Sustainability Report 2024
sustainability
report
2024
We are responsible
Our Commitment to Responsible Practices and Valuing Life
At Veracel, we believe the future is built on the responsible actions we take today. Our purpose is to expand our positive legacy in communities, preserve the environment, and have a meaningful impact on every individual who is part of our journey.
In this summary, we highlight our key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) achievements and challenges in the previous year, demonstrating how innovation, safety, and sustainability have guided our mission to produce high-quality pulp in an ethical and responsible manner.
The Year at a Glance
Named one of the best workplaces
by Great Place
to Work (GPTW)
R$ 10+ million
invested in social initiatives
R$ 400+ million
in local supplier spend
1,500+ families
supported across 158 communities through family farming projects
34.2% increase
in female leadership representation
1.8 GWh
installed solar farm capacity
About Veracel
We are Veracel Celulose, a Brazilian bioeconomy company producing sustainable eucalyptus pulp. We operate across 11 municipalities in southern and far-southern Bahia, an area within the Atlantic Forest biome that is known for its rich biodiversity and importance to Brazil’s economic development.
This year, we were ranked among the top three best workplaces in Bahia by Great Place to Work and were placed in the top 50 companies nationwide in the Industry category.
Responsible and Consistent Practices
Over the past few years, we have developed what we call the Veracel Way—an ethical and transparent approach to doing things, both within and beyond our fence line. The Veracel Way serves as our compass, setting non-negotiable principles that guide the behavior of our employees and suppliers in different business situations.
Ethics and Compliance
We have robust processes in place to uphold ethical, responsible conduct across our operations and in our interactions with stakeholders. Veracel’s Compliance Program comprises a set of policies, guidelines, processes, and training based on market best practices.
Whistleblowing Channel
Veracel provides a 24/7 anonymous reporting channel for any concerns related to breaches of our Code of Conduct. Reports can be submitted by phone (0800 721 0764) or online.
We also provide a “Veracel for Women” channel—a confidential platform designed to support women facing violence. Available to all female employees and contractors, the channel is staffed by a trained team that provides a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for those in need.
Innovation
Since 2021, Veracel has been investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our operations. Our Innovation and Digital Transformation team leads a pipeline of projects to modernize our mill and forestry operations. In 2024, we also extended our innovation efforts to local communities and agricultural initiatives.
Key initiatives:
Our People, Our Inspiration
Our People
We believe our team is the key to our success. That’s why we work to build a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse workplace, where the Veracel Way translates into well-being for all.
Recognized by Great Place to Work (GPTW) as one of the best workplaces in Brazil and among the top in the industrial sector.
R$ 2.6 million
invested in training and development
60%
of Women in Leadership Program participants appointed or promoted since its launch in 2023
34.2%
increase in female representation in leadership positions
56%
of new hires and promotions from underrepresented groups
Community Engagement
We are committed to maintaining ongoing, respectful engagement with the communities where we operate. We also promote and support initiatives that improve quality of life and create new livelihoods.
Veracel provides technical support, training, and funding to help strengthen and grow local agriculture.
Family Farming
We actively engage with the local Fishing Committee, which represents 20 local fishing associations and cooperatives from Belmonte to Nova Viçosa.
Sustainable Fishing
Since 2005, Veracel has supported local honey production, creating income-generating opportunities through the sustainable use of eucalyptus forests.
Beekeeping and Stingless Beekeeping
With respect for traditional knowledge and indigenous rights, Veracel supports cultural preservation and education initiatives in 34 Pataxó and Tupinambá communities that are home to around 25,000 indigenous people.
Indigenous Communities
1,500+
families supported through family farming programs
1,391
life-saving kits donated to local fishing communities
169
beekeeping families benefited, producing a total of 48 metric tons of honey
R$ 10 million
invested each year in family farming initiatives.
Valuing Life and the Environment
Our Environmental Impact
Technology, research, and open engagement are integral to our approach to environmental stewardship. We are committed to using natural resources wisely and protecting biodiversity with transparency and responsibility.
140kg
of plastic waste removed from beaches surrounding the Belmonte Sea Terminal
20.7 m3/tsa
water consumption
50,0000+ metric tons
of waste recycled
1.8 GWh
of renewable energy generated by solar panels
5 sea turtles
rehabilitated by the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center (CRTM)
400+ hectares
of native forest restored
