Sustainability
Report | 2017

(GRI 103-1, 103-2, 103-3)

Klabin’s Environmental Management System is certified by ISO 14001 and supported by the company’s Sustainability Vision and Policy. Aspects such as water, energy, climate change and biodiversity – related to some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – are considered in all operations, revalidating the company’s commitment to conserve natural resources, continuously reduce the use of non-renewable resources, and control and mitigate environmental impacts.

These aspects are monitored by indicators, managed since 2017 by the Resource Advisor platform, enabling the traceability of information. The indicators and targets are defined by the Environment Committee, formed by a director and representatives of the industrial operations, and broken down into specific targets for each business. Klabin operates in compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and did not incur any fines or monetary penalties in 2017 in this regard.

The Puma Unit, located in Ortigueira (PR), has state-of-the-art environmental technology for water consumption, effluent treatment, atmospheric emissions and reduced use of inputs, attaining more stringent environmental control standards than those provided by law.

Performance of key environmental indicators in 2017

(GRI 103-2, 103-3)

operations at the Puma Unit, which was inaugurated in 2016. The unit was designed to be self-sufficient by generating energy from waste produced by the process, such as black liquor and biomass. As the company produces more energy than it consumes, it is able to sell the surplus within the Brazilian Electric Power System, thus contributing to the generation of income, as well as to a cleaner energy matrix.

In 2017, Klabin consumed 63,798,342.54 GJ of energy in its operations. Considering the company’s total energy consumption (bought + sold), the energy intensity indexes (energy consumption divided by production units) recorded a reduction of 14% at the Pulp Business Unit and 4% at the Paper Unit. The results indicate Klabin’s commitment to operating with the maximum energy efficiency possible, thus reducing losses.

Although there has been no recorded reduction in the absolute energy consumption compared to the previous year, the period was marked by the following highlights:

•        Of the total energy available for sale at the Puma Unit (854,875 MWh), 80% was made available to the market, representing a 97% increase in the volume of energy sold, compared to 2016.
•        Klabin expanded the index of energy from renewable sources to 89% and reduced the consumption of fossil fuels by 7%.

The following tables present detailed data on energy indicators.

Fuel consumption from renewable sources, by fuel type in GJ

(GRI 302-1)

¹ With the startup of the Puma Unit, hydrogen started to be considered a fuel. In addition, it became important to isolate tar fuel from black liquor; therefore, the report considers these two items separately as of 2017. Tar is a renewable fuel generated from processing Tail Oil, which is a by-product of the pulp industry.

Fuel consumption from non-renewable sources, by fuel type in GJ

(GRI 302-1)

Electricity consumption, in MW

(GRI 302-1)

Puma is the only unit that sells energy. Power generation figures were also obtained from the SAP system database, where fuel consumption data is stored for each unit.

Rate of energy intensity (purchased energy + own energy), in GJ/ton produced, by Business Unit

(GRI 302-3)

(GRI 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, 305-4, 305-5, 305-7)

Reducing air emissions is one of the items included in Klabin’s Sustainability Policy. With the increased use of renewable fuel, the company is contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These indicators are set out in the Emissions Inventory, prepared in accordance with the methodology established by the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program (2004 base year), a globally recognized standard that is audited by a third party.

In 2017, Klabin experienced an 8% increase in absolute GHG emissions from Scope 1, due to the increased production of the Puma Unit, which reached its full capacity. Meanwhile, emissions from biomass, a renewable fuel, have increased by 15%. 

Direct emissions of greenhouse gases – Scope 1 (in tons of CO2 eq (equivalent)¹

(GRI 305-1)

¹ Direct emissions of Greenhouse Gases – Scope 1 include: CO2, CH4, N2O and HFCs, all expressed as CO2 eq.
² The 2016 data was corrected after the third party audit of the GHG Report.

Biogenic emissions of CO₂in one thousand tons of CO2eq

(GRI 305-1)

¹ The 2016 data was corrected after the third party audit of the GHG Report.

Indirect GHG emissions from the purchase of energy – Scope 2, in one thousand tons of CO2eq 

(GRI 305-2)

¹ In 2017, even having consumed nearly 7% less purchased energy than in 2016, the emission factor of the National Interconnected System (SIN) considered that the energy purchased in 2017 had a higher emission rate than in 2016, which compromised this indicator.
² The 2016 data was corrected after the third party audit of the GHG Report.

Other indirect GHG emissions – Scope 3, in one thousand tons of CO2eq¹

(GRI 305-3)

¹ The 2016 data was corrected after the third party audit of the GHG Report.
² Indirect emissions of Greenhouse Gases – Scope 3 include: CO2, CH4 and N2O, all expressed a CO2 eq.

GHG emission intensity rate in kgCO2eq/ton produced

(GRI 305-4)

¹ The 2016 data was corrected after the third party audit of the GHG Report.

Variation of GHG emissions in one thousand tons of CO2eq 

(GRI 305-5)

¹ Increase in%. No reduction in absolute values of emissions has been recorded.

The search for operational excellence has provided great benefits to the reduction of air emissions generated by the industrial process.

The following results can be highlighted in 2017:

– 42% reduction in SOx emissions and 12% reduction in particulate material emissions at the Paper Business Unit.

– 68% reduction in particulate matter emissions and 31% reduction in NOx emissions at the Pulp Business Unit, due to the good operating performance by the Puma Unit.

Details of the air emissions indicators can be found in the tables below.

Emissions12 of NOx, SOx and other significant air emissions

(GRI 305-7)

¹ Units covered: Paper Business Units (Angatuba, Otacílio Costa, Correia Pinto and Monte Alegre) and Pulp Unit (Puma)
² For these gases, emission is measured directly in the chimneys, obtaining gas concentrations and flow rates. As such, emission rate is calculated and projected for the entire year, and the absolute value is divided by production, which provides the results of specific emissions.
³ Information regarding SOx (kg/Adt), NOx (kg/Adt), particulate matter (kg/Adt) and pulp production (Adt) is not available for 2015 because it refers to the Puma Unit, which became operational in 2016.

(GRI 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 201-2)

Monitoring climate change is essential to forest-based companies like Klabin, considering the potential risks that these changes represent for the business.

The company has a comprehensive matrix of weather-related opportunities and risks, including the internal mapping of impacts experienced due to weather and main future risks and opportunities, as well as observations from the Climate Conference (COP) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The company follows the precautionary principle established at the Eco-92 Conference and constantly evaluates all aspects that present risks to the environment, health and safety of employees, clients and communities impacted by its activities.

Potential mapped risks include increasing temperatures; increased levels of rainfall, which can have negative impacts by accelerating the growth rate of forest pests; the need for more forest irrigation; and changes in the phenology (biological cycle) of pine and eucalyptus species, impacting forest improvement programs.

 Matrix of weather-related risks and opportunities (GRI 201-2)

(GRI 201-2)

(GRI 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 303-1, 303-2, 303-3)

Rational use of water without waste is a constant challenge for industrial operations. Klabin reaffirms its commitment with SDG 6 – ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all – by adopting measures such as installing flow measurement systems at the plants, participating in Regional Water Basin Committees, in international programs for reporting water consumption and management (CDP Water and WWF Environmental Paper Company Index), as well as in various discussion forums such as Água do IBÁ. (learn more at Recognition of best practices)

Specific consumption of water follows the industry average of 28 to 29 cubic meters per ton of pulp produced. Special attention should be given to the Puma Unit, designed with a cutting edge technology based on the concept of low-power circuit with high reuse of this resource: 81%. Total water consumption in 2017 was 107,747,164 m³, of which more than 99% came from surface water sources. The 16% increase is to be expected, as the Puma Unit was fully operational in the period. By respecting established usage norms, Klabin does not significantly affect any water source from which it draws water.

See tables for indexes related to water management at Klabin’s operations.

Total water withdrawal by source, in m³

(GRI 303-1)

¹ The increase is mainly due to the Puma Unit, where capacity was reached after the completion of the ramp up.

Water recycled and reused, in m³

(GRI 303-3)

¹ The increase can be attributed to the Puma Unit, where the volume of recycled water is very high, indicating an excellent environmental performance.

(GRI 306-1)

Wastewater disposal at Klabin has a differential quality, with the tertiary treatment at the Puma Unit’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). Additional treatment is carried out at this stage, ensuring better quality to the effluent to be disposed, with a lower amount of COD and phosphorus. All of the company’s units meet the legal limits for effluent disposal. After passing through the Effluent Treatment Plants (ETE), wastewater is disposed in municipal sewage networks or in rivers.

Total wastewater disposal, broken down by quality and destination

(GRI 306-1)

¹ There is no data for 2015, because the Puma Unit began operating in 2016.

(GRI 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 306-2)

The Puma Unit brought innovative standards to Klabin related to the management of solid waste generated during industrial processes. The Solid Waste Processing Center in Ortigueira (PR), which also serves the Monte Alegre Unit at the neighboring town, is one of the examples of this management improvement. Responsible for processing industrial waste of both units, the Center prevents approximately 70% of the waste generated from being discarded at the industrial landfill. Part of this residue is reused as a by-product in various applications. See examples in By-products for various applications.

In 2017, Klabin reused 91% of the waste (close to the 93% target), especially due to the generation of tertiary sludge from the Puma Unit’s Effluent Treatment Plant. This waste is being stored while the Research, Development and Innovation department is studying alternatives for its recycling or reuse.

All these measures are in line with the National Policy on Solid Waste (Law No. 12305/10), which seeks to reduce the generation of solid waste and ensure correct handling and disposal of these materials. The law establishes that residues having economic value should be reused and/or recycled, and waste should be disposed of in an environmentally appropriate manner. Another effective waste management initiative at Klabin is creating employee awareness, through training and lectures.

Hazardous waste at Klabin can be directed to four destinations: recycling, Class 1 landfill, decontamination, or be used as fuel or incineration.  In all cases, the company complies with the standards and legislation in force. Nevertheless, the generation of hazardous waste corresponds to less than 1% of the total waste generated. In 2017, this index was 0.24%, exceeding the target of 0.50%.

Total weight of waste, broken down by type and disposal method, in tons (GRI 306-2) 

More than 98% of materials used in Klabin’s production are of renewable origin, such as wood, chips and pulps. Non-renewable materials account for less than 2% of the total amount used, totaling a little over 218,000 tons. The increase in materials from 2016 to 2017 was mostly due to the beginning of operations at the Puma facility. (GRI 301-1)

Materials used, broken down by weight, in tons

(GRI 301-1)

(GRI 103-2)

Klabin allocated about BRL 23.5 million in 2017 towards environmental investments, in such areas as waste management, atmospheric emissions treatment, prevention costs and environmental management costs. The reduction in the amount, compared to the previous year, is mainly due to high investments made in 2016 on facilities and equipment for the new Puma Unit.

Total investments and environmental protection expenditures, broken down by type, in BRL

(GRI 304-3)

(GRI 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 304-1)

Klabin was one of the first companies to adopt mosaic forest management, which mixes planted forests and preserved native forests. It’s commitment to biodiversity is a priority. Ecological corridors established using the mosaic model allow the transit of animals in large areas, contributing to the preservation of fauna and flora and the conservation of water resources. Different and staggered periods of planting and harvesting trees are also part of the sustainable management of planted forests.

Biodiversity monitoring is part of an extensive program for research and conservation of wild fauna and flora at the company’s forests, contributing to the survival of endangered species such as the pygmy brocket deer, howler monkey and cougar. Of the total area managed by Klabin, between self-owned and leased lands, approximately 46% corresponds to planted areas, while 43% of the lands are preservation areas, divided between Permanent Preservation Areas (APP), Legal Reserves (RL) and Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPN). The remaining 11% corresponds to infrastructure (roads and improvements, for example) and areas available for planting.

Klabin owns Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) in Paraná and Santa Catarina, dedicated exclusively to scientific research, environmental protection and water resource preservation, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest biome.

Serra da Farofa Complex RPPN (Santa Catarina)

Located in Santa Catarina, it is Klabin’s largest RPPN. The Complex has almost five thousand hectares of remaining Atlantic Forest area, with araucaria forests and high altitude fields, and houses the sources of the Caveiras and Canoas rivers. The RPPN is devoted to scientific research, the management of natural resources and the upholding of climatic and ecological equilibrium.

Monte Alegre RPPN (Paraná)

Located in the Fazenda Monte Alegre, in Telêmaco Borba, Paraná, in an area of 3,852 hectares, it is also devoted to scientific research, the protection of local biodiversity and water resources, as well as providing the seeds of forest species for the restoration of degraded areas and protecting any archaeological, historical, cultural and paleontological sites.

Ecological Park

Klabin maintains an Ecological Park at Fazenda Monte Alegre, in Telêmaco Borba (Paraná), to house the animals at risk that are unable to return to the wild. About 200 specimens of 50 species live in the park’s nursery. The park sits on 11,000 hectares of land, of which almost 7,000 are native forests. The park is an Area of High Conservation Value (AAVC), which means that it has a significant concentration of biodiversity and rare ecosystems that are endangered or threatened by extinction.

(GRI 304-3)

Klabin has areas for the preservation of protected or restored habitats in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. These are Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) located on farms managed by Klabin, whose restoration measures were adopted by independent external experts, namely: Casa da Floresta, in Paraná and São Paulo, and Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), in Santa Catarina. In third-party areas, partnerships and technical consultations are carried out through the Matas Legais program (learn more at Promoting Local Development).

Further information about protected habitats is available in the public summary records of Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, and can be accessed at  https://www.klabin.com.br/pt/negocios-produtos/florestal/.

 Protected and restored habitats

(GRI 304-3)

¹ In 2017, a dedicated team started working on area preservation and control of “exotic invasive” native plants in Paraná, which justifies the increased protected habitat area compared to 2016.

Monitoring of fauna and flora species, including those considered rare or endangered, is part of Klabin’s biodiversity management. In 2017, the company had already identified 1,349 species of fauna and 110 species of flora included in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the areas of its operations. Of this total, only 1.3% is considered “critically endangered” or “endangered”. (GRI 304-4)

Total number of species listed in the IUCN Red List and in national conservation lists with habitats in areas affected by operations of the organization, broken down by level of risk of extinction

(GRI 304-4)

Promoting the management of environmental indicators

An online platform installed in 2017 as a pilot project allows greater traceability and streamlines the control indicators, improving the management of environmental aspects in operations

Klabin’s Sustainability Committee, made up of representatives from various areas, is responsible for managing all related projects. The need to improve the sustainability indicator management system was discussed in one of the group’s forums. As a result, the new Environmental Management System was developed within Resource Advisor, an online platform. This pilot project covers the environmental indicators, and in the future should be extended to other indicators.

Klabin’s Environment and Sustainability corporate manager, Júlio César Batista Nogueira, states that systematizing the control of indicators improves management, as it provides greater traceability of information, improving the monitoring process. “A dedicated system where you can track all the information lends even greater reliability to the indicators. Everything I can control better and with more assertiveness contributes to improving management”, he says.

Nogueira says that the previous system was already very reliable, but allowed many opportunities for improvement. “Management was carried out in a well-prepared spreadsheet, available online to those responsible for filling it out. However, since we have many operational units, there were a lot of people in different locations handling a single file. We determined that this could be improved to help us save time and provide greater information security”, he says. All 17 units have at least two people responsible for environmental indicators, totaling up to 34 people filling out the same spreadsheet.

Internal benchmarking

The transition to the new system took place in 2017. To do so, Klabin hired a dedicated platform that was customized for its profile. The system includes environmental data related to the company’s operations, such as water, energy, materials and air emissions.

“In addition to simplifying the data entry process, since now more than one person can use the system at the same time, unlike the previous spreadsheet, the system allows us to view the environmental performance of all units and compare and act in a more assertive manner”, he says. “A plant experiencing better performance in water consumption, for example, can provide references to promote improvements in other units”, says Nogueira.

Consolidated information

Like any change, the transition to the new system brought challenges, especially involving a new data entry method. “We know how difficult it is to radically change an activity, so we sought to adjust the platform to our daily routine, to the company profile, without demanding so many management-related changes. We are still learning how to use the platform and maximize the use of its resources”, he says.

All system users received training and the manager ensures that the benefits are already noticeable, even if they cannot be measured quantitatively. This can be shown in data traceability, fast data entry, and the generation of reports using consolidated data, such as that included in this report”. “It was a great experience”, concludes Nogueira.