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Veracel receives ISO 14001 Certification - 08.25.03
Veracel Celulose has earned ISO 14001 certification of its Environmental Management System (SGA) for its eucalyptus and native tree species seedling production and sales processes and the production, harvest and sale of wood from its eucalyptus plantations. The certification, on both domestic and international levels, attests to the company's compliance with appropriate environmental practices for its products and services. The recognition comes at an important moment for Veracel - as the company initiates construction of its pulp mill in the extreme south of Bahia.
It is Veracel's first ISO certification. "Upon implementation of the SGA, the company committed itself to continuously maintaining and improving its activities, whenever possible seeking to surpass legal and specific environmental requirements," said Vandi Nestor Garlet, Veracel quality management consultant. For his part, Antonio Sergio Alipio, director of forestry, noted that the continuity of the processes was of great importance. "We come from a generation that is participating in the construction process. It will be up to future professionals to continue this work in a clear demonstration that we are a sustainable company."
ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. Besides demonstrating that a company has conformed to international quality guidelines, ISO certification is important because users of Veracel products recognize the company's commitment to the environment.
Some practices adopted by Veracel - such as care to avoid erosion when building its roads, the existence and conservation of the Veracel Station, its system for stockpiling raw materials in the field and its selective collection of wastes and minimum cultivation practices - contributed to certification. Other important practices include maintaining forest residues on the ground after harvesting, the re-use of residual water for irrigating seedlings in the nursery and the relationship of the company with its service suppliers.