Waste management
SASB Dimension
Waste ManagementSASB Code
RT-CP-150a.1SASB Sector
Containers and PackagingGRI Dimension
EnvironmentalGRI Code
306-3GRI Code
306-4GRI Code
306-5TCFD
Related IndicatorsCommitments to Renewing Life
Solid waste management in industrial operations
Suzano's industrial units implement waste management plans and specific operating procedures that adhere to the three principles of the circular economy: eliminating waste and pollution, maintaining products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Additionally, these plans align with the 7 Rs of sustainable consumption: redesign, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, recycle, and recover. As a result, waste management efforts focus on minimizing waste generation at the source and enhancing recycling and internal reuse.
The company has successfully reduced the waste sent to its own and/or third-party industrial landfills. To enhance compliance and identify areas for improvement, the facilities are regularly audited regarding their solid waste management practices. As part of our Commitment to Renew Life (CPRV), which aims to decrease industrial solid waste sent to landfill by 70% by 2030, we reduced the total volume of industrial solid waste sent to landfill to 15.3 kg per ton by 2024. This marks a 93% improvement compared to our target baseline of 44.3 kg per ton established in 2018.
Following the announcement of the CPRVs in February 2020, waste targets were allocated to each industrial unit, and governance was incorporated into the company's management practices. The governance structure for addressing this matter includes annual and monthly targets for each industrial unit. Results are monitored monthly in collaboration with the Pulp, Engineering, and Energy Department.
Suzano has an Industrial Environment Working Group (GTMAI) evaluates results monthly. Each industrial operation monitors waste indicators weekly, involving the Executive Committee, Industrial Management, and relevant executives. The findings are shared during monthly meetings to ensure all unit employees are informed and engaged.
The Jacareí (SP), Limeira (SP), Mogi (SP), and Rio Verde (SP) units have distinguished themselves by not sending any waste to landfills in 2024. Additionally, the Três Lagoas (MS) unit made significant progress towards zero landfill, achieving a result of 0.2 kg of waste per ton in 2024.
We invested 72 million reais in building waste treatment plants at the Três Lagoas Unit, which has been operating at full capacity since the end of 2020. Additionally, the plant at the Imperatriz Unit in Maranhão (MA) began operating in the first quarter of 2021.
At the Mucuri Unit in Bahia (BA), we launched a project in 2021 aimed at composting approximately 50% of the waste previously sent to landfills. Since the project's initiation, we have observed significant improvements, with waste reduction decreasing from 59.8 kg per ton in 2021 to 29.2 kg per ton in 2024. In 2024, the Sales of Non-Operational Items (VINO) team successfully disposed of 543,000 tons of industrial waste, generating 10.6 million reais. Currently, about 50 active contracts are focused on selling industrial waste.
Non-hazardous solid waste
In 2024, non-hazardous waste generation increased by 43% compared to 2023. This translates to a 30% rise in non-hazardous industrial solid waste generated per ton of product, increasing from 141.1 kg/t in 2023 to 183.2 kg/t in 2024. This increase corresponds with the start-up of the Ribas do Rio Pardo plant.
It is essential to highlight that Suzano remains committed to eco-efficiency. We aim to produce more while generating less waste and consuming fewer resources. We strive to maintain a target of 140 kg/t, which aligns with the reference standards set by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) 2015 - European Commission.
Hazardous solid waste
In 2024, Suzano generated 7,903.4 tons of hazardous waste, an increase compared to the volume produced in 2023. This rise was primarily due to completing the Jacareí unit's Master Plan project and various general shutdowns. During this period, the specific hazardous waste generation increased from 0.10 kg per ton in 2023 to 0.66 kg per ton in 2024, surpassing the internal target of 0.12 kg per ton.
Solid waste management in forestry operations
Suzano's forestry waste management adheres to federal, state, and municipal laws and the standards set by forestry management certifications and internal operating manuals and procedures. According to the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS - Federal Law 12.305/2010), sizeable solid waste generators are mandated to create and implement a Solid Waste Management Plan (PGRS). This document outlines how generators should manage solid waste, including segregation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, and final disposal.
Suzano's operating units have a structured management plan that ensures proper guidelines for the segregation, storage, and disposal of each type of waste generated during operations. The company implements reverse logistics for machine batteries, pesticide packaging, and light bulbs, as the National Policy on Solid Waste (PNRS) mandates. Additionally, Suzano maintains a system to control licenses related to waste management to comply with the conditions set by environmental authorities, adhering to agreed deadlines.
The company has partnered with local cooperatives to generate income and manage recyclable waste at its Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo facilities. By developing and expanding these initiatives, the company aims to maximize the usefulness of the waste generated in its operations. This approach enhances the circular economy and provides a source of income for local communities.
The following tables show the following data:
- Waste generated in industrial operations by type;
- Waste generated in forestry operations by type;
- Waste from industrial operations destined for disposal;
- Waste from forestry operations destined for disposal;
- Waste not destined for disposal by recovery operation in the industrial operation;
- Waste is not destined for disposal by recovery operation but in the forestry operation.
Waste generated in industrial operations, by type
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Non-hazardous waste |
1,417,100.66 |
1,425,515.04 |
1,442,132.77 |
1,526,932.80 |
2,183,869.80 |
|
Hazardous waste |
1,068.40 |
1,325.75 |
1,210.03 |
1,087.97 |
7,903.40 |
|
Total |
1,418,169.06 |
1,426,840.77 |
1,443,342.80 |
1,528,020.77 |
2,191,773.30 |
Waste generated in forestry operations¹, by type
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024² | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Non-hazardous waste |
1,047.81 |
9,441.06 |
8,568.30 |
11,080.65 |
15,897.00 |
|
Hazardous waste |
898.96 |
1,009.66 |
1,303.37 |
1,689.64 |
1,702.00 |
|
Total |
1,946.77 |
10,450.72 |
9,871.67 |
12,770.29 |
17,599.00 |
- All waste generated from Suzano's forestry operations is either disposed of or sent for recovery.
- In 2024, we also incorporated forestry waste from the Ribas do Rio Pardo unit.
Waste from industrial operations destined for disposal
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023¹ | 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | |
|
Incineration (with energy recovery)¹ |
268,999.74 |
162.44 |
269,162.18 |
209,436.90 |
386.75 |
209,823.65 |
243,513.82 |
244.30 |
243,758.12 |
1,105,905.25 |
351.40 |
1,106,256.70 |
937,346.40 |
463.16 |
937,809.56 |
|
Incineration (without energy recovery) |
0.00 |
180.79 |
180.79 |
0.00 |
47.85 |
47.85 |
0.00 |
185.83 |
185.83 |
32.00 |
4.30 |
36.30 |
500.96 |
12.81 |
513.77 |
|
Confinement in landfill |
357,000.65 |
156.82 |
357,157.47 |
244,154.25 |
241.45 |
244,395.70 |
220,483.42 |
227.47 |
220,710.89 |
294,178.40 |
83.30 |
294,261.60 |
177,421.64 |
96.95 |
177,518.59 |
|
Other disposal operations |
187,104.28 |
155.19 |
187,259.47 |
166,511.35 |
178.25 |
166,689.60 |
137,162.30 |
83.42 |
137,245.72 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Destination with unknown disposal |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
813,104.67 |
655.24 |
813,759.91 |
620,102.50 |
854.31 |
620,956.81 |
601,159.54 |
741.02 |
601,900.56 |
1,400,115.67 |
438.90 |
1,400,554.60 |
1,115,269.00 |
572.92 |
1,115,841.92 |
- We have revised the assumptions and calculations for the indicator. Starting in 2023, we will report all biomass recovered for energy in our boilers, including bark, biological sludge, and fibers lost during the process.
Waste from forestry operations destined for disposal
| 2020 | 2021¹ | 2022² | 2023³ | 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | |
|
Incineration (with energy recovery) |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
847.36 |
0.00 |
847.36 |
2,606.73 |
0.00 |
2,606.73 |
1,478.54 |
0.00 |
1,478.54 |
517.25 |
0.00 |
517.25 |
|
Incineration (without energy recovery) |
6.21 |
50.32 |
56.53 |
1.48 |
96.57 |
98.05 |
0.97 |
111.29 |
112.26 |
1.63 |
185.33 |
186.96 |
3.59 |
49.50 |
53.09 |
|
Confinement in landfill |
575.93 |
209.42 |
785.35 |
6,341.02 |
244.45 |
6,585.47 |
1,065.46 |
302.14 |
1,367.60 |
3,625.55 |
211.78 |
3,837.33 |
4,068.31 |
209.78 |
4,278.09 |
|
Other disposal operations |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
220.18 |
2.00 |
222.18 |
|
Destination with unknown disposal |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
67.95 |
200.63 |
268.58 |
|
Total |
582.14 |
259.74 |
841.88 |
7,189.86 |
341.02 |
7,530.88 |
3,673.16 |
413.43 |
4,086.59 |
5,105.72 |
397.11 |
5,502.83 |
4,877.28 |
461.91 |
5,339.19 |
- In 2021, the amount of waste sent to landfill was significantly higher than in previous years. This increase was primarily due to the waste generated at the Sete Lagoas Railway Terminal (MG), which included debris from debarking wood (bark and logs). Additionally, at the Aracruz plant (ES), forestry logistics waste (PSM) was disposed of alongside industrial waste.
- In 2022, the amount of waste incineration with energy recovery decreased allocated for I significantly compared to previous years. This rise was mainly due to a change in the disposal method for wood bark in Espírito Santo, which had previously been sent to landfills.
- In 2023, the increase in waste destined for landfills was due to the expansion of the Cerrado Project.
Waste not destined for disposal by recovery operation¹, in the industrial operation
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023¹ | 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | |
|
Preparing for reuse |
106,498.30 |
52.05 |
106,550.35 |
95,800.15 |
144.83 |
95,944.98 |
126,870.38 |
54.02 |
126,924.40 |
154,706.28 |
87.94 |
154,794.20 |
185,682.97 |
0.42 |
185,683.39 |
|
Recycling |
175,481.89 |
165.16 |
175,647.05 |
166,247.00 |
58.31 |
166,305.31 |
195,530.15 |
119.08 |
195,649.23 |
528,375.41 |
450.55 |
528,826.00 |
557,662.08 |
3,994.67 |
561,656.75 |
|
Other recovery operations² |
319,733.42 |
182.44 |
319,915.86 |
493,955.37 |
335.19 |
494,290.56 |
481,116.36 |
272.51 |
481,388.87 |
285,400.67 |
14.14 |
285,414.80 |
288,830.46 |
213.64 |
289,044.10 |
|
Destination with unknown disposal |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
601,713.61 |
399.65 |
602,113.26 |
756,002.52 |
538.33 |
756,540.85 |
803,516.89 |
445.61 |
803,962.50 |
968,482.36 |
552.63 |
969,035.00 |
1,032,175.51 |
4,208.73 |
1,036,384.25 |
- We revised the assumptions and calculations of the indicator and reorganized the types of waste disposal within the available categories of the GRI indicator.
- This category focuses on composting and reverse logistics.
Waste not destined for disposal by recovery operation, in the forestry operation
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023¹ | 2024 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Total | |
|
Preparing for reuse |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
275.15 |
0.00 |
275.15 |
|
Recycling |
460.88 |
0.00 |
460.88 |
1,362.53 |
0.00 |
1,362.53 |
3,643.72 |
0.00 |
3,643.72 |
5,550.76 |
65.31 |
5,616.07 |
3,521.99 |
142.16 |
3,664.15 |
|
Other recovery operations |
4.79 |
639.22 |
644.01 |
894.68 |
668.64 |
1,563.32 |
1,251.42 |
889.94 |
2,141.36 |
424.17 |
1,227.22 |
1,651.39 |
7,222.67 |
1,098.71 |
8,321.38 |
|
Destination with unknown disposal |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
465.67 |
639.22 |
1,104.89 |
2,257.21 |
668.64 |
2,925.85 |
4,895.14 |
889.94 |
5,785.08 |
5,974.93 |
1,292.53 |
7,267.46 |
11,019.81 |
1,240.87 |
12,260.68 |
- In 2023, the rise in waste sent for recycling was attributed to the expansion of the Cerrado Project.