Material topic Waste management

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 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