understand our Customers and deliver best value to them.

C
We act with zero complacency and always strive for Continuous improvement.

Human rights in the value chain is a material topic for Bracell encompassing monitoring and managing human rights compliance in Bracell’s operations. In people management, fostering an environment that supports diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging for different identities and individual choices, and ensuring employee well-being, health and safety.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Empowering Lives targets:

Promoting equal opportunities for women

Fostering an inclusive work environment  for diversity groups

In 2023 we published a Human Resources Policy that formalizes Bracell’s commitment to sustainable development and best practices that positively impact people and communities. The Policy requires that Bracell respect the dignity and human rights of its employees, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as the rights of indigenous peoples and local and traditional communities. It establishes guidelines on business conduct and on managing human rights impacts, ensuring we deliver on our commitment to maintaining sound labor practices and decent working conditions.

Bracell’s internal labor policies are aligned with international certification requirements and Brazilian laws and regulations, in particular the Regulatory Standards (NRs) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The official channels available for handling human rights-related reports, grievances and concerns are amply communicated (read more in GRI 2-25).

Corporate policies—including our Code of Conduct, Procurement Ethics Code, Human Rights Policy, Sustainability Policy and Pulpwood and Fiber Sourcing Policy—provide guidance to stakeholders on mitigating human rights risks and impacts and govern our contracts with suppliers and contractors. These policies support us in mitigating risks related to child labor and forced and slave labor in our value chain, and ensuring compliance with labor, child and adolescent rights.

We also continuously monitor the areas surrounding our eucalyptus plantations to protect human rights in neighboring communities, as part of our pulpwood traceability process.

With the commissioning of our two flexible lines at our Lençóis Paulista (SP) site, we have expanded our forestry operations in the region and some local residents on a particular property have been resettled as a result.

This process is managed in compliance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 5 – Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement. Within this front, Bracell also manages and works to prevent and/or mitigate the social risks to which workers and their families may be exposed.

Every six months on average, Bracell undergoes an independent audit on compliance with social and environmental standards, including the IFC Performance Standards.

To minimize actual impacts on communities surrounding the mill, we use an approach that includes community mapping, advertising official communication channels, and managing and addressing community concerns.

Bracell also actively manages and works to prevent and/or promptly mitigate the social risks to which workers and their families may be exposed.

The Company’s internal regulations comply with international certifications and Brazilian legislation, in particular the Regulatory Standards (NRs) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. We also publicize our official channels for receiving reports, complaints and concerns (learn more at Disclosures GRI 2-25).

Community engagement is a material topic for Bracell encompassing identifying and managing community needs, and building and maintaining close and transparent relationships with stakeholders.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Empowering Lives target:

Promoting women’s entrepreneurship in communities

Our approach to stakeholder engagement includes informing communities and neighbors near our forestry and mill operations about the actual and potential impacts of our operations. As part of these practices, we:

• Inform neighboring communities about upcoming forestry operations in their vicinity, including potential risks and both positive and negative impacts from these operations;
• Strengthen our relations with communities and neighbors;
• Enhance communication with our communities and neighbors;
• Support local initiatives and help to address local needs;
• Identify, prevent and minimize potential impacts caused by operations on these communities and neighbors;
• Mitigate the risk of potential community issues that could affect our operations;
• Address inquiries and concerns regarding operational aspects and the company as a whole.

Bracell’s Integrated Management System (IMS) includes a standard, available to all employees, on relations with communities and traditional peoples and communities.

The standard outlines criteria and requirements for establishing an integrated management process for engaging with communities neighboring Bracell’s forestry and mill operations. It also contains guidance on relations with traditional peoples and communities, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The objectives of the standard are to establish continuous two-way communication, provide up-to-date and transparent information, identify and evaluate social aspects, establish measures to control and mitigate potential negative impacts, and identify positive impacts.

Read more about our local community engagement practices in GRI 413-1.

Our Community Relations guidelines are informed by an exercise to identify and review social aspects and impacts in our operations, requests and concerns raised through our communication channels, and assessments conducted by Bracell.

Socio-environmental assessment of suppliers is a material topic for Bracell, and its scope includes the application of socio-environmental criteria for the evaluation and selection of suppliers in its operational units. For service providers and suppliers of wood, the main raw material for the industry, criteria of environmental legislation, human rights, labor rights, and children’s and adolescents’ rights are applied, including the fight against slave labor and child labor. As for suppliers of inputs, they are assessed according to the legislation applicable to the segment, also considering environmental issues.

At Bracell, supplier onboarding and management are governed by corporate policies on sustainability and human rights management, which in turn draw guidance from applicable laws and regulations and international sustainability standards. Our related policies are publicly available on our website.

Specifically, Bracell commits to:

• Promote economic development in the regions where we operate, including by engaging local suppliers to supply products and services for our forestry, mill, logistics (wood and pulp), and administrative operations;
• As part of supplier due diligence, review documents demonstrating compliance with environmental laws and regulations, environmental and operational license requirements, and other requirements specific to the supplier’s segment. These requirements are monitored throughout the supplier’s contract, with periodic requests for updated documentation;
• Evaluate and score suppliers on performance. All suppliers are screened and must meet a minimum score to retain their supplier status. The findings from screening may prevent the relevant supplier from being awarded the contract or the negotiations from proceeding;
• Conduct supplier visits when necessary to assess performance. On-site supplier visits are properly conducted and documented in an assessment report measuring the supplier’s performance based on defined criteria;
• Has a performance improvement program for suppliers, providing recommendations for them to achieve better results. The decision to disqualify a supplier is made impartially by a committee that carefully evaluates the information provided, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity for all. A Supplier Performance Assessment Form is submitted to the supplier, clearly detailing the reasons for the underperformance. Suppliers are notified of the results of the legal compliance assessment, carried out in the supplier due dilligence process.

Read more in GRI 308-1, in the section Management of the material topic Human rights in the value chain, under Empowering Lives, and in GRI 3-3, in the section Management of the material topic Human rights in the value chain.

Waste management is a material topic for Bracell’s sustainability management, encompassing circular aluminum, reducing waste generation and minimizing landfilling.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Delivering Sustainable Growth targets:

90% reduction in industrial solid waste sent to landfills per ton of product;

97% chemical  recovery in  our operations

Bracell’s approach to waste management is based on three circular bioeconomy principles:

• Reduce waste generated in the process;
• Re-utilize materials whenever possible; and
• Recycle waste in partnership with third parties where waste reduction or reuse is not possible.

Our Waste Management Policy aligns with the Brazilian National Waste Management Policy (PNRS). We ensure compliance at all times with our Environmental Policy and Waste Management Plan (PGRS). Waste is among the KPIs that is tracked within our Integrated Management System and reported to employees throughout the year so they can keep up to date on our performance.

 

Water and effluents are a material topic for Bracell encompassing strategies, policies and programs to preserve water and watersheds, reduce water consumption, increase reuse, avoid water-related conflicts, impacts on water availability and/or shortages (whether in our forestry or mill operations), and manage wastewater.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Delivering Sustainable Growth target:

47% reduction in water consumption per ton of product

Water and effluents are managed within a Water Resource Monitoring Program that is governed by requirements in our Sustainability Policy. Through this program, we implement measures to monitor and continuously improve water resource efficiency.

The Bahia mill maintains an internal tool to guage issues and impacts associated with its activities, certified in ISO14001/2015. This tool identifies critical water consumption points in the mill, defining specific controls such as consumption limits and reuse/reduction strategies.

The water sourced in the São Paulo milling operation comes from six deep cased wells and from the Tietê River, located 22 km from the mill, as well as the release of treated effluents. Bracell has a Water Resources Monitoring Plan with records of volumes withdrawn in order to comply with the environmental licenses and permits. The industrial operation has a system to reuse as much water as possible in its process, so as to reduce the need for water withdrawal to a minimum.

Membership of watershed committees

We are active members of watershed committees the regions where we operate, where we discuss ways to use water resources more sustainably. We are currently members of the:

• North Recôncavo and Inhambupe Watershed Committee (Bahia);
• Paranapanema Watershed Committee (CGBH-RL);
• São Paulo State Watershed Modeling and Monitoring Program (PROMAB), run by the Forest Research Institute (IPEF);
• PROMAB, a 25-year monitoring program in Bahia.

We also implement initiatives in partnership with stakeholders, especially local communities and suppliers, to preserve and restore headwater areas and improve water resource efficiency.

Bracell Social reflects our commitment to carry out our activities in harmony with neighboring communities, respecting their habits, customs, and traditions, building relationships based on mutual trust.

Through Bracell Social, we develop enabling projects in our communities in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement:

• Education: Bracell sees education as the cornerstone for societal development. Through projects and initiatives that engage both children and adults across various locations, our efforts make a substantial contribution to improving educational practices in public schools. These programs also foster environmental civics, develop leadership skills, and support the professional development of adolescents and young adults. This further underscores our belief in the transformational role of education.
• Empowerment: Bracell works to strengthen production collectives and social enterprises by creating learning environments focused on leadership, empowerment, and creating employment and income opportunities. We work to develop and strengthen productive activities, invest in training and technical assistance, develop community leaders, promote cooperativism, and facilitate social participation mechanisms including public calls for projects and public-private partnerships.
• Enhancement: developed to promote well-being and civic engagement in the communities around our facilities, the well-being pillar provides people with free leisure, culture, health promotion, and citizenship activities.

Bracell Social Pillar	NUMBER OF PROJECTS
	2021	2022	2023
Education	4	7	11
Empowerment	18	8	10
Enhancement	4	16	18
Total	26	31	39
Bracell Social Pillar	PEOPLE REACHED
	2021	2022	2023
Education	31,878	34,509	72,764
Empowerment	19,022	15,616	26,012
Enhancement	51,165	71,715	65,232
Total	102,065	121,840	164,008
Bracell Social Pillar	INVESTMENT
	2021	2022	2023
Education	R$1,193,384.00	R$1,596,974.19	R$ 3,755,301.30
Empowerment	R$1,872,795.11	R$1,818,182.57	R$ 2,712,761.37
Enhancement	R$1,066,994.24	RS1,019,777.47	R$ 2,571,486.65
Total	R$4,133,173.35	R$4,434,934.23	R$ 9,039,549.32

 

Bracell 2030’s Empowering Lives pillar establishes a set of targets aimed at building a social legacy for the future. To achieve these targets, we will:

• Promoting women’s entrepreneurship in communities – at least 60% of “impact business” social projects supported by Bracell must be led by women
• Promoting income generation for families and communities – increase the income of families that participate in Bracell’s income generation projects in priority areas by 20%
• Promoting quality public education – increase proficiency in Portuguese and Mathematics by 30% in public schools supported by Bracell in areas with low learning rates

Bracell works to promote women’s entrepreneurship in the communities where it operates. By 2030, 60% of the high-impact business projects we support will be led by women.

Through Bracell Social and its three pillars, Education, Empowerment and Enhancement, our social investment platform, we support enabling projects in local communities

Bracell Social’s Empowerment project.ts support individual and collective autonomy by creating new sources of income in communities. This is achieved through investment in training and technical assistance, leadership development, promotion of cooperativism, and equal access to social participation mechanisms through calls for projects and public-private partnerships.  Below are some of the outcomes of Bracell’s most significant Empowerment projects.

Project (Bahia)	Municipalities	Positive impact	Stakeholders impacted
Impactful Business (FNI)	Alagoinhas, Araçás, Aramari, Entre Rios, Inhambupe, Esplanada, Olindina and Pojuca (eight municipalities).	R$ 288,778.10 in income generated by eight special productive groups through the sale of their products. R$ 270,000.00 in income generated by the quilombola community of Mato Limpo (Araçás) from egg sales to public schools via the Brazilian Food Supply Corporation (CONAB). Quilombola Family Farming Label awarded to products from the Ajarquiba (Esplanada) and Delícias de Mato Limpo (Araçás) quilombola groups. Secured a sanitary and operational permit for a production facility operated by the Delícias do Mato Limpo group (Araçás). Secured registration with the National Family Farming Register (CAF Jurídica) for the Delícias do Mato Limpo (Araçás) and Ajarquiba (Esplanada) groups. Five groups are selling products at Expofavela Bahia, a state trade fair organized by Central Única das Favelas (CUFA) in Lauro de Freitas; Five groups are selling products at the 14th Bahia Family Farming and Social Economy Fair, organized by the Government of the State of Bahia in Salvador. The Ajarquiba Association (Esplanada) was selected to manage the Bahia North Coast and Agreste Produce Outlet at the Fair. Number of training hours: 896	18 associations and production groups from the North Coast and Agreste regions of Bahia were assisted with tax and accounting services; Eight groups benefited from assistance in formalizing sales of their produce; 175 members of special production groups directly reached, of which 120 are women.
Pollinators	Alagoinhas, Entre Rios and Esplanada.	753 queen bees distributed to beekeepers to support increased productivity; 80 hives georeferenced in Bracell-owned native forest areas; Developed and promoted a Bahia North Coast and Agreste Beekeeping Calendar, an educational guide on beekeeping practices.   188 hours of technical assistance provided to small-scale beekeeping producers; 68 hours of theoretical and hands-on training on topics such as queen bee rearing, propolis production, and mead production.	947 people reached through training activities, including beekeepers and interested parties. 81 beekeepers registered in communities within Bracell’s areas of influence.
Women Farmers	Santo Amaro and São Sebastião do Passé	Nine communities benefited by new social income-generating technologies (bioponics and hydroponics; collective chicken coops and community kitchens). 323 hours of training. Start of production and produce sales, including at the 8th São Sebastião do Passé Family Farming and Social Economy Fair.	1,733 people reached directly and indirectly through project activities;   59 women engaged in business development training and initiatives;   9 associations and/or collectives supported in the Recôncavo region of Bahia.
Nós do Campo (“In the Field”)	Eight municipalities in the North Coast and Agreste of Bahia: Alagoinhas, Cardeal da Silva, Conde, Entre Rios, Esplanada, Itanagra, Mata de São João e Rio Real.	12 communities reached.   412 hours of training for small farmers and students. Five new Agroforestry Systems (AFS) implemented in 2023, totaling 15 AFSs set up since project launch; Held two editions of the Bracell Social Agroecological Fair, for marketing AFS produce;   Bracell is a member of the RGE group and, as a privately-held entity, our governance policies are aligned with RGE group standards and practices (learn more in GRI 2-9).	419 farmers; 9 teachers from the Federal Institute of Science and Technology of Bahia (Alagoinhas); 188 students from the Federal Institute of Science and Technology of Bahia (Alagoinhas); 12 communities reached; 8 municipalities reached.
Ponteira Sustentável (Sustainable Leftovers)	Alagoinhas, Araçás, Aramari, Cardeal da Silva, Conde, Crisópolis, Entre Rios, Esplanada, Inhambupe, Itanagra, Jandaíra, Ouriçangas, Rio Real and Sátiro Dias	R$ 20,706.48 in income generated by project initiatives. Created a Mixed Cooperative of Rural Workers and Farmers in the North Coast and Agreste of Bahia (COOPNORTE/BA), supporting the economic autonomy of communities and improving wood waste collection workflows on Company properties. R$ 13,969,275.25 in income generated by the project.	7,988 people; 65 communities; 14 municipalities.

 

Projects (São Paulo)	Municipalities	Positive impact	Affected stakeholders
Nós do Campo (“In the Field”)	Borebi, Agudos, Iaras, and Paulistânia	The “Nós do Campo” Project aims to promote food security and increase the income of small rural producers, with a focus on agroecological transition and the implementation of agroforestry systems. In 2023, 128 technical visits were carried out, 8 Participatory Rural Diagnosis meetings were held, 01 training course in management and entrepreneurship of CSOs was held and 10 Agroforestry Systems were implemented. In addition, the project’s farmers participated in Bracell’s internal initiative, the “Feirinha Coletivo Bracell Social”, an initiative that aims to connect social projects with Bracell employees, so that food and handicrafts produced by family farmers, beekeepers and artisans from rural and urban initiatives can be accessed at the factory. In addition, it connects stakeholders with the company’s business and generates income for the communities. At the “Feirinha Coletivo”, family farmers raised more than R$ 12 thousand reais.	477 people impacted: 112 direct beneficiaries (family farmers from settlements); 07 settlements.
Pollinators	Botucatu, Cabrália Paulista, Avaré, Agudos, Bauru, Marília, Itatinga, and Lençóis Paulista	The project’s objective is to organize beekeeping activities in Bracell’s forest areas, through partnerships with neighboring beekeeping associations, in order to promote the multiple use of the forest for the production of honey and its derivatives, in a structured, responsible and sustainable manner. In 2023, 4 thousand production units were installed in our forests and more than 9 thousand tons of honey were produced. Beekeepers from the project were also invited to participate in the “Bracell Social Collective Fair”, where they raised more than R$ 6 thousand reais	51 beekeepers benefited; 169 indirect beneficiaries (beekeepers’ families); 8 associations.
Conexão	Agudos, Barra Bonita, Bauru, Botucatu, Itatinga, Lençóis Paulista, Macatuba, and Pederneiras	The Conexão Project aimed to institutionally strengthen civil society organizations in the region where Bracell operates to improve their management, expand their knowledge of resource mobilization strategies and thus contribute to their sustainability. In total, the training had 342 hours of workload, including online and in-person methodology. Topics covered included: Development of Social Projects, Strategic Planning, Financial Issues and Legal Issues, etc.	97 managers trained, representing 25 civil society organizations; 469 organization managers indirectly affected;
Dona Della (“Her own Boss”)	Agudos, Avaí, Bauru, Borebi, and Presidente Alves	The “Dona Della” Project aims to encourage women’s financial autonomy, with support in the structure and/or strengthening of businesses, whether formalized or not, for the development, reach and consolidation of the market. It is important to emphasize that the entire training, mentoring and business acceleration process will take place in 2024. The Rede Mulher Empreendedora is the executing partner of this project. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs from Edition 01 of Dona Della were invited to participate in the “Feirinha Coletivo Bracell Social”, where they raised more than R$ 3,800.00.	200 women entrepreneurs. The training, mentoring, and business acceleration program will begin in 2024.

 

We define local as our operations in Bahia (Camaçari, Alagoinhas and the municipalities hosting our forestry operations) and São Paulo (Lençóis Paulista and municipalities hosting our forestry operations in São Paulo). We define significant locations of operation as our sites in São Paulo (Lençóis Paulista and forestry operations supplying pulpwood to our São Paulo site) and Bahia (Camaçari and forestry operations supplying pulpwood to the Bahia mill). For confidentiality reasons, Bracell does not report financial data.

In 2023, local suppliers accounted for 47.04% of supplier spend in our São Paulo operations, and 67.27% of supplier spend in our Bahia operations. Local suppliers are defined as those located within the states hosting the relevant operations.

Bracell operates mills in the Camaçari Industrial Park in Bahia and the Lençóis Paulista Industrial Park in São Paulo. The forestry operations supplying pulpwood to our mills are located in the states of São Paulo, Bahia and Sergipe. Water withdrawals are measured and potential risks and impacts are monitored within Bracell’s Integrated Management System, in accordance with applicable regulations (learn more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Water and effluents and GRI 303).

Operations in São Paulo

• Effluents from our production process are monitored for compliance with the discharge standards issued by the Brazilian Environmental Council (Conama 430/2011), State Decree no. 8,468/1976 and other environmental regulators.
• To ensure compliance with applicable requirements, in our São Paulo operations we have classified recipient water bodies to ensure water discharges are within specifications under our discharge permits from the Department of Water and Electrical Energy (DAEE).
• Bracell is the first company in the pulp industry in São Paulo to implement three-stage effluent treatment: water is sourced from the Tietê River, from an intake located 22 km from our Lençóis Paulista (SP) mill, and is then returned into the same river.
• After it is used in the production process, wastewater flows through a three-stage treatment system. The first stage removes fibers, the second treats organic matter and the third filters the effluent before it returns to the Tietê River.
• Bracell is one of the only companies to use tertiary treatment. Approximately 95% of water withdrawals are returned to the Tietê River as treated effluent.

Operations in Bahia

• To ensure our water discharges meet quality requirements in our Bahia operations, we regularly monitor physical, chemical and biological parameters, including chemical oxygen demand (COD). This indicator is used to evaluate the performance of our wastewater treatment system, which comprises an on-site treatment plant at our Camaçari mill (settling or primary treatment) and another treatment plant operated by Cetrel, a company c0-located in the Camaçari Industrial Park that is responsible for secondary treatment (activated sludge) of Bracell’s effluents.
• Continuous monitoring of our industrial wastewater ensures our dissolving pulp production process is eco-efficient. We also use indirect methods to measure the quality of our chemical recovery system, loss of fibers from the mill process, and solid retention efficiency in the on-site primary treatment system.
• Our wastewater treatment system processes two primary wastewater streams:
  • a) Organic effluents: wastewater from the mill and stormwater system containing varying amounts of byproducts from the production process. This accounts for the bulk of the effluents generated at the mill. Organic effluents are pumped to the on-site primary treatment system and then to the Cetrel-operated secondary treatment system;
  • b) Inorganic effluents: also referred to as non-contaminated wastewater, this stream is generated by the site’s stormwater system and other non-contaminated sources, such as flush water from cooling towers and heat exchangers.
• Both streams are monitored in accordance with Inema Ordinance 16,507/2018. The specifications for water discharges depend on the recipient water body as outlined in the relevant federal regulations (Conama Resolution 357) and requirements issued by the state environmental authority, Inema.
• Effluents are collected and pumped to a wastewater treatment system comprising a preliminary treatment stage (screening and pH adjustment) and primary treatment (conventional settling and sludge removal).
  • This process mechanically removes settable solids—essentially cellulose fibers extracted in the form of primary sludge.
  • Following on-site treatment, the organic effluent is pumped to the Cetrel plant. Following secondary treatment, the treated effluent is discharged into the ocean via a submarine outfall.
• Effluents from seedling nurseries are monitored to avoid alterations in soil quality.
• Wastewater from the washing station at our workshop in Alagoinhas (BA) is monitored to avoid alterations in the quality of the recipient water body, the Fonte dos Padres River.

Bracell continuously addresses climate zoning studies, based on the analysis of historical climate data such as precipitation indexes, temperature and latitude. Data analysis also identifies the most suitable areas for planting eucalyptus and also support technical recommendations  such as clone allocation and fertilization use.

Withdrawal
Surface water (m³)
Operation	2021	2022 (1)	2023
Bahia	29,456.00	4,811.00	64,927.00
São Paulo	13,275,929.24	48,436,589.17	52,474,268.60
Bracell	13,305,385.24	48,441,400.17	52,539,195.60
Groundwater (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	15,431,917.30	15,997,357.83	16,613,292.62
São Paulo	7,466,921.06	6,925,779.91	4,898,803.24
Bracell	22,898,838.36	22,923,137.74	21,512,095.86
Total water withdrawal (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	15,461,373.30	16,002,168.83	16,678,219.87
São Paulo	20,742,850.30	55,362,369.08	57,373,071.84
Bracell	36,204,223.60	71,364,537.91	74,051,291.71

Notes about the 2023 data:

1. Surface water withdrawal volumes in our Forestry operations in São Paulo (457,789.24 m3) include withdrawals from 248 points under permits for use in forestry management.
2. Includes withdrawals from a well at the Lençóis Paulista (SP) site, used for irrigating seedlings at an on-site nursery (555,240.00 m3), and water withdrawals for human consumption (1,117.06 m3).
3. All water withdrawals described for our forestry operations were measured directly at surface withdrawal points. Withdrawal volumes are recorded in an internal database that is managed in accordance with applicable regulations, covering all operational fronts.
4. In Bahia, Bracell has 37 surface withdrawal points covered by permits awarded by the relevant environmental authority. These points are distributed along six different rivers throughout our forestry operations: Pojuca, Subaúma, Itariri, Inhambupe, Sauípe and Imbassaí. Withdrawal points are periodically monitored in accordance with license requirements. The environmental monitoring network in our forestry operations comprises 24 stations for monitoring surface (river) water quality, 8 stations for monitoring groundwater quality (artesian wells), 13 fixed stations for analyzing water potability (fitness for human consumption), 5 mobile stations for analyzing water potability (fitness for human consumption) at operations fronts, 37 flow metering stations at permitted surface water withdrawal points along rivers, 2 stations at locations where effluents are discharged from seedling nurseries, 1 station where effluents are discharged from a water and oil separator, and 15 stations where effluents are discharged from septic tanks.
5. In our operations in Bahia, our total water consumption/withdrawals of 16,678,219.87 m³ include 939,389.25 m³ consumed in forestry operations.
6. For additional data on withdrawals, consumption and discharge, see GRI 304.

Discharge
Surface water (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	312,809.04	366,035.94	97,614.84
São Paulo	15,745,505.07	51,451,819.67	49,309,676.20
Bracell	16,058,314.11	51,817,855.61	49,407,291.04
Groundwater (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	0	0	0
São Paulo	0	0	0
Bracell	0	0	0
Seawater (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	12,209,740.00	12,601,858.08	13,313,281.40
São Paulo	0	0	0
Bracell	12,209,740.00	12,601,858.08	13,313,281.40
Municipal outfall (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	0	0	0
São Paulo	0	0	0
Bracell	0	0	0
Total water withdrawal (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	12,522,540.00	12,755,009.04	13,410,896.24
São Paulo	15,745,505.07	51,451,819.67	49,309,676.20
Bracell	28,268,045.07	64,206,828.71	62,720,572.44

Note: in our mill operations in Bahia, only one effluent stream is discharged into the river, namely inorganic effluent or stormwater, which is directed to the CETREL inorganic effluent flume, where it is mixed with other inorganic effluents from the Industrial Park before being discharged into the river.

Consumption
Total water consumption (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	3,251,633.3	3,400,310.8	3,364,938.47
São Paulo	4,997,345.2	3,910,549.4	8,063,395.64
Bracell	8,248,978.5	7,310,860.2	11,428,334.11

Note: Water consumption is calculated as the difference between water withdrawals and water discharge.

In our Bahia operations, 85% of waste materials are recycled (either sold or donated) and the remainder is reprocessed. We sell bark, short logs and chipping residues as a renewable fuel to generate electricity in replacement of fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. All waste materials from forestry operations (nurseries, cultivation, harvesting, fleets, R&D, roads, loading, etc.) are transported and temporarily stored at Waste Depots located at our headquarters in Alagoinhas and at the Quatis (Entre Rios) and Salgado (Inhambupe) farms. Waste materials are then compliantly disposed of according to the type of waste, as follows:

1. Recycling cooperatives: for paper, plastic and wood;
2. Reverse logistics: for pesticide packaging;
3. Sale: for metal scrap, lubricants and bags;
4. Class I landfills: for hazardous waste;
5. Class II landfills: four regular waste;
6. Autoclave: for other waste.

In São Paulo, waste generated in forestry operations is sorted and locally disposed of in each municipality. In areas near our Lençóis Paulista mill, waste materials are collected and sent to the mill and from there to their intended disposal locations depending on the type of waste.

There were no significant waste-related impacts identified in 2023.

Potential impacts associated with waste materials generated in our pulp production process include the use of land for landfills. To minimize potential land-use impacts, Bracell seeks to reduce the amount of waste it generates in its operations through practices to improve eco-efficiency (read more in GRI 3-3).

At our mill in São Paulo, in 2023 we expanded our research efforts to develop new circular models and reduce the amount of waste generated in our operations, especially with the expansion of production output following the commissioning of our two new flexible lines.

In our forestry operations, our Waste Management Plan establishes requirements for classifying, segregating, collecting, storing and transporting waste materials generated in forestry operations, ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements while improving sustainability performance. Our forestry machinery is equipped with environmental emergency kits to contain any oil leaks. Preventive maintenance checklists include environmental requirements on managing waste. Bracell also has practices in place for reducing the amount of waste we generate.

Repurposing bark and sawdust

Bark and sawdust can be repurposed as fuel for furnaces in replacement of fossil fuels (natural gas). It can also reduce our waste storage footprint (landfills). Waste materials left over from this process, for which alternative applications are not currently available, are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner depending on their hazard class.

Woodchip preparation

Appropriate clone selection and forest management and harvesting techniques help to ensure that our pulpwood logs have minimal bark and can be optimally used in production. This reduces waste in the woodchip preparation stage and the screener stage of the fiber line.

Use of lime mud

Lime mud generated in the chemical recovery process is re-utilized in the lime kiln, which also helps to reduce the amount of inputs consumed in this process.

In 2023, Bracell generated a total of 439,435.02 tons of waste in its operations – total of 314,559.68 tons were generated in São Paulo and 124,875.34 tons in Bahia. The waste generation includes forestry and industrial operations. Regarding hazardous waste (class I), Bracell generated 563.48 tons, corresponding to 0.83%. Considering non-hazardous waste (class II), Bracell generated the total of 80,269.62 tons, corresponding to 99.17% of waste generation in 2023.

Mill and Forestry – São Paulo
2023
Waste	Class	Volume generated (t)
Wood scrap	Class II	46.312,15
Used lubricants	Class I	145,40
Big bags (discarded)	Class II	9,29
General packaging – Plastic carboys and containers	Class II	3,26
General packaging – Drums	Class II	86,17
Rubber (tires, etc.)	Class II	297,75
Construction waste	Class II	976,15
Scrap Wood (Jazida Sul)	Class II	2.324,88
Miscellaneous scrap metal	Class II	487,59
Light bulbs	Class I	3.106,00
Batteries (Miscellaneous)	Class I	27,85
Electronics	Class I	1,00
PPE / Miscellaneous recyclables	Class II	58,29
Segregated Recyclables	Class II	329,09
Laboratory Waste (DQO solution)	Class I	0,49
Class I General (Maintenance / Other)	Class I	246,61
Lime mud	Class II	62.102,56
Class II General / Unsalvageable	Class II	373,98
Sludge (wastewater treatment)	Class II	113.220,70
Mixed waste (Dregs, Grits, Knots, Shives, Ash and Sand)	Class II	83.816,55
Fiberglass and Rock Wool	Class II	10,71
Organic waste	Class II	492,05
Class II General / Unsalvageable	Class II	131,16
Total		314.559,68

 

Mill – Bahia
2023
Waste	Class	Volume generated (t)
Healthcare Waste	Class I	0.02
Used lubricants	Class I	22.55
Contaminated empty metal drums	Class I	5.01
Miscellaneous oil- and grease-contaminated materials	Class I	24.03
Light bulbs	Class I	0.29
Lime Mud	Class II	7,176.56
Lime Residue	Class II	2,493.92
Grits	Class II	3,507.64
Dregs	Class II	7,515.87
Knots and shives	Class II	17,452.57
Sawdust	Class II	27,683.00
Non-Recyclable Waste	Class II	287.18
Paper and Cardboard	Class II	168.25
Bark	Class II	40,490.52
Yard Waste	Class II	664.40
Plastic Scrap	Class II	41.78
Wood Scrap	Class II	160.04
Empty 1,000 Liter Tanks	Class II	1.41
Industrial Waste	Class II	988.00
Primary Sludge	Class II	10,991.64
Plastic Carboys	Class II	0.13
Scrap metal	Class II	840.69
Batteries	Class II	0.53
Screening solids	Class II	10.08
Glass	Class II	38.50
Tires	Class II	6.11
Emergency Pond Sludge	Class II	4,045.00
Total		124,615.72
Forestry – Bahia
2023
Waste	Class	Volume generated (t)
Lubricants	Class I	16.60
Contaminated filters	Class I	5.72
Contaminated hoses	Class I	8.35
Other contaminated materials	Class I	4.88
Pesticide packaging	Class I	16.29
Paper and Plastic	Class II	18.26
Scrap metal	Class II	75.68
Regular Waste	Class II	14.76
Machinery tires	Class II	14.50
Empty Drums	Class II	3.26
Contaminated Soil	Class I	3.36
Wood	Class II	9.16
Laboratory waste	Class I	0.41
Bags	Class II	6.98
PPE and used uniforms	Class II	2.58
Construction Waste	Class II	53.60
Grease Trap Residue	Class I	4.27
Fluorescent Lamps	Class II	0.10
Batteries	Class II	0.05
Conventional tires	Class II	0.82
Total		259.62

Note: waste materials generated at Bracell are not managed by third parties. Only internal waste collection and handling processes are managed by a contractor. Waste disposal proper is carried out by Bracell. The information used to track waste generation is compiled by monitoring waste movements (number of trips) and via sampling-based weighing by type of waste and department within the production process. To compile recycling data, all shipments are weighed prior to issuing delivery notes, and data is compiled from a consolidated weighbridge control report as a source of information on waste disposal. For any environmental impacts, Bracell has operational controls in place as part of its Waste Management Plan to prevent and mitigate impacts. This plan describes the types of waste generated within the organization, the departments responsible for monitoring and managing waste streams, and procedures for compliant storage, transportation and disposal.

Bracell São Paulo – Mill and Forestry
2023
Waste	Class	Disposed of (t)	Landfill (t)	Reuse (t)	Recycling (t)	Co-processing (t)	Incineration (t)	Other recovery
Wood scrap	Class II	46,312.15	0.00	0.00	46,312.15	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Used lubricants	Class I	145.40	0.00	0.00	145.40	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Big bags (discarded)	Class II	9.29	0.00	0.00	9.29	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
General packaging – Plastic carboys and containers	Class II	3.26	0.00	0.00	3.26	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
General packaging – Drums	Class II	86.17	0.00	0.00	86.17	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Rubber (tires, etc.)	Class II	297.75	0.00	0.00	297.75	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Construction waste	Class II	976.15	0.00	0.00	976.15	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Scrap Wood (Jazida Sul)	Class II	2,324.88	0.00	0.00	2,324.88	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Miscellaneous scrap metal	Class II	487.59	0.00	0.00	487.59	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Light bulbs	Class I	3,106.00	0.00	0.00	3,106.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Batteries (Miscellaneous)	Class I	27.85	0.00	0.00	27.85	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Electronics	Class I	1.00	0.00	0.00	1.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
PPE / Miscellaneous recyclables	Class II	58.29	0.00	0.00	58.29	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Segregated Recyclables	Class II	329.09	0.00	0.00	329.09	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Laboratory Waste (DQO solution)	Class I	0.49	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.49	Not applicable
Class I General (Maintenance / Other)	Class I	246.61	0.00	0.00	0.00	246.61	0.00	Not applicable
Lime mud	Class II	62,102.56	62,102.56	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Class II General / Unsalvageable	Class II	373.98	373.98	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Sludge (wastewater treatment)	Class II	113,220.70	113,220.70	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Mixed waste (Dregs, Grits, Knots, Shives, Ash and Sand)	Class II	83,816.55	83,816.55	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Fiberglass and Rock Wool	Class II	10.71	10.71	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Organic waste	Class II	492.05	492.05	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Class II General / Unsalvageable	Class II	131.16	131.16	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Total		314,559.68	260,147.71	0.00	54,164.87	246.61	0.49	–

 

São Paulo 2023
Waste by type	Mill and Forestry
Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	0.00
Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	3,527.35
Total hazardous waste	3,527.35
Non-Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	260,147.71
Non-Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	50,884.62
Non-Hazardous Waste – Temporary storage for sale	0.00
Total non-hazardous waste	311,032.33
Total consolidated	314,559.68

 

Industrial waste – Bahia 2023
Waste	Class	Disposed of (t)	Landfill (t)	Reuse (t)	Recycling (t)	Co-processing (t)	Incineration	Other recovery
Healthcare Waste	Class I	0.02	0.020			0.002
Used lubricants	Class I	22.55			22.55
Contaminated empty metal drums	Class I	6.08		3.59	2.49
Miscellaneous oil- and grease-contaminated materials	Class I	24.03	18.05			5.98
Light bulbs	Class I	0.29	0.29
Lime Mud	Class II	10,903.02		7,268.12	3,634.90
Grits	Class II	2,083.29	1,831.56		251.73
Dregs	Class II	7,515.87	7,515.87
Knots and shives	Class II	8,506.91			8,506.91
Sawdust	Class II	30,840.38			30,840.38
Non-Recyclable Waste	Class II	287.18	287.18
Paper and Cardboard	Class II	168.25			168.25
Bark	Class II	21,507.01			21,507.01
Yard Waste	Class II	664.40	664.40
Plastic Scrap	Class II	41.78			41.78
Wood Scrap	Class II	160.04			160.04
Empty 1,000 Liter Tanks	Class II	1.41		1.41
Industrial Waste	Class II	988.00	988.00
Primary Sludge	Class II	3,217.64			3,217.64
Plastic Carboys	Class II	0.51		0.51
Scrap metal	Class II	840.69			840.69
Screening solids	Class II	10.08	10.08
Total		87,789.43	11,315.45	7,273.63	69,194.37	5.98	0.00	–

 

Forestry waste – Bahia 2023
Waste	Class	Disposed of (t)	Landfill (t)	Reuse (t)	Recycling (t)	Co-processing (t)	Incineration	Other recovery
Lubricants	Class I	16.60						Refining
Contaminated filters	Class I	4.60	4.60
Contaminated hoses	Class I	8.08	8.08
Other contaminated materials	Class I	4.64	4.64
Pesticide packaging	Class I	16.29						Reverse Logistics
Paper and Plastic	Class II	18.26			18.26
Scrap metal	Class II	75.68			75.68
Regular Waste	Class II	14.76	14.76
Machinery tires	Class II	6.16						Sold for resale
Empty Drums	Class II	2.10			2.10
Contaminated Soil	Class I	2.41	2.41
Wood	Class II	9.16						Fuel for energy and recycling
Laboratory waste	Class I	0.41						Autoclave
Bags	Class II	6.98			6.98
PPE and used uniforms	Class II	2.58	2.58
Construction Waste	Class II	53.60	53.60
Grease Trap Residue	Class I	4.27						Wastewater treatment
Fluorescent Lamps	Class II	0.07						Decontamination
Batteries	Class II	0.05	0.05
Conventional tires	Class II	0.82
Total		247.51	90.71	0.00	103.02	0.00	0.00	52.96

 

Bahia 2023
Waste by type	Forestry	Mill
Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	19.73	18.360
Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	37.57	34.61
Total hazardous waste	57.30	52.97
Non-Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	70.99	11,297.09
Non-Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	119.23	76,439.37
Non-Hazardous Waste – Temporary storage for sale	0.00	36,807.93
Total non-hazardous waste	190.22	124,544.39
Total consolidated	247.51	124,597.36

Bracell São Paulo – Mill and Forestry
2023
Waste	Class	Disposed of (t)	Landfill (t)	Reuse (t)	Recycling (t)	Co-processing (t)	Incineration (t)	Other recovery
Wood scrap	Class II	46,312.15	0.00	0.00	46,312.15	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Used lubricants	Class I	145.40	0.00	0.00	145.40	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Big bags (discarded)	Class II	9.29	0.00	0.00	9.29	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
General packaging – Plastic carboys and containers	Class II	3.26	0.00	0.00	3.26	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
General packaging – Drums	Class II	86.17	0.00	0.00	86.17	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Rubber (tires, etc.)	Class II	297.75	0.00	0.00	297.75	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Construction waste	Class II	976.15	0.00	0.00	976.15	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Scrap Wood (Jazida Sul)	Class II	2,324.88	0.00	0.00	2,324.88	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Miscellaneous scrap metal	Class II	487.59	0.00	0.00	487.59	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Light bulbs	Class I	3,106.00	0.00	0.00	3,106.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Batteries (Miscellaneous)	Class I	27.85	0.00	0.00	27.85	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Electronics	Class I	1.00	0.00	0.00	1.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
PPE / Miscellaneous recyclables	Class II	58.29	0.00	0.00	58.29	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Segregated Recyclables	Class II	329.09	0.00	0.00	329.09	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Laboratory Waste (DQO solution)	Class I	0.49	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.49	Not applicable
Class I General (Maintenance / Other)	Class I	246.61	0.00	0.00	0.00	246.61	0.00	Not applicable
Lime mud	Class II	62,102.56	62,102.56	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Class II General / Unsalvageable	Class II	373.98	373.98	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Sludge (wastewater treatment)	Class II	113,220.70	113,220.70	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Mixed waste (Dregs, Grits, Knots, Shives, Ash and Sand)	Class II	83,816.55	83,816.55	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Fiberglass and Rock Wool	Class II	10.71	10.71	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Organic waste	Class II	492.05	492.05	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Class II General / Unsalvageable	Class II	131.16	131.16	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	Not applicable
Total		314,559.68	260,147.71	0.00	54,164.87	246.61	0.49	–

 

São Paulo 2023
Waste by type	Mill and Forestry
Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	0.00
Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	3,527.35
Total hazardous waste	3,527.35
Non-Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	260,147.71
Non-Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	50,884.62
Non-Hazardous Waste – Temporary storage for sale	0.00
Total non-hazardous waste	311,032.33
Total consolidated	314,559.68

 

Industrial waste – Bahia 2023
Waste	Class	Disposed of (t)	Landfill (t)	Reuse (t)	Recycling (t)	Co-processing (t)	Incineration	Other recovery
Healthcare Waste	Class I	0.02	0.020			0.002
Used lubricants	Class I	22.55			22.55
Contaminated empty metal drums	Class I	6.08		3.59	2.49
Miscellaneous oil- and grease-contaminated materials	Class I	24.03	18.05			5.98
Light bulbs	Class I	0.29	0.29
Lime Mud	Class II	10,903.02		7,268.12	3,634.90
Grits	Class II	2,083.29	1,831.56		251.73
Dregs	Class II	7,515.87	7,515.87
Knots and shives	Class II	8,506.91			8,506.91
Sawdust	Class II	30,840.38			30,840.38
Non-Recyclable Waste	Class II	287.18	287.18
Paper and Cardboard	Class II	168.25			168.25
Bark	Class II	21,507.01			21,507.01
Yard Waste	Class II	664.40	664.40
Plastic Scrap	Class II	41.78			41.78
Wood Scrap	Class II	160.04			160.04
Empty 1,000 Liter Tanks	Class II	1.41		1.41
Industrial Waste	Class II	988.00	988.00
Primary Sludge	Class II	3,217.64			3,217.64
Plastic Carboys	Class II	0.51		0.51
Scrap metal	Class II	840.69			840.69
Screening solids	Class II	10.08	10.08
Total		87,789.43	11,315.45	7,273.63	69,194.37	5.98	0.00	–

 

Forestry waste – Bahia 2023
Waste	Class	Disposed of (t)	Landfill (t)	Reuse (t)	Recycling (t)	Co-processing (t)	Incineration	Other recovery
Lubricants	Class I	16.60						Refining
Contaminated filters	Class I	4.60	4.60
Contaminated hoses	Class I	8.08	8.08
Other contaminated materials	Class I	4.64	4.64
Pesticide packaging	Class I	16.29						Reverse Logistics
Paper and Plastic	Class II	18.26			18.26
Scrap metal	Class II	75.68			75.68
Regular Waste	Class II	14.76	14.76
Machinery tires	Class II	6.16						Sold for resale
Empty Drums	Class II	2.10			2.10
Contaminated Soil	Class I	2.41	2.41
Wood	Class II	9.16						Fuel for energy and recycling
Laboratory waste	Class I	0.41						Autoclave
Bags	Class II	6.98			6.98
PPE and used uniforms	Class II	2.58	2.58
Construction Waste	Class II	53.60	53.60
Grease Trap Residue	Class I	4.27						Wastewater treatment
Fluorescent Lamps	Class II	0.07						Decontamination
Batteries	Class II	0.05	0.05
Conventional tires	Class II	0.82
Total		247.51	90.71	0.00	103.02	0.00	0.00	52.96

 

Bahia 2023
Waste by type	Forestry	Mill
Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	19.73	18.360
Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	37.57	34.61
Total hazardous waste	57.30	52.97
Non-Hazardous Waste – Directed to disposal	70.99	11,297.09
Non-Hazardous Waste – Diverted from disposal	119.23	76,439.37
Non-Hazardous Waste – Temporary storage for sale	0.00	36,807.93
Total non-hazardous waste	190.22	124,544.39
Total consolidated	247.51	124,597.36

Suppliers of equipment, products and services are screened using the approach described in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Supplier social and environmental assessment. All suppliers are required to be screened, including new suppliers. In 2023, all suppliers that worked directly on our operations throughout the year were assessed in regards to social and environmental requirements. Suppliers are obliged to comply with environmental legislation, technical standards, among other mandatory requirements that integrate Bracell forestry and milling certifications standars. The suppliers are selected for integrating Bracell operations if they meet the mandatory criteria. Suppliers are managed separately, by operation. Regarding the 2023 performance, the total number of suppliers assessed and selected according to these criteria is not available.

Bracell routinely assesses risks and impacts related to its operations’ direct suppliers. Risk and impact assessments are conducted using Bracell’s environmental aspect and impact matrix, which conforms to the requirements of the certification standards applicable to our operations as well as applicable laws and regulations. In 2023 there were no negative environmental impacts from our operations’ suppliers. Read more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Supplier social and environmental assessment.

Bracell operates an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Management System that is compliant with Brazilian legislation, including the Regulatory Standards (NRs) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. This system covers all employees and contractors in our operations.

The system is operated by Bracell employees who are members of the Specialized Occupational Health and Safety Service (SESMT) and the Specialized Rural Occupational Health and Safety Service (SESTR), as mandated by NR-4 and NR-31. Each site has a dedicated Occupational Physician, Occupational Nurse, and Nursing Technician.

Our occupational health and safety management practices also include a Risk Management Program (PGR), Rural Occupational Risk Management Program (PGRTR), and Occupational Health Surveillance Program (PCMSO). These programs outline safety standards and procedures applicable to all activities conducted by employees and contractors, in line with our integrated management system policy.

System procedures also include routine requirements as well as specific control measures depending on the risk profiles of individual tasks.

These initiatives align with our Integrated Management System Manual and international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Cerflor/PEFC.

Our Health and Safety Department includes Process Safety, Emergency Response, and Business Risk functions. These functions conduct risk and hazard assessments across our operations, covering People, the Environment, Assets, and Business Continuity.

We monitor and evaluate Occupational Health and Safety System performance and develop action plans addressing improvement opportunities for hazards and risks identified within our Rural Occupational Risk Management Program (PGRTR) and Risk Management Plan (PGR).

Based on the PGR and task descriptions (see GRI 403-1), we identify the risks associated with each task. We then use this information to create action plans focused on accident and incident prevention as well as opportunities for improvement.

Health and safety performance indicators are monitored by our health and safety team, which presents performance metrics to all departments in monthly meetings, and to the board and management in bi-weekly occupational health and safety meetings.

Health and safety performance is internally assessed by the Health and Safety team and shared with department heads in monthly safety meetings, and with the board and management in bi-weekly Occupational Health and Safety meetings. During these meetings, members discuss performance indicators and opportunities to improve processes.

In 2023, we engaged EHS Brazil to conduct a safety culture assessment in our mill operations to evaluate our level of maturity in health and safety management. The assessment informed the development of a cultural transformation plan (CTP). During the year, we launched a critical risk assessment to inform the development of a Safety Management Manual for our mill operations. We also implemented a new system for managing health and safety indicators.

Additionally that year, we created a Process Safety and Emergency function to ensure equipment is safe and reliable and prevent accidents, incidents, or damage to Bracell’s assets. Our process safety guidelines are compliant with the Regulatory Standards of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment and are integrated into the PGR program.

Programs, processes, and practices for risk assessment and accident investigation
Hazard Reports	Hazard Reports are issued for all employee roles and tasks. Risk assessments are carried out by a specialized firm using appropriate methods that are compliant with current legislation.
Workplace Environment Condition Reports (LTCAT)	These reports identify areas eligible for hazard bonuses and that require enhanced risk control measures. They also inform action plans that guide prevention efforts.
Risk Management Program (PGR)	This program aims to identify risks and measures to control and prevent them (collective protection equipment, administrative measures, training and personal protective equipment).
Rural Occupational Risk Management Program (PGRTR)	Through this program, we identify, assess, and manage occupational risks in our forestry operations.
Worker protection policies and processes	To shield workers from retaliation, Bracell has policies and processes in place to prevent intimidation, threats, or actions that could negatively impact employment or the workplace environment, such as termination, demotion, loss of income, punishment, and any other unfavorable treatment.
Right of Refusal	All employees have a right to refuse to perform a given task if they feel unsafe, by completing the right-of-refusal field in the Work Clearance form.
Sempre Alerta and Safe Behavior Program	We have two behavioral programs supporting our goal of achieving zero incidents: Sempre Alerta (“Always Alert”), with a focus on our forestry and mill operations, and our Safe Behavior Program, with a focus on mill operations, both of which are designed to preventively achieve continuous improvement in our safety culture.
Prevention card	All employees are issued a prevention card containing a list of 10 self-assessment criteria, which they must carry with their badge. This card includes a reminder of their right to stop their task, immediately notify their supervisor, and only continue the task when the risk has been neutralized or eliminated. The right of refusal is also included in each employee category’s collective bargaining agreement.
Internal Accident Prevention Committee (CIPA)	Bracell has a continuous improvement subcommittee within CIPA that documents safety actions implemented and their practical outcomes.
Accident Prevention Week	A week dedicated to improving employees’ understanding of operational and occupational safety procedures, as well as safe behavior.
Accident and Incident Investigation	In cases of accidents and incidents, the root causes are investigated and determined with the participation of managers, area owners, the Occupational Health and Safety team, the Internal Accident Prevention Committee (CIPA), and those directly involved in the incident. These investigations, conducted in accordance with internal safety procedures, aim to identify the root causes, implement actions to address them, and document lessons learned to prevent recurrence.
Root Cause Analysis	All accidents and incidents occurring in our operations are documented and investigated through Root Cause Analysis (learn more below).
Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST)	Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST) are prepared as part of internal health, safety and environment audits. These reports cover 199 safety compliance items (derived from Brazilian regulatory standards NR01, NR31, NR12 and safety training content). These reports are prepared on a regular basis by occupational safety employees for compliance with applicable regulations and for continuous improvement in our forestry operations. As an additional preventive measure, department-specific and general performance review meetings are held to develop action plans addressing safety inspection items raised by the occupational safety team.
Occupational Health Surveillance Program	This program maps out workers’ tasks and workplaces, the occupational hazards to which they are exposed, and the medical exams required for the prevention of occupational diseases and health protection. It also establishes the frequency at which health checkups are to be conducted. All workers are covered by health and safety management systems.
Administrative Disciplinary and Remediation Rules (“RADAR”)	These rules are designed to embed operational discipline and safe behaviors in Bracell’s mill and forestry operations. In addition to strengthening the safety culture of everyone who interacts with the company’s processes, RADAR also establishes a more transparent and fair approach to recognizing good safety practices, as well as a new tolerance stance on unsafe conduct that causes accidents in our operations.

Through our Occupational Health Surveillance Program (PCMSO), we conduct regular health screening checkups that help to preserve the well-being of our employees. These checkups are focused on the specific occupational risks that each worker is exposed to. If any abnormal results are detected during checkups, the relevant individuals are temporarily relieved of their duties, provided with appropriate treatment based on the recommendations of our medical team, and monitored until their health status normalizes.

As part of our commitment to preventive care and health promotion, we have a Hearing Conservation Program (PCA) designed to protect the auditory health of our workforce. The program includes measures to mitigate noise-related risks, thereby preventing or minimizing work-related hearing impairment. It includes a hearing management system integrated into the environmental management system.

We also regularly provide both individual and group counseling on topics such as maintaining a healthy diet and the importance of exercising regularly (for further details, see GRI 403-6).

Our concern for the health and safety of employees translates into a range of actions, programs, and initiatives:

• Safe Behavior Program: designed to develop safety awareness, this program involves trained professionals who identify and mitigate unsafe behaviors. It encourages a preventive approach rather than punitive measures.
• 100% Safe Journey: this program recognizes safety compliance and good practices demonstrated by employees. Following assessments of compliance with safety standards, winners are announced and awarded bronze, silver, or gold badges.
• Sempre Alerta Program: implemented in our São Paulo operations, this program aims to proactively identify areas and practices in need of improvement and educate employees about their right to refuse unsafe work.
• Toolbox Safety Talks: these talks provide an opportunity for employees and contractors to discuss safety before they start each workday.
• Health and Safety Campaigns: these campaigns promote a culture of health and safety among employees and contractors by disseminating informative and educational materials.
• Incident identification, reporting, documentation and investigation: this program encourages all employees, including contractors, to identify, communicate, and document all incidents occurring within our operations. Following investigation, action plans are developed for each reported case. All this information is evaluated as part of the incident investigation process.

Due to confidentiality considerations and pursuant to Brazilian patient confidentiality laws, Bracell does not disclose occupational health data, access to which is restricted to employees within this department.

We provide Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training to equip Bracell employees with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge for their roles. This training, delivered in plain language, is designed to enhance well-being and minimize accidents and incidents. Training is provided to all new hires as part of their onboarding process immediately after joining the company.

In our São Paulo operations, we offer first aid training to employees in both forestry and mill operations, preparing teams for emergency response. The instructors for these sessions are employees from our health department.

We also run an annual training program for the fire teams responsible for responding to fires in our forestry and mill operations, in compliance with the regulations of the São Paulo and Bahia fire departments. These training sessions cover:

• Implementation of strategic actions;
• Use of equipment;
• Defensive driving techniques for firefighting vehicles;
• Use of helicopters for support in fire response;
• Best practices in local community engagement.

Bracell provides health and dental plans for all employees and their dependents, with national coverage. We also offer discounts at drugstore chains, opticians, gyms, educational institutions, and partnerships with organizations such as the Industrial Social Service (SESI), providing access to sports and leisure activities.

Our health management practices help to enhance well-being, prevent diseases, and offer individual and collective counseling to employees on topics such as regular check-ups, healthy nutrition, and the importance of exercising regularly. We also conduct:

• Annual health campaigns: coordinated awareness initiatives on topics including sexually transmitted infections, respiratory diseases, flu vaccination, breast (Pink October) and prostate cancer prevention (Blue November), dehydration prevention, and two annual blood donation drives.
• Bracell Challenge: a program focusing on quality of life, encouraging healthy nutrition and regular exercise.
• Pessoinhas program: multidisciplinary support for pregnant employees and spouses, providing assistance throughout pregnancy up to 6 months after childbirth.
• Corporate Citizenship: extension of maternal leave by an additional 60 days, totaling 180 days of leave, and extended paternal leave by an additional 15 days, totaling 20 days of leave.
• Eucalyptus Run: employees and their families participate in a run around a eucalyptus forest in an event promoting health and well-being.

Our employees and contractors have access to outpatient services, including checkups by nurses and physicians. When necessary, workers are referred for additional exams and specialized medical care. Bracell also has an Emergency Response Plan for incidents at its plants, which operate 24 hours a day and are organized into three shifts. Forestry operations have a Strategic Occupational Safety Plan.

Our Process Safety, Emergency, and Business Risk Management team also assesses risks and hazards associated with production processes and business continuity.

Each mill has a dedicated 24-hour emergency team, including an emergency response team on call during all shifts, along with fire wardens at our São Paulo mill with appropriate emergency response equipment, such as water and chemical fire engines, ambulances, portable cannons, and automated external defibrillators. In Bahia, the emergency team is a member of the Camaçari Industrial Park’s Mutual Emergency Response Plan (PAM), and may be called on to respond in an emergency.

Occupational health and safety management practices
Safe behavior	The safe behaviors outlined in our Code of Conduct are reinforced through clear guidelines for employees.
Occupational health & safety programs	Comportamento Seguro (“Safe Behavior”) and Sempre Alerta (“Always Alert”)—two programs covering all employees, including contractors.
Inspections	Safety inspections to identify unsafe working conditions and behavior, inform continuous improvement, and strengthen our safety culture.
Contractor audits	Six-monthly audits on compliance with applicable legal requirements (read more in Responsible Production, GRI 408-1).
Integrated Management System	Procedures, instructions, and incident investigation forms are Incorporated in Bracell’s Integrated Management System (IMS).

 

All employees and third parties are covered by the occupational health and safety system that covers all forestry and mill operations teams.

 

Employees covered by an occupational health and safety management system
Gender	Bahia			São Paulo			Bracell
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
Men	1,235	1,342	1,434	2,592	3,412	4,501	3,827	4,754	5,935
Women	356	436	470	523	715	986	879	1,151	1,456
Total	1,591	1,778	1,904	3,115	4,127	5,487	4,706	5,905	7,391

 

Employee covered by an occupational health and safety management system (%)
Gender	Bahia			São Paulo			Bracell
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
Men	78%	75%	75%	83%	83%	82%	81%	81%	80%
Women	22%	25%	25%	17%	17%	18%	19%	19%	20%

 

Third paties covered by an occupational health and safety management system
2021				2022			2023
Gender	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell
Men	3,414	5,946	9,360	3,025	unavailable	3,025	2,671	12,056	14,727
Women	130	494	624	138	unavailable	138	138	1,182	1,320
Total	3,544	6,440	9,984	3,163	12,434	15,597	2,809	13,238	16,047

Note 1: due to a limitation in the system used to collect data on contractors, Bracell cannot provide a breakdown by gender of contractors working in our operations in São Paulo. The system used in 2023 will support breakdowns by gender. Data on contractors in the Tissue project are managed by a third-party firm.

Number and rate of injuries per year, by operation
Employees
BAHIA FORESTRY					BAHIA MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	1.6
2022	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.5	0
2023	0	0	0.00	0.00	0	1	0.00	0.45
Note: the rates have been calculated based on 1,000,000 hours worked and no workers were excluded from the disclosure.

 

Number and rate of injuries per year, by operation
Employees
SÃO PAULO FORESTRY					SÃO PAULO MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	3	46	1.47	22.6	3	13	1.12	5.98
2022	6	27	1.46	6.82	2	15	0.82	6.14
2023	7	27	1.16	4.46	3	14	1.12	5.22
Note: the 2022 data are based on 4,104,465.27 man-hours worked.					Note: the 2023 data are based on 2,681,610.99 man-hours worked.

 

SÃO PAULO SUPPLY
Employees
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2022	0	0	0	0
2023	0	0	0	0

 

Contractors
BAHIA FORESTRY					BAHIA MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	0	3	0	0.62	0	3	0	2.17
2022	1	3	0.14	0.41	0	2	0	1.4
2023	1	0	0.19	0.00	0	1	0.00	0.62
Note: the rates have been calculated based on 1,000,000 hours worked and no workers were excluded from the disclosure.

 

Number and rate of injuries per year, by operation
Contractors
SÃO PAULO FORESTRY					SÃO PAULO MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	4	68	0.43	7.25	1	7	2.1	14.7
2022	3	35	0.3	2.89	2	17	0.62	5.31
2023	9	47	0.59	3.10	5	19	2.32	8.80
Note: the 2022 data are based on 13,135,990.00 man-hours worked.					Note: the 2023 data are based on 2,159,240.2 man-hours worked.

 

SÃO PAULO SUPPLY
Contractors
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2022	2	12	1.72	10.29
2023	1	4	0.48	1.93
Note: the 2023 data are based on 2,068,879.00 man-hours worked.

 

Information on the main types of work-related ill health is not disclosed for confidentiality reasons under the Brazilian General Data Protection Regulation (BR GDPR) and due to doctor-patient privilege.

Throughout the year, 1,904 employees working in Bahia operations were trained, totaling 72,635.04 hours of training and an average of 38.15 hours of training per trained employee. In São Paulo operations, 5,782 employees were trained, totaling 36,4603 hours of training, with an average number of hours of 63.1 per employee trained.

Training data considers technical and operational training only, which are mandatory due to legislation and Regulatory Standards obligations. Bracell operational team are mainly composed of men. In 2023, there were a total of 1,904 employees in Bahia (1,434 men and 470 women) and 5,782 in São Paulo (4,718 men and 1,064 women). For this reason, training hours for men account for the majority of training carried out (read more in GRI Content 405-1).

BAHIA
Average hours of employee training during the reporting period, by gender
GENDER	Total workforce			Hours of training			Average hours of training (h)
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
Men	1,239	1,343	1,434	92,233.00	85,221.18	62,016.72	74.44	63.46	43.25
Women	357	436	470	11,218.00	10,538.12	10,618.32	31.42	24.17	22.59
Total	1,596	1,779	1,904	103,451.00	95,759.30	72,635.04	64.81	53.83	38.15

Note: training data considers technical and operational training only, which are mandatory due to legislation and Regulatory Standards obligations. Bracell operational team are mainly composed of men. In 2023, there were a total of 1,904 employees in Bahia (1,434 men and 470 women). For this reason, training hours for men account for the majority of training carried out (read more in GRI Content 405-1).

 

SÃO PAULO
Average hours of employee training during the reporting period, by gender
GENDER	Total workforce			Hours of training			Average hours of training (h)
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
Men	2600	3617	4,718	554,448.00	119,051.00	314,123.00	213.24	32.91	66.60
Women	530	818	1,064	26,803.00	13,040.00	50,479.00	50.57	15.94	47.40
Total	3,130	4,435	5,782	581,251.00	132,092.00	364,603.00	185.70	29.78	63.10

Note: training data considers technical and operational training only, which are mandatory due to legislation and Regulatory Standards obligations. Bracell operational teams are mainly composed of men. In 2023, there were a total of 5,782 in São Paulo (4,718 men and 1,064 women). For this reason, training hours for men account for the majority of training carried out (read more in GRI Content 405-1).

Bracell offers employees a corporate education program that goes beyond the training requirements mandated by Brazilian legislation. This includes both in-person and online training, with professional development initiatives tailored to the challenges and goals of each department within the company.

Department managers are responsible for recommending, requesting, and encouraging Bracell employees to participate in training, in line with our Training Policy. We have developed dedicated career pathways for forestry, mill, pulp logistics, and supply chain operations.

Our training programs

To support employee development, we have implemented comprehensive and diversified initiatives within the following programs:

• Leadership training initiatives:
  • Situational Leadership Training;
  • Leadership Development Program: focused on technical and functional capabilities, with selection criteria based on performance, leadership ability, and alignment with our organizational culture;
  • Leadership Journey Program: designed to build awareness, inspire and engage people around our T.O.P.I.C.C. core values;
  • Leadership Training Program: to develop a systematic understanding of Bracell’s different divisions;
  • Mill Manager Development: with a focus on potential successors in operations positions;
• Acelera: operational training on pulp production.
• Continuous Improvement Program: a program to foster a culture of process improvement among employees in our operations.
• Core Values program: for activation of our organizational culture.
• HR Academy: a training program for Human Resources department employees.
• Trainee Program: comprising mentorship, projects, and coaching from specialized consultants.

Throughout the year, we ran a series of training initiatives and programs tailored to Bracell’s development needs, in line with the rapid growth and structure of the business. Some of the key initiatives in the year included:

• Passport Program—a comprehensive learning track for operations employees in the mill, forestry, and logistics divisions. The program is designed to ensure that all employees are well prepared for their operational roles using a systematic approach, including onboarding, regulatory safety standards, and role-specific technical content.
• Diversity and Inclusion: training delivered to the HR team and also for affinity groups focused on gender equity and people with disabilities.
• Leaders in Action: aimed at developing soft skills for operational teams and employees, involving participation from operational supervisors.
• Manager Training Program (MTP): implemented across all RGE group At Bracell, the program is managed by BLI (Bracell Learning Institute), with lecturers from different departments. The program covers topics such as Finance, Supply Chain, Lean Methodology, Procurement and HR.

Graduate and MBA programs

In partnership with universities and trade associations, in 2023 Bracell introduced opportunities for company employees to enroll in graduate and MBA programs in areas such as: Pulp Technology (offered by the Brazilian Pulp Association), Forestry Management (offered by the Federal University of Paraná), and Forest Fire Prevention and Response (offered by Faculdade Unyleya).

Bracell Learning Institute

Bracell has a knowledge and training hub hosted at the Lençóis Paulista site in São Paulo. The Bracell Learning Institute (BLI) provides courses and training sessions addressing business and operational needs, including technical and operational subjects such as workplace safety, Bracell’s values, company policies and guidelines, leadership development, as well as community training initiatives for prospective operations employees.

For further information, see the BLI newsletter available at MBA – Bracell Learning Moment.

Management of career endings

Bracell has implemented a retirement preparation program aimed at facilitating the transition for employees approaching retirement age, guiding them through the process of transitioning into post-career life. This program also supports knowledge transfer to successors in various roles within the organization.

Workshops and sessions cover a range of topics including knowledge management, physical and mental well-being, financial planning, future career options, entrepreneurship, and guidance on health insurance and private pension plans.

Bracell uses an individual performance review process to inform employee development efforts and investments and identify opportunities to improve performance. Employees are also evaluated based on our T.O.P.I.C.C. core values (complementary Team, Ownership, People, Integrity, Customers and Continuous improvement).

Bracell employees undergo a Performance Review Cycle in which they are assessed across two dimensions: behavior and results. Performance reviews consider each employee’s individual potential and performance in the year and provide input into their development plan for the next year, with practical advice addressing career development and business needs.

In addition, through our People Management and Recognition Program, which includes our Profit-Sharing Program, we support, encourage and manage the professional development of our workforce.

Employees assessed
	2021		2022		2023
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
Bahia	77%	23%	77%	23%	76%	24%
São Paulo	82%	18%	82%	18%	81%	19%
Total by gender	80%	20%	81%	19%	80%	20%

Note: In 2023, the Performance Review process included active employees hired as of September 30, as well as terminated employees who had worked for more than 90 days. The percentage of employees who receive regular reviews out of the total workforce was 98% for men and 100% for women.

In 2023, with Bracell 2030, we will drive our planning and actions focused on the theme of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), with the goal of reaching 30% of women in leadership positions by 2030 (read more in GRI Content 2-22). We have also developed structured actions to drive the agenda in the Company with the Diversity and Inclusion Journey, which is based on the pillars of Gender and PwD in the São Paulo and Bahia units, as well as Race and LGBTQIAPN+ in Bahia; and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee in promoting the agenda in the Company through training and fostering employee engagement on the topic.

In São Paulo, a training session on D&I was held focused on employees in the Human Resources area and also on members of affinity groups. In Bahia, our journey stood out by receiving two commitment seals related to LGBT diversity and the renewal of the ethnic-racial commitment. In addition, throughout the year we promote training for all levels of leadership, Safety Dialogue (DDS) in the areas, internal and external events, and Bracell’s first diversity week.

Bracell is also a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a UN Global Compact and UN Women initiative providing guidance on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. We also provide thought leadership on this agenda within trade associations.

Gender equity survey

In 2023, we conducted an internal survey targeting women and leaders on gender equality in São Paulo, seeking to understand employees’ perceptions of the work environment. Based on the responses, we based the construction of a Diversity & Inclusion Journey, to actively listen to women regarding the insertion of women in the sector’s job market, and a training agenda on the subject.

Rede Mulher Florestal (“Women in Forestry Network”)

In 2023, we joined and assumed the vice presidency of Rede Mulher Florestal, and began responding to the organization’s survey questionnaire on the presence of women in the forestry industry. The initiative is also collecting diversity data beyond gender, such as race and people with disabilities.

Our participation in the initiative illustrates Bracell’s commitment to promoting and leading gender diversity efforts in the forestry sector.

Composition of Bracell’s senior leadership team by gender

Bracell’s senior leadership team comprises executives holding senior management and executive positions, including managing director, director and senior director positions (senior director is the equivalent of president within the RGE group of companies).

In 2023, 3 women (all senior managers) and 40 men (12 directors and 28 senior managers) integrated Bracell’s senior leadership. Based on the total number of Bracell high level leadership by gender and role in 2023, women held 7% of senior leadership positions.

Based on the total number of Bracell medium level leadership by gender and role, in 2023 women held 29% of medium level leadership positions.

Based on the total number of all Bracell leadership, women held 26.4% of the positions, a total of 93 women on leadership.

Employees by leadership level and gender in 2023
Position	Bahia		São Paulo		Total
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
Director¹	2	0	10	0	12	0
Senior Manager	4	2	24	1	28	3
Manager	30	11	49	24	79	35
Coordinator	54	17	86	38	140	55
Total	90	30	169	63	259	93
Employees by leadership level and gender in 2023
Position	Bahia		São Paulo		Total
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
Director¹	100%	0%	100%	0%	100%	0%
Senior Manager	67%	33%	96%	4%	90%	9.7%
Manager	73%	27%	67%	33%	69%	30.7%
Coordinator	75%	25%	69%	31%	71%	28.6%
Total	75%	25%	73%	27%	74%	26%

¹ Including the positions of president, director, head and vice president.

Note: For the Bracell 2030 target of promoting equal opportunities for women and achieving 30% of women in leadership positions, coordination positions and above are taken into account.

Employees by gender and position in 2023
Position	Bahia		São Paulo		Total
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
Executive Management¹	2	0	10	0	12	0
Senior Management	4	2	24	1	28	3
Middle Management	30	11	49	24	79	35
Coordinators	54	18	86	38	140	56
Specialists	45	8	80	32	125	40
Technicians/Supervisors	115	25	644	76	759	101
Administrative	145	192	370	307	515	499
Operational	1031	210	3219	500	4250	710
Trainees	8	4	19	8	27	12
Total	1.434	470	4.501	986	5.935	1.456
Employees by gender and position in 2023 (%)
Position	Bahia		São Paulo		Total
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
Executive Management¹	100%	0%	100%	0%	100%	0%
Senior Management	67%	33%	96%	4%	90%	10%
Middle Management	73%	27%	67%	33%	69%	31%
Coordinators	75%	25%	69%	31%	71%	29%
Specialists	85%	15%	71%	29%	76%	24%
Technicians/Supervisors	82%	18%	89%	11%	88%	12%
Administrative	43%	57%	55%	45%	51%	49%
Operational	83%	17%	87%	13%	86%	14%
Trainees	67%	33%	70%	30%	69%	31%
Total	75%	25%	82%	18%	80%	20%
¹ Including the positions of president, director, head and vice president.

 

Employees by position and age group in 2023
Position	Under 30	30 to 50	Over 50	Total
Executive Management¹	0	4	8	12
Senior Management	0	22	9	31
Middle Management	1	100	13	114
Coordinators	4	172	20	196
Specialists	12	137	16	165
Technicians/Supervisors	175	605	80	860
Administrative	371	597	46	1.014
Operational	1.073	3.287	600	4.960
Trainees	38	1	0	39
Total by age	1.674	4.925	792	7.391
Employees by position and age group in 2023
Position	Under 30	30 to 50	Over 50	Total
Executive Management¹	0%	33%	67%	100%
Senior Management	0%	71%	29%	100%
Middle Management	1%	88%	11%	100%
Coordinators	2%	88%	10%	100%
Specialists	7%	83%	10%	100%
Technicians/Supervisors	20%	70%	9%	100%
Administrative	37%	59%	5%	100%
Operational	22%	66%	12%	100%
Trainees	97%	3%	0%	100%
Total by age	23%	67%	11%	100%
¹ Including the positions of president, director, head and vice president. Note: regarding the percentage by age, in 2023, 67% of Bracell employees are between 30 and 50 years old; 23% are under 30 years old and 11% are over 50 years old.

 

Employees by region and gender
Operation	2021			2022			2023
	Men	Women	Total	Men	Women	Total	Men	Women	Total
São Paulo	2.592	523	3.115	3.412	715	4.127	4.501	986	5.487
Bahia	1.235	356	1.591	1.342	436	1.778	1.434	470	1.904
Total	3.827	879	4.706	4.754	1.151	5.905	5.935	1.456	7.391

Note: The total number of employees in 2022 differs from the result published in the 2022 Sustainability Report because it does not take into account data on own employees of the Mato Grosso do Sul operations (total of 392 own employees, 310 men and 82 women). In 2023, the Mato Grosso do Sul operations became part of the MS Florestal company, part of the RGE group, so they ceased to be part of Bracell’s operations in 2023.

Employees by region and gender (%)
Operation	2021		2022		2023
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
São Paulo	83%	17%	83%	17%	82%	18%
Bahia	78%	22%	75%	25%	75%	25%
Total	81%	19%	81%	19%	80%	20%

 

In regards to salary equity, Bracell considers the sope and activities of each position as a basis, without gender discrimination. For reasons of confidentiality, the Company does not disclose salaries or the relationship between salaries of its employees.

The Company registered no cases of discrimination.

In the assessment of suppliers’ respect for and guarantee of human rights, compliance with applicable legislation (labor legislation, individual rights and guarantees and the Statute of the Child and Adolescent) is analyzed. In industrial and forestry operations, on-site checks and document analysis are carried out to verify that activities comply with the relevant legislation. In forestry operations, specifically, audits are carried out at the operation itself as a measure to monitor and mitigate social risks and ensure that labor legislation is complied with and that the human rights of employees and third parties working in these operations are guaranteed. A schedule of internal and external audits is carried out annually to analyze the compliance of operations.

In the assessment of suppliers’ respect for and guarantee of human rights, compliance with applicable legislation (labor legislation, individual rights and guarantees and the Statute of the Child and Adolescent) is analyzed. In industrial and forestry operations, on-site checks and document analysis are carried out to verify that activities comply with the relevant legislation. In forestry operations, specifically, audits are carried out at the operation itself as a measure to monitor and mitigate social risks and ensure that labor legislation is complied with and that the human rights of employees and third parties working in these operations are guaranteed. A schedule of internal and external audits is carried out annually to analyze the compliance of operations.

In São Paulo, the Araribá Indian Reservation, located in Avaí (SP), is the only indigenous community within a three-kilometer radius of Bracell’s forestry operations. The community comprises four villages—Tereguá, Ekeruá, Kopenoti and Nimuendaju—with a population of approximately 600 people.

Bracell did not develop protocols for consulting with indigenous peoples in 2023; however, dialogues were initiated with the leaders of these communities. The agenda included discussions about forestry operations that could affect people living on indigenous reservations.

These dialogues are conducted before the start of operations. During these meetings, we provide relevant information about the company’s activities, providing an opportunity for indigenous representatives to express any concerns. All concerns are taken into account. The stakeholder engagement process is inclusive of the entire community, including women and elders, and allows sufficient time for the community to be informed about issues and for Bracell to address the needs, aspirations and concerns shared by indigenous peoples during interactions with the company.

Meetings with indigenous communities are documented in minutes that record the agreements reached with community leaders. All villages are consulted through their leaders, and 100% have chiefs or vice-chiefs as representatives.

In 2023, meetings with villages were scheduled by the Brazilian Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI), which attempted to schedule meetings during hours that accommodated indigenous communities’ routine activities and informed them in advance of the start and end times of meetings, as well as the topics to be discussed. Government representatives were also involved, as one of the topics of discussion was indigenous peoples’ concern over increased risks on the region’s roads. Bracell did not invite city residents to participate in these meetings.

During the year, the Company identified and mapped the actual and potential impacts of its operations on the indigenous community. Bracell also began the process of identifying and selecting qualified and specialized consultants to conduct the study on indigenous land and to prepare the action plan and recommendations to guarantee the human and customary rights and safety of indigenous people when accessing the fishing area bordering Bracell’s forestry operations. Bracell also continued its relationship with indigenous people to formalize authorization from the leaders of the Araribá Indigenous Land to conduct fieldwork.

Bracell documented the agreements and decisions formalized with indigenous communities, implemented a communications process mediated by FUNAI, sought to avoid or resolve conflicts amicably, mapped identified risks and created prevention and mitigation measures for potential impacts, and carried out initiatives to improve relations with indigenous communities.

Across our operations, we conduct stakeholder engagement activities, impact assessments, and development programs aimed at the local communities surrounding our operations (learn more in the section Bracell Social in GRI 203). To ensure these efforts are effective, we identify the primary impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with our operations to determine the relevance of each sustainability topic for the business, including indigenous lands (learn more in GRI 411-1).

Risk mapping, monitoring and management is undertaken throughout the pre-operation, operation, and post-operation stages to manage social and environmental risks and prevent and mitigate impacts (see GRI 403-2).

Community relationship building and engagement practices
Committees	Community associations are commonplace in the region where we operate in Bahia. Bracell has established committees and other permanent channels to help cultivate good relationships with associations and engage closely with community leaders in each region. We also support public institutions such as the Civil and Military Police, Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Judiciary, and other governmental agencies.
Community Surveys	We conduct on-site visits to survey the communities neighboring our operations. These surveys identify resident families, community leaders, and the key needs and aspirations of each community. We also assess existing infrastructure, potential impacts from our operations, as well as the presence of traditional communities, indigenous peoples, or Areas of High Social and/or Cultural Heritage Value.
Impact Zoning Map	These surveys map out our plantation, protected and development areas. Communities situated within these zones are categorized according to their level of influence on our operations and projects. We also identify any traditional communities, including quilombola and indigenous settlements.
Stakeholder Mapping and Matrix	Community Survey data is used to build a matrix indicating the municipality in which each stakeholder is located, the organizations representing them, their stance towards the company, contact details, level of influence, profile, interests, among other pertinent information.
Community meetings	We convene gatherings to keep stakeholders abreast of Bracell’s forestry management operations, including planting, harvesting, haulage, and other operations near communities. During these sessions, we address inquiries, document grievances, and identify communities’ primary needs. We also provide informational materials about the company and available communication channels. These discussions also extend to indigenous communities (learn more in GRI 411-1).
Operational Dialogue in São Paulo and Bahia	Bracell holds “operational dialogues” and monitors operational impacts directly with neighbors and communities near our eucalyptus pulpwood plantations in São Paulo, including indigenous communities. Neighbors are consulted individually, and communities, including indigenous communities, are consulted collectively. In Bahia, we hold meetings with communities to share information about planting, harvesting, haulage, and other activities in the region. During these discussions, representatives have the opportunity to ask questions, lodge complaints, identify community needs, and identify points of special interest and attention in each location.
Production and distribution of informational material	We advertise our “Contact Us” channel in our “operational dialogue” kit, which includes informational brochures about the forestry cycle, videos with information about eucalyptus cultivation, forest fire campaign materials, copies of the company’s Public Forestry Management Brief, as well as keychains and caps.

 

Bracell systematically monitors actual impacts on communities. In our forestry and mill operations, the most significant potential impacts include odor emissions, noise, dust from truck traffic, machinery, and equipment, road degradation, as well as health risks from the use of crop protection products (pesticide drift).

Mill (São Paulo)
2021		2022		2023
Complaint	Number	Complaint	Number	Complaint	Number
Traffic accident risk	10	Odor	1	Odor	1
Community disturbance (complaints about loud noise and overcrowding in contractor accommodations for the São Paulo expansion project)	135	Piping maintenance	1	Traffic accident risk	1
Speeding	1	Speeding	0	Speeding	0
Road damage	3	Road damage	0	Road damage	1
Total for mill	149	Total for mill	2	Total for mill	3

 

Forestry (São Paulo)
2021		2022		2023
Complaint	Number	Complaint	Number	Complaint Substantiated	Number
Damage to third-party property	32	Airborne dust caused by trucks and machinery	51	Road maintenance	63
Airborne dust caused by trucks and machinery	16	Damage to third-party property	33	Damage to third-party property	41
Road maintenance	6	Maintenance of roads, bridges and culverts.	36	Airborne dust caused by trucks and machinery	37
Road damage	6	Speeding	19	Fence maintenance	27
Total for forestry	104	Total for forestry	139	Total for forestry	168
Total mill and forestry	253	Total mill and forestry	141	Total for mill	3

 

Mill and forestry operations (Bahia)
2021		2022		2023
Complaint	Number	Complaint	Number	Complaint	Number
Property damage	20	Property damage	8	Property damage	12
Roads	24	Roads	8	Roads	14
Dust (forestry operations only)	18	Dust (forestry operations only)	12	Dust (forestry operations only)	8
Contractors	21	Contractors	11	Contractors	14
Dangerous driving	7	Dangerous driving	12	Dangerous driving	11
Noise	0	Noise	1	Noise	2
Other	0	Other	6	Other	16
Total mill and forestry	100	Total mill and forestry	58	Total mill and forestry	77

 

Social criteria are addressed in our supplier contracts. Contractual documents are stored in Bracell’s Contract Management System and we review the documentation required by law for contractors. We also use the system to monitor compliance with requirements under contractors’ collective bargaining agreements. This applies to all suppliers, including new suppliers. Read more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Supplier social and environmental assessment.

Bracell regularly monitors social risks involving suppliers and contractors. In 2023 we identified no social impacts within our operations. Read more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Supplier social and environmental assessment.

Bracell continuously addresses climate zoning studies, based on the analysis of historical climate data such as precipitation indexes, temperature and latitude. Data analysis also identifies the most suitable areas for planting eucalyptus and also support technical recommendations  such as clone allocation and fertilization use.

Withdrawal
Surface water (m³)
Operation	2021	2022 (1)	2023
Bahia	29,456.00	4,811.00	64,927.00
São Paulo	13,275,929.24	48,436,589.17	52,474,268.60
Bracell	13,305,385.24	48,441,400.17	52,539,195.60
Groundwater (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	15,431,917.30	15,997,357.83	16,613,292.62
São Paulo	7,466,921.06	6,925,779.91	4,898,803.24
Bracell	22,898,838.36	22,923,137.74	21,512,095.86
Total water withdrawal (m³)
Operation	2021	2022	2023
Bahia	15,461,373.30	16,002,168.83	16,678,219.87
São Paulo	20,742,850.30	55,362,369.08	57,373,071.84
Bracell	36,204,223.60	71,364,537.91	74,051,291.71

Notes about the 2023 data:

1. Surface water withdrawal volumes in our Forestry operations in São Paulo (457,789.24 m3) include withdrawals from 248 points under permits for use in forestry management.
2. Includes withdrawals from a well at the Lençóis Paulista (SP) site, used for irrigating seedlings at an on-site nursery (555,240.00 m3), and water withdrawals for human consumption (1,117.06 m3).
3. All water withdrawals described for our forestry operations were measured directly at surface withdrawal points. Withdrawal volumes are recorded in an internal database that is managed in accordance with applicable regulations, covering all operational fronts.
4. In Bahia, Bracell has 37 surface withdrawal points covered by permits awarded by the relevant environmental authority. These points are distributed along six different rivers throughout our forestry operations: Pojuca, Subaúma, Itariri, Inhambupe, Sauípe and Imbassaí. Withdrawal points are periodically monitored in accordance with license requirements. The environmental monitoring network in our forestry operations comprises 24 stations for monitoring surface (river) water quality, 8 stations for monitoring groundwater quality (artesian wells), 13 fixed stations for analyzing water potability (fitness for human consumption), 5 mobile stations for analyzing water potability (fitness for human consumption) at operations fronts, 37 flow metering stations at permitted surface water withdrawal points along rivers, 2 stations at locations where effluents are discharged from seedling nurseries, 1 station where effluents are discharged from a water and oil separator, and 15 stations where effluents are discharged from septic tanks.
5. In our operations in Bahia, our total water consumption/withdrawals of 16,678,219.87 m³ include 939,389.25 m³ consumed in forestry operations.
6. For additional data on withdrawals, consumption and discharge, see GRI 304.

Bracell operates mills in the Camaçari Industrial Park in Bahia and the Lençóis Paulista Industrial Park in São Paulo. The forestry operations supplying pulpwood to our mills are located in the states of São Paulo, Bahia, Sergipe, Minas Gerais and Goiás. Water withdrawals are measured and potential risks and impacts are monitored within Bracell’s Integrated Management System, in accordance with applicable regulations (learn more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Water and effluents and GRI 303).

Water and effluents are a material topic for our business, and this is reflected in our Bracell 2030 commitments and targets. Among these targets, we have committed to reduce water consumption per metric ton of product by 47%.

Water and effluents are managed within a Water Resource Monitoring Program that is governed by requirements in our Sustainability Policy. Through this program, we implement measures to monitor and continuously improve water resource efficiency.

Our forestry operations adhere to the standards issued by the Brazilian Forestry Certification Program (CERFLOR/PEFC) to ensure our pulpwood management practices are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially beneficial. Bracell’s CERFLOR/PEFC certification was successfully renewed in 2023. In addition, 100% of the pulpwood used in our production process is verified against certification standards, with 30% derived from controlled wood sources and 70% from certified land directly managed by Bracell. In 2023, our São Paulo and Bahia mills sourced pulpwood from 85 suppliers. Of these, 100% were audited by the Bracell team. Bracell does not source pulpwood from controversial sources.