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2022
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable
GROWTH
The year 2022 was remarkable for us. We went through the pandemic with safety and resilience, maintaining full operations and fulfilling our strategic role in the Brazilian economy.
We have put efforts into sustainable growth and have managed to influence and be a protagonist in the territory where we operate by adding value based on good forestry, industrial, environmental and social practices. Each one of us – employees, communities, rural producers, suppliers, shareholders, public authorities – is part of these results and, together, we can celebrate our achievements.
This is Veracel Celulose’s 2022 Sustainability Report. In the content below, we report what we experienced in the year in various formats: text, photo, video and the full PDF file that can be downloaded or read on-line with more detailed information.
People
We believe in the power to inspire people and we strive to transmit good practices to everyone around us. We want to continue promoting a positive trajectory inside and outside the company, with the union of stakeholders and the connection among diverse audiences. For this, we seek to build a coherent day-to-day, guided by ethics and empathy, bringing purpose and value to our entire chain and expanding our legacy in the locations where we operate.
A GREAT COMPANY TO WORK FOR
Veracel is featured in the Great Place To Work (GPTW) ranking as one of the 10 best companies to work for in Bahia. For five consecutive years, we have been part of the group of companies certified with the seal.
WE INVEST IN OUR TEAM
In 2022, we invested R$2.2 million in courses and training. In the same period, we implemented the corporate education area, with the review of the corporate education procedure and promotion of related actions. In all, we had 8.5 hours of training per employee in this period.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The promotion of Diversity and Inclusion at Veracel is a path built in partnership and with our team engagement. Several actions have been carried out to encourage a more emotionally safe and diverse environment in orfrt to improve everyone’s quality of life.
FAMILY FARMING
More than 1,500 families are benefited by Veracel’s family farming program. Of this total, more than 900 families are benefited by the Agroecological Settlements Project, which provides access to land as a fundamental pillar. Based on the DSAF, a socio-environmental sevelopment project, more than 300 families had the opportunity to access land through direct negotiations with social institutions.
technology
AND INOVATION
In 2022, we implemented around 100 technology projects, and our expectation is that their ROI (Return on Investment) will be up to three times higher in productivity gains, operational efficiency and information reliability. With an investment of about R$ 20 million, we project gains in pulp production stability based on Artificial Intelligence.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
We invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art solutions for data collection and mobility in order to improve our factory’s production, forestry operations and management tasks.
LOGISTICS CHAIN MONITORING
We implemented a technological tool to automate the logistics chain using cameras with automatic reading of loads of production and shipment.
FORESTRY INNOVATION
We use a technological tool to integrates eucalyptus production data, from the seedlings to the factory, including information on incidence of pests and diseases, nursery performance, forest growth and wood quality.
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Producing pulp in a safe, competitive and sustainable way is our focus. In 2022, we achieved our best results in water use for pulp production (20.5 m³/tsa – water use per ton of pulp), one of the lowest rates worldwide. We reduced the use of natural gas in the production process by 13%, helping to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We removed more than 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
NEW BA-658 HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE OVER JEQUITINHONHA RIVER
With an investment of more than R$100 million, we are building, the state highway BA-658 in partnership with the Government of the State of Bahia, that will be 25 kilometers long. In addition, we will build a bridge 360 meters long and 9.60 meters wide over the Jequitinhonha river (Taquara Project). The road will connect the BA-275 and BA-982 highways, being an alternative in case of BR-101interdiction. The work aims to facilitate transport throughout the region, representing an key gain in infrastructure and development for the south of Bahia, in addition to social and economic improvements in local communities. The expected opening is in the first half of 2023.
Biodiversity
FAUNA AND FLORA PRESERVATION
We carry out integrated biodiversity monitoring (BAMGES) in partnership with Suzano, with the aim of maintaining the environmental attributes of flora and fauna in High Conservation Value Areas located on Veracel’s properties. In addition. we monitor the eucalyptus plantations in order to recommend measures to prevent, mitigate, control or compensate potential negative impacts on fauna, flora or environment.
VISITS AT VERACEL STATION REOPEN
Veracel Station has reopened its visitation program after being suspended for more than two years due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The visitation is done under appointment and formation of groups.
GROWTH OF HUBBLE WHALE POPULATION
Veracel is celebrating the results of the latest survey carried out by the Baleia Jubarte Institute (IBJ), of which the company is a partner and supporter. It is a historic growth if we consider that the number of whales is close to the estimated population of 200 years ago.
TURTLE REHABILITATION CENTER
In 2022, we started building the first Turtle Rehabilitation Center in southern Bahia to complement the Monitoring Program and help sea turtles needing veterinary care in the region.
REPORTS SINCE FOR DOWNLOAD
