Water use

Percentage of plants in areas of water stress

Percentage of water abstracted in areas of water stress

Percentage of water discharged in areas of water stress

Percentage of cost of goods sold corresponding to plants located in areas of water stress

Since 2018, Klabin has assessed all its units located in water-stressed areas with the WRI Aqueduct tool. To be considered as exposed, facilities need to be classified in the baseline criterion of water stress higher than 20%, both for the current and future scenarios (2030 and 2040). In 2021, with the acquisition of five new plants, Klabin will have 7 of 23 units located in areas of water stress according to the tool. To control and monitor the risks related to these plants, Klabin prepared a report monitoring the flow of rivers and the volume of rainfall in the regions where the plants are located, in order to anticipate possible water shortages, as well as to seek alternatives. This report is accompanied by the Water Management Working Group that, in addition to supporting the strategic management of this resource, contributes to the definition of actions required to avoid impacts in these regions. In 2022, the improvement in water management resulting from the actions taken resulted in a 19% reduction in consumption (water withdrawn less water discharged) in the units located in water-stressed areas.

Summary table

GRI-303-3SASB-RR-PP-140a.1 SASB-RT-CP-140a.1

Withdrawn water by source

GRI-303-4

Water discharged by source 

SASB-RT-CP-140a.3

Number of cases of non-compliance in the disposal of water that resulted in formal actions

GRI-303-4

Substances defined and analyzed for disposal

Manufacturing units follow the limits established by the legislation in force in each state and country for reference and monitoring of effluents. Parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and BOD removal efficiency are a priority, as are the concentrations of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and phosphorus in the effluents in the pulp and paper mills. The indices are often compared to global benchmarks, such as the IFC guidelines (20 to 100 m3/t is considered suitable for pulp mills; and 10 to 50 m3/t for paper mills).

All Klabin units monitor the flow and quality of effluents generated by the plant before and after internal treatment. The main parameters analyzed are pH, Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total and Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sedimentable Solids, among other parameters to control the efficiency of effluent treatment plants.

In case of results outside the established goals or limits, the unit requests a reanalysis of the sample and initiates a multidisciplinary investigation to find the root cause of the problem. After such process, a structured action plan for resolution and monitoring is created, following the methodology defined in each unit. All units have specific areas and are responsible for the operation and monitoring of water and effluent parameters.

Self-monitoring is conducted frequently, which makes it possible to compare the results of third parties with the internal results obtained. If a downward trend is identified in the efficiency or deviation from monitored parameters, the operational teams act immediately to identify and resolve the root cause.
 

GRI-303-5 SASB-RR-PP-140a.1 SASB-RT-CP-140a.1

Water consumption

Percentage of water used from reuse

The Company uses the concept of hydrosolidarity management, a pioneering methodology in the sector, based on the balance between forest production and water production. As such, it is possible to integrate the different needs of the water resources, including neighboring communities and ecological processes. This activity begins in the forest planning stage, which takes into consideration the watersheds and water catchment points of the community located around the forest units. Additionally, as described in items 15 and 18 of Klabin's Sustainability Policy, all the units practice responsible water resource management, striving for continuous improvement in all processes, and act in compliance with the environmental laws and regulations in effect at the municipal, state and federal levels.

As part of the governance structure for sustainability, Klabin has a Fixed Sustainability Committee made up of executive directors, led by the Technology and Sustainability Director and assisted by the Sustainability Manager, in addition to the Sustainability Committee, made up of the Company's board members, which include management of water use as one of the topics addressed. It also has a legal area with environmental specialists who monitor issues related to legal parameters and a permanent contract with an environmental law firm, aimed at preventive monitoring and advice on issues such as regulatory changes, including those related to water security. This structure allows the definition of strategies and actions related to the sustainability commitments undertaken, acting jointly throughout the chain.

One hundred percent of Klabin’s industrial process effluent is treated in the Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) before returning to the water body or the concessionaire. The treated effluents are monitored internally and by a third party to demonstrate compliance with all applicable legal requirements. In addition, Klabin's units periodically undergo internal and external audits to evaluate the management system, including all environmental control and management processes. In the units that have environmental goals involving water issues, they are related to the profit sharing of the employees.

The minimum effluent disposal standards are based on municipal, state, and federal legislation for each unit. Klabin also compares its results with the International Finance Corporate (IFC) indicators, which have benchmarks for the pulp and paper sector. In order to determine the maximum discharge limits, the Company conducts studies on water dispersion and self-depuration of the water body to assess and determine the limits that do not change the water quality and volume of the water body.

As a result of water management in 2022, the volume of reused water at Klabin represented about 2.5 times the volume of raw water withdrawn.

ISO 14001 Certification