GRI 306-3 Waste generated
During the year, we implemented process and infrastructure improvements to reduce waste generation and improve waste management practices.
In our Bahia operations, construction of three new waste storage facilities is underway to enhance storage structure, improve handling, and support reuse processes. In addition, we developed a solution for waste sludge, knots and eucalyptus bark, which are mixed and used as organic compost to restore degraded forest areas. Due to its success, this initiative has now been incorporated into our routine operations.
In addition, the R&D department is advancing two major projects focused on the reuse of industrial by-products:
- Potassium sulfate plant: in 2025, a facility was built to produce potassium sulfate from a residue generated at the São Paulo mill, which will be used as a forestry fertilizer.
- New uses for waste materials: Tests are underway to evaluate the use of dregs, grits and other waste materials in the construction of service roads and as materials for building and construction applications.
At our Northeast paper mill in Feira de Santana (BA), several initiatives are being implemented, including the installation of drying and drainage boxes for sludge prior to landfill disposal. Additional initiatives at this facility include testing the use of sludge residues in our forestry operations in Bahia.
Learn more about our Waste Recovery Procedures under GRI 306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related impacts.
Waste generation – Pulp segment
| Classification | Category | Volume generated (t) |
| Absorbents, filter materials, cleaning cloths, and protective clothing contaminated by hazardous substances | Hazardous waste | 262.92 |
| Packaging of any of the aforementioned types containing, or contaminated by, residues of hazardous substances | Hazardous waste | 55.47 |
| Used or contaminated oil from engines, transmissions and lubrication | Hazardous waste | 159.46 |
| Batteries and accumulators covered under 16 06 01 (*) or 16 06 03 (*), and unsorted batteries and accumulators containing these types of batteries or accumulators | Hazardous waste | 24.95 |
| Aluminum (Class B according to CONAMA Resolution 307/02) | Nonhazardous waste | 10.43 |
| Class B – Recyclable wastes intended for alternative destinations, including plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, glass, wood, empty architectural paint packaging, and gypsum. Classified as Class B under CONAMA Resolution 307/2002. This category comprises waste codes 170201, 170202, 170203, 170401, 170402, 170403, 170404, 170405, 170406, 170407, 170411, 170412, 170413, and 170802, as defined by IBAMA Normative Instruction 13/2012. | Nonhazardous waste | 259.62 |
| Paper and cardboard packaging | Nonhazardous waste | 3.83 |
| Plastic packaging materials | Nonhazardous waste | 236.15 |
| Iron and steel, classified as Class B recyclable waste according to CONAMA Resolution 307/2002 | Nonhazardous waste | 998.52 |
| Sludge generated from local wastewater treatment operations that is not included under waste code 03 03 10 | Nonhazardous waste | 66,158.13 |
| Wood, classified as Class B under CONAMA Resolution 307/2002 | Nonhazardous waste | 245.99 |
| Mixed packaging materials | Nonhazardous waste | 3.85 |
| Mixed construction and demolition waste not classified under waste codes 17 09 01 (*), 17 09 02 (*), or 17 09 03 (*), classified as Class A in accordance with CONAMA Resolution 307/2002 | Nonhazardous waste | 1,190.19 |
| Other waste fractions not previously specified | Nonhazardous waste | 804.46 |
| Other wastes not previously specified | Nonhazardous waste | 100,372.98 |
| Waste/used tires from trucks and buses | Nonhazardous waste | 307.94 |
| Waste/used tires from tractors | Nonhazardous waste | 2.63 |
| Waste/used tires for other applications | Nonhazardous waste | 46.17 |
| Waste electrical and electronic equipment and components not covered under 20 01 21 (*), 20 01 23 (*), or 20 01 35 (*) | Nonhazardous waste | 0.49 |
| Biodegradable kitchen and canteen waste | Nonhazardous waste | 286.8 |
| Lime sludge waste | Nonhazardous waste | 101,552.29 |
| Wood debarking waste | Nonhazardous waste | 86,514.05 |
| Wood debarking waste and wood waste | Nonhazardous waste | 8,713.17 |
| Furnace linings and refractory materials from non-metallurgical processes not covered under 16 11 05 (*) | Nonhazardous waste | 856.11 |
| Total waste generated in the pulp industrial operations in São Paulo | 366,069.61 | |
Note: the waste reported under the categories “Other unspecified fractions” and “Other waste” consists of a mix of non-hazardous materials which, following an internal technical assessment, could not be specifically classified under the categories set forth in IBAMA Normative Instruction No. 13/2012.
| Classification | Category | Volume generated (t) |
| Absorbents, filtering materials (including oil filters not previously specified), cleaning cloths, and protective clothing contaminated with hazardous substances | Hazardous waste | 22.11 |
| Various contaminated materials | Hazardous waste | 7.75 |
| Used or contaminated engine, transmission, and lubrication oils | Hazardous waste | 17.54 |
| Aluminum | Nonhazardous waste | 0.49 |
| Iron and steel | Nonhazardous waste | 35.29 |
| Wood | Nonhazardous waste | 5.4 |
| Paper and cardboard | Nonhazardous waste | 3 |
| Tires | Nonhazardous waste | 182.8 |
| Biodegradable kitchen and canteen waste | Nonhazardous waste | 3.34 |
| Wood debarking waste | Nonhazardous waste | 3.11 |
| Total volume of waste generated in São Paulo’s pulp forestry operations | 280.83 | |
Note: the waste reported under the category “Miscellaneous materials contaminated with oils and greases” corresponds to the Waste Transportation Manifest (MTR) classification for “Packaging of any of the above-described types containing or contaminated with residues of hazardous substances.” This classification, in turn, encompasses the categories “Absorbents, filtering materials (including oil filters not previously specified), cleaning cloths, and protective clothing contaminated with hazardous substances” and “Aluminum (Class B, in accordance with CONAMA Resolution No. 307/2002).
| Bahia Mill 2025 | ||
| Classification | Waste Class | Generation (t) |
| Used or contaminated lubricating oil | Hazardous waste | 26.47 |
| Batteries and accumulators | Hazardous waste | 5.46 |
| Healthcare waste | Hazardous waste | 0.02 |
| Drums / Big Bags with various contaminated materials | Hazardous waste | 29.86 |
| Empty contaminated metal drums | Hazardous waste | 1.98 |
| Wood bark (clean and contaminated) | Non-hazardous waste | 27,168.54 |
| Dregs | Non-hazardous waste | 6,992.10 |
| Grits | Non-hazardous waste | 3,805.62 |
| Lime mud | Non-hazardous waste | 3,226.40 |
| Fluorescent lamps, sodium vapor lamps, etc. | Non-hazardous waste | 0.08 |
| Emergency basin sludge | Non-hazardous waste | 5,986.41 |
| Primary sludge | Non-hazardous waste | 9,099.86 |
| Knots and rejects | Non-hazardous waste | 15,245.20 |
| Paper | Non-hazardous waste | 125.37 |
| Tires | Non-hazardous waste | 0.96 |
| Area scraping (wood chips) | Non-hazardous waste | 2,553.78 |
| Lime residue | Non-hazardous waste | 2,158.20 |
| General waste (non-recyclable) | Non-hazardous waste | 384.12 |
| Yard waste | Non-hazardous waste | 1,075.28 |
| Industrial waste | Non-hazardous waste | 6,923.50 |
| Sawdust | Non-hazardous waste | 22,885.68 |
| Mechanized screen solids | Non-hazardous waste | 3.78 |
| Wood scrap | Non-hazardous waste | 289.90 |
| Metal scrap (ferrous and non-ferrous) | Non-hazardous waste | 553.24 |
| Plastic scrap | Non-hazardous waste | 31.12 |
| Empty 1,000 L tanks (plastic IBC) | Non-hazardous waste | 1.66 |
| Glass | Non-hazardous waste | 1.32 |
| Total waste generated by industrial pulp operations in Bahia | 108,575.91 | |
| Bahia Forestry 2025 | ||
| Classification | Waste Class | Generation (t) |
| Miscellaneous | Hazardous waste | 5.46 |
| Filters | Hazardous waste | 4.06 |
| Contaminated hoses | Hazardous waste | 14.86 |
| Oils | Hazardous waste | 32.40 |
| Laboratory waste | Hazardous waste | 0.47 |
| Soil / grease | Hazardous waste | 2.02 |
| Big bags | Non-hazardous waste | 7.10 |
| Used PPEs and uniforms | Non-hazardous waste | 2.74 |
| Lamps | Non-hazardous waste | 0.03 |
| Municipal waste | Non-hazardous waste | 19.47 |
| Septic tank sludge | Non-hazardous waste | 24.00 |
| Wood | Non-hazardous waste | 13.21 |
| Recyclable plastics | Non-hazardous waste | 1.50 |
| Tire – rim size 16 | Non-hazardous waste | 0.05 |
| Tire – rim size 17 | Non-hazardous waste | 0.06 |
| Tire – rim size 20 | Non-hazardous waste | 0.003 |
| Tire – rim size 22 | Non-hazardous waste | 0.57 |
| Front FW tire | Non-hazardous waste | 1.65 |
| Rear FW tire | Non-hazardous waste | 5.90 |
| Recyclables | Non-hazardous waste | 4.82 |
| LED floodlights | Non-hazardous waste | 0.06 |
| Oil and water separator waste | Non-hazardous waste | 0.0017 |
| Electronic waste | Non-hazardous waste | 1.89 |
| Metal scrap | Non-hazardous waste | 42.27 |
| Drained drums | Non-hazardous waste | 3.47 |
| Glass | Non-hazardous waste | 0.40 |
| Total waste generated by forestry pulp operations in Bahia | 188.456 | |
Note 1: waste generated from Bracell’s mill operations in São Paulo includes forestry waste generated within the forestry operations situated in the state of São Paulo, which is managed by the Industrial Environmental Department. The forestry waste is not quantitatively measured, but are fully managed and disposed of in accordance to environmental criteria of Brazil legislation. Forestry waste generated from operations situated outside the state of São Paulo is handled by third-party companies, following specific management protocols, as listed above.
Note 2: waste generated from Bracell’s industrial operations in Bahia was calculated based on the sum of quantities disposed of, as recorded in the Final Disposal Certificates (FDCs), plus the estimated weight of waste still stored at the Central Waste Storage Facility as of December 31, 2025. The process includes collection, identification, temporary storage or final disposal (Bracell industrial landfill), transportation, treatment, and final disposal. All waste movements are formally recorded to ensure control and traceability of waste generation and destination.
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 2025, Bracell’s total waste volume in pulp operations was 500,586.41 metric tons, with the largest share coming from the São Paulo mill, which accounted for 369,063.60 metric tons (73.73%). Our Bahia pulp mill operation contributed 108,791 metric tons (21.73%), 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 2025 was 125,822.92 metric tons. Of this amount, 111,642.28 metric tons (88,73%) were generated at our São Paulo operation, while 14,145.12 metric tons (11,24%) came from our Bahia operations.
Total waste generated and sent to landfills, by business unit and operation
| Operation | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
| Volume generated (t) | Sent to landfill (t) | Percent | Volume generated (t) | Sent to landfill (t) | Percent | |
| Mill | 269,790.67 | 84,836.39 | 31.45% | 369,069.61 | 111,612.28 | 30.49% |
| Forestry | 61.76 | 1.71 | 2.77% | 280.83 | 35.53 | 12.65% |
| Total | 269,852.43 | 84,838.09 | 31.44% | 369,350.50 | 111,647.81 | 30.48% |
| Operation | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
| Volume generated (t) | Sent to landfill (t) | Percent | Volume generated (t) | Sent to landfill (t) | Percent | |
| Mill | 144,230.30 | 14,077.90 | 9.76% | 108,575.91 | 14,080.74 | 12.97% |
| Forestry | 286.86 | 45.37 | 15.82% | 188.45 | 64.37 | 34.16% |
| Total | 144,517.16 | 14,123.27 | 9.77% | 108,764.36 | 14,145.11 | 13,01% |
| Operation | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
| Volume generated (t) | Sent to landfill (t) | Percent | Volume generated (t) | Sent to landfill (t) | Percent | |
| Mill | 414,020.97 | 98,914.31 | 23.89% | 477,645.52 | 125,693.04 | 26.48% |
| Forestry | 348.62 | 47.08 | 13.50% | 469.28 | 99.9 | 21.29% |
| Total | 414,369.59 | 98,961.37 | 23.88% | 475,114.80 | 125,792.94 | 26.48% |
Waste generation – Paper segment
| Paper Southeast 2025 | ||
| Classification | Waste Class | Generation (t) |
| Class I | Hazardous waste | 50.16 |
| Unserviceable waste | Non-hazardous waste | 4.06 |
| Wood | Non-hazardous waste | 352.99 |
| Metal | Non-hazardous waste | 74.76 |
| Cardboard | Non-hazardous waste | 284.04 |
| Plastic | Non-hazardous waste | 243.00 |
| Paper cores | Non-hazardous waste | 56.45 |
| Total waste generated by industrial paper operations in the Southeast | 1,065.46 | |
| Paper Northeast 2025 | ||
| Classification | Waste Class | Generation (t) |
| Lamp | Hazardous waste | 0.84 |
| Oil | Hazardous waste | 0.48 |
| Drum | Non-hazardous waste | 0.25 |
| 50 L drum | Non-hazardous waste | 0.02 |
| 200 L drum | Non-hazardous waste | 0.23 |
| Ashes | Non-hazardous waste | 102.11 |
| 100 L container | Non-hazardous waste | 0.54 |
| Iron | Non-hazardous waste | 190.27 |
| Printed film | Non-hazardous waste | 12.25 |
| Plain film | Non-hazardous waste | 109.27 |
| General waste | Non-hazardous waste | 7,348.26 |
| Sludge | Non-hazardous waste | 12,967.89 |
| Broke paper | Non-hazardous waste | 88.52 |
| Pallets | Non-hazardous waste | 83.25 |
| Cardboard | Non-hazardous waste | 26.78 |
| Towel trim waste | Non-hazardous waste | 395.95 |
| Cardboard cores | Non-hazardous waste | 22.60 |
| Jumbo cores | Non-hazardous waste | 14.98 |
| PVC cores | Non-hazardous waste | 20.67 |
| Total waste generated by industrial paper operations in the Northeast | 21,385.16 | |