GRI GRI 305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and other significant air emissions

Home GRI 305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and other significant air emissions
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PRINCIPLE 7Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
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PRINCIPLE 8Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
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PRINCIPLE 9Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

GRI 305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and other significant air emissions

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), and total reduced sulfur (TRS) compounds are among the most critical air pollutants due to their direct and indirect impacts on climate and human health. These pollutants are mainly produced by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and other significant air emissions
Substance Site Bahia Pulp São Paulo Pulp Bracell
20221 2023 2024 20221 2023 2024 20221 2023 2024
NOx t NA 451.93 448.42 NA 2,847.74 3,131.48 NA 3299.64 3,579.90
SOx t NA 30.47 39.65 NA 139.89 59.05 NA 170.36 98.70
PM t NA 197.30 199.99 NA 643.26 473.22 NA 840.56 673.21
TRS t NA 2.70 12.57 59.14 43.04 30.93 59.14 45.74 43.5
  1. The data include disclosures as part of the EU Ecolabel and Nordic Swan schemes for kraft pulp. 
  2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are not measured in air emissions reporting.

These substances impact the environment and human health by contributing to acid rain—which damages ecosystems and infrastructure—and causing respiratory issues. This underscores the need to control and reduce their emissions to mitigate their effects.

In the state of São Paulo, Bracell’s air emissions were calculated using emission factors provided by the state environmental regulator, CETESB. The methodology followed Board Decision No. 10/2010/P dated January 12, 2010. Emission calculations were performed through direct measurement, using continuous analyzers installed on the production line. All reported values are expressed in metric tons per year.

In Bahia, the methodology followed the guidelines of Ordinance No. 18.841 (dated August 3, 2019) on maintaining air emissions monitoring plans to ensure compliance with daily average limits for TRS, PM, SOx, and NOx. The provisions of CONAMA Resolution No. 382 (dated December 26, 2006) were also followed.

As in São Paulo, emissions in Bahia were calculated through direct measurement, using continuous analyzers installed on the production line. The goal is to ensure full compliance with Ordinance No. 18.841 and other regulatory standards through proper emissions monitoring, and to achieve zero deviations from the regulated parameters.