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

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

We are implementing practices aligned with circular economy principles, transforming our value chain and production processes to minimize environmental impacts. As part of these practices, industrial waste management systems are designed to support:

• Eco-efficiency: minimizing waste generation through optimized production processes
• Waste recovery: transforming byproducts into inputs for other value chains, such as biomass-derived fuels, soil amendments, and organic fertilizers
• A circular value chain: recycling waste back into the production process through resource recovery and closed-loop processes.

We produce kraft, rayon-grade and specialty-grade pulp, supplying a range of global markets. We also operate in the tissue paper market through Bracell Papéis, a facility that produces toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and diapers (see more in GRI 2-6 About Bracell).

We generate waste throughout the pulp and paper manufacturing processes, as well as in our forestry operations (see GRI 306-3 Waste generated for data on waste generation by type and operation).

In our forestry operations, we leave post-harvest eucalyptus residues—such as bark, branches, and leaves—on plantation areas to increase organic matter in the soil. Pulpwood sent to the mill also generates residues such as bark, branches, leaves, sawdust, and debarking waste.

The pulp manufacturing process also generates waste such as lime mud and boiler ash, grits, and dregs. Both mill and forestry operations also generate waste such as packaging and oils, which are sent for recycling, reuse, energy recovery, co-processing, landfilling, and other methods of disposal (see more under GRI 306-4 Waste diverted from disposal and GRI 306-5 Waste directed to disposal).

Our Bracell 2030 roadmap includes a landfill waste reduction target

In pulp production, our target is to reduce landfilling of Class II industrial waste by 90% per metric ton of product by 2030, reaching 5 kg/adt.

In 2024, we surpassed our annual target, reaching 27.1 kg/adt of waste sent to landfills per metric ton of pulp produced. This result significantly outperformed our annual target of 43.7 kg/adt.

We have also set a target to reach 97% recovery of caustic soda (NaOH) and quicklime (CaO) in pulp production. In 2024, we met the reduction target with a 96.20% recovery rate (see more about our Bracell 2030 targets and commitments in GRI 2-22 Statement on sustainable development strategy).

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Waste from both forestry and mill operations is classified, segregated, stored and transported in compliance with legal requirements and our Waste Management Plan. Preventive checklists include environmental requirements on managing waste, such as the availability of spill kits to be used during equipment maintenance. Bracell also has practices in place for reducing the amount of waste we generate.

At our mill in São Paulo, as part of our circular economy efforts, we partner with external organizations to produce soil amendments and organic compost. We are actively working to reduce waste generation, especially as annual production output continues to increase.

Waste generated at the pulp mill in Lençóis Paulista (SP) is weighed daily using the plant’s weigh bridge, with waste tonnage documented in waste waybills. The data are recorded in internal systems. At the end of each month, this information is consolidated, environmental KPIs are generated, and reports are published, including our Sustainability Report and other reports required by the environmental regulator, Cetesb. Waste is classified by type and destination, also in accordance with environmental regulations.

At the plant in the Camaçari Industrial Park (BA), operations run 24/7. Waste is collected at designated points and transported by a third-party company to storage areas or for outbound shipment. Each movement is recorded, using a conversion factor to estimate weight from volume. This supports accurate accounting of generated waste volumes and disposal methods (landfill, recycling, or resale), and allows us to track performance indicators such as total waste generated per metric ton of pulp produced.

At Bracell Papéis, specifically at the Feira de Santana (BA) mill, waste management is also supported by spreadsheets to record waste invoice data and weights. Monitoring is done monthly and is site-specific. All waste leaves the plant with an issued waste waybill for traceability. This site also maintains an up-to-date Waste Management Plan as a management support tool.

The Bracell Papéis Sudeste facility, located at the Lençóis Paulista (SP) site, most of the waste generated consists of recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and wood. Waste data and the corresponding waste waybills are logged internally. Waste materials are mostly sold. More than 90% of the waste generated at the facility is recyclable and sent to partner companies, as part of our commitment to the circular economy.

In line with the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling, we have implemented several initiatives in our operations, such as:

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.

Repurposing bark and sawdust 

Eucalyptus bark and sawdust are used as biomass in kilns and boilers, replacing fossil fuels like natural gas and reducing the need for landfilling. Excess waste from energy generation, when caused by equipment downtime, is sent to external partners for energy recovery or used in the rehabilitation of degraded land.

Use of lime mud

Lime mud, generated during kiln start-up and shutdown, is recovered in the production process or, when it cannot be diluted in the chemical recovery system, is sent to external partners for the production of soil amendments.

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A key initiative supporting this progress was the approval of new suppliers to repurpose industrial by-products into agricultural inputs, such as soil amendments and organic fertilizers. This helps reduce environmental impacts and supports local production chains through the responsible use of materials that were previously discarded.

At the Camaçari (BA) site, grits—industrial waste generated during the pulp production process—is being tested, under the oversight of the relevant environmental authority, for use as ground cover on service roads near forestry operations.

Starting in April 2024, in Lençóis Paulista (SP), wet biological sludge, previously sent to landfills, has been fully reused for organic fertilizer production through composting, eliminating its disposal. Primary sludge has also been used in the manufacturing of paper products, and calcitic waste has been fully redirected to agricultural soil amendments after audits confirmed compliance with legal and environmental requirements.

Learn more about our Waste Recovery Procedures under GRI 306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related impacts.

Waste generation – Pulp segment

Note 1: waste generated in Bracell’s mill operations in São Paulo includes forestry waste within the state, which is managed by the Industrial Environmental department. Forestry waste streams are not measured, but are fully disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements. Forestry waste generated outside São Paulo is handled by contractors in accordance with specific protocols, which are listed above.
Note 2: waste generated in Bracell’s mill operations in Bahia was calculated based on the total amount disposed of, as reported in Disposal Certificates (CDFs), plus the estimated weight of waste still stored in the Waste Storage Center (CAR) as of December 31, 2024. This process includes collection, identification, temporary storage or final disposal (Bracell’s industrial landfill), transportation, treatment, and disposal. All movements are recorded to track waste generation and disposal.

Waste generation versus waste disposal in pulp operations

Waste data is tracked via key performance indicators (KPIs), supporting our commitment to Bracell 2030 roadmap targets, which include a 90% reduction in Class II industrial waste sent to landfills, covering our São Paulo and Bahia pulp operations.

In 2024, Bracell’s total waste volume in pulp operations was 449,019.30 metric tons, with the largest share coming from the São Paulo mill, which accounted for 269,790.67 metric tons (65.16%). Our Bahia pulp mill operation contributed 144,230.30 metric tons (34.84%), while our forestry operations generated significantly smaller volumes, reflecting the specific nature of those operations.

The total volume of waste from pulp operations sent to landfills in 2024 was 98,961.37 metric tons. Of this amount, 84,836.39 metric tons (85.73%) were generated at our São Paulo operation, while 14,123.27 metric tons (14.27%) came from our Bahia operations.

Total waste generated and sent to landfills, by business unit and operation  

Waste generation – Paper segment

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The waste generated in our operations is handled responsibly, with a focus on recovery and landfill diversion whenever possible. Our disposal alternatives include recycling, energy recovery, reuse, composting, effluent treatment, and re-refining—a process that transforms used oil into a new, decontaminated product.

Starting in April 2024, wet biological sludge previously sent to landfills has been fully redirected to organic fertilizer production through composting. Primary sludge has also been used in the manufacturing of paper products, and calcitic waste has been fully redirected to agricultural soil amendments after audits confirmed compliance with legal and environmental requirements.

These initiatives, along with the approval of new suppliers to reuse waste in the production of agricultural inputs, led to a reduction in the volume of waste sent to landfills in our São Paulo operation. This progress supports our circular economy initiatives and the environmental goals set out in our Bracell 2030 roadmap.

Pulp waste diverted from disposal

Note: the waste volumes reported by Bracell’s forestry and mill operations in Bahia are the amounts disposed of during 2024, regardless of when they were generated. This may result in differences between the reported waste generation and waste disposal figures any given year.

Paper waste diverted from disposal

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In 2024, Bracell achieved a significant reduction in the volume of industrial waste sent to landfills, driven by the expansion of circular economy initiatives. A key initiative supporting this progress was the approval of new suppliers to repurpose industrial by-products into agricultural inputs, such as soil amendments and organic fertilizers. This strategy not only mitigates environmental impacts but also strengthens local value chains by turning otherwise disposable materials into productive resources.

At the Camaçari (BA) site, grits—industrial waste generated during the pulp production process—is being tested, under the oversight of the relevant environmental authority, for use as ground cover on service roads near forestry operations.

In Lençóis Paulista (SP), wet biological sludge previously sent to landfills has been fully redirected to organic fertilizer production through composting.

Primary sludge has been used in the manufacturing of paper products, and calcitic waste has been redirected to agricultural soil amendments after audits confirmed compliance with legal and environmental requirements.

These initiatives are part of Bracell’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainable waste management solutions and directly support the environmental targets set out in the Bracell 2030 roadmap.

Pulp waste sent for final disposal

Paper waste sent for disposal

Waste sent to landfill from 2020 to 2024

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