Our waste management procedures align 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 are tracked within our Integrated Management System. This KPI is regularly communicated to employees throughout the year to track performance.

In our forestry operations in Bahia, procurement and warehouse processes fully support the seedling production, planting, support, harvesting and logistics stages. With planted forests as this business unit’s final product, loading and transportation activities—positioned downstream in the value chain—have the potential to generate Class I (Hazardous) waste. These waste streams are managed, from storage to final disposal, strictly in accordance with procedure PR.FLO.016 and applicable laws and regulations.

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 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. All processes are supported by Environmental Aspects and Impacts Assessment spreadsheets (LAIAs), which include assessments of waste generation.

The pulp manufacturing process produces three inorganic waste streams: dregs, grits and lime mud. Dregs and grits are generated during the chemical recovery stage, specifically in the green liquor clarification and lime calcination processes, respectively. Lime mud is produced during the causticizing process, when the chemical reaction regenerates lime used in the recovery cycle. 

Bracell continuously pursues alternatives to reduce the production of these materials and expand sustainable solutions, in line with our commitment to advancing the circular economy and responsible waste management (read more under GRI 306-4: Waste diverted from disposal and GRI 306-5: Waste directed to disposal).

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 and using waste as a fuel source for steam generation in the biomass boiler (read more under GRI 306-5: Waste directed to disposal).

During the year, we implemented process and infrastructure improvements to reduce waste generation and improve waste management practices.

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.

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 2025, we reached 33.1 kg/adt of waste sent to landfills per metric ton of pulp produced.

We have also set a target to reach 97% recovery of caustic soda (NaOH) and quicklime (CaO) in pulp production.