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Browse through indicators

GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Waste

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.

 

GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Water and effluents

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.

GRI 303-1 Interactions with water as a shared resource

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).

GRI 303-2 Management of water discharge-related impacts

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.

GRI 303-3 Water withdrawal

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.

GRI 303-4 Water discharge

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.

GRI 303-5 Water consumption

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.

GRI 306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related impacts

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.

GRI 306-2 Management of significant waste-related impacts

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.

GRI 306-3 Waste generated

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.

GRI 306-4 Waste diverted from 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

GRI 306-5 Waste directed to 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

RR-PP-140a.1: (1) Total water withdrawn and (2) total water consumed, percentage of each in regions with High or Extremely High Baseline Water Stress.

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.

RR-PP-140a.2: Discussion of water management risks and description of strategies and practices to mitigate those risks.

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.