Suzano, a leading global producer of pulp and paper, is making waves with its ambitious Cerrado Project, an advanced pulp production facility set in the heart of Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul.
Although the official inauguration is still pending, Suzano's Engineering Director, Maurício Miranda, offered exclusive insights into the project, highlighting its blend of operational efficiency and sustainable practices.
The decision to establish the new facility in Ribas do Rio Pardo was strategic. Mato Grosso do Sul, already home to one of Suzano’s major operations in Três Lagoas, presents significant logistical and economic advantages. The region's robust infrastructure, availability of planted forests, and proximity to essential resources made it an ideal choice.
"Ribas do Rio Pardo is perfectly situated, with planted forests just 65 km away, ensuring efficient supply chain logistics. The flat terrain also supports mechanized planting, which is a critical factor for the sustainability and efficiency of our operations," Miranda explained.
The Cerrado Project benefited from government incentives aimed at encouraging industrial development in the region. These included tax benefits tied to commitments like local workforce training and infrastructure development.
Suzano’s investments in Ribas do Rio Pardo have been transformative. The company has not only constructed 954 homes to accommodate its workers but also invested in local infrastructure, including a new police station, healthcare facilities, and public safety enhancements. In total, the company poured R$ 57.3 million into various community projects, strengthening the socio-economic fabric of the region.
One of the Cerrado Project's standout features is its commitment to sustainability. The facility is designed to be self-sufficient in energy, generating 466 MW of power—enough to not only meet its needs but also supply energy to a city of 2.3 million people. This is achieved through the use of biomass, including eucalyptus bark and lignin, to power its boilers and turbines.
"The Cerrado Project is not just about efficiency; it's about being environmentally responsible. We're creating an operation that sets a new standard in the pulp industry," Miranda said.
Suzano has taken a proactive approach to workforce development, with a strong focus on training local talent. During the peak construction phase, the project employed up to 10,000 workers, and in its operational phase, it will create 3,000 jobs. In partnership with institutions like Senai, Suzano has trained over 1,000 professionals in various skills, ensuring a qualified workforce for the new facility.
Beyond economic contributions, Suzano is also committed to social development. The company has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and housing projects, aiming to lift thousands out of poverty by 2030. Key initiatives include the construction of homes for low-income families and support for local agricultural projects that boost food security.
Environmental conservation is a cornerstone of the Cerrado Project. Suzano has implemented cutting-edge technologies to minimize its environmental impact. The facility will reduce landfill waste by 70%, return 85% of the water used in production back to local waterways after treatment, and invest over R$ 80 million in the conservation of Mato Grosso do Sul’s natural habitats.
"The Cerrado Project is a testament to Suzano's commitment to sustainability. We’re leading the way in creating a new, greener future for the pulp industry," Miranda concluded.
As Suzano prepares to officially open its most modern pulp facility yet, the Cerrado Project stands as a beacon of how industrial progress can harmonize with environmental stewardship and community development.
This article is a summary of Revista O Papel's interview with Maurício Miranda.
Link to the original interview in Portuguese.
