Otacílio Costa, May 14, 2015 – Klabin, Brazil’s largest paper producer and exporter, in its quest for increasingly sustainable practices, signed a partnership with the country’s main research entity, the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The project, already underway, is aimed at developing new techniques for reusing solid waste resulting from industrial activities at the company’s unit in Otacílio Costa (Santa Catarina), responsible for production of kraftliner, which is used in the production of corrugated board packaging.

A pioneering move in the sector, the action provides research grants to professionals working in the areas of applied research or technological development. Lasting 36 months, the programs are aimed simultaneously at three lines of research: the first focuses on the use of waste to produce a polymer gel, the second seeks to incorporate this waste into clinkers – non-organic lumps that are transformed into cement – and the third works to mix this material with a type of clay. All lines of research focus on the same goal: to avoid disposal of solid waste in landfills.

To do so, researchers will study different ways to use all waste provided by Klabin in the production of alternative cement. The material can be used to pave sidewalks and produce slabs, among other purposes, thereby completely reutilizing the components that would have otherwise been sent for disposal. Research will be conducted on the campus of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

These projects are part of the Program for Training of Human Resources in Strategic Areas (RHAE), created in 1987 through a partnership between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The program utilizes technological grants, created to increase the number of qualified professionals in research and development (R&D) at companies, in addition to training professionals to work on applied research and technological development projects.

About Klabin

Klabin, Brazil’s largest paper producer and exporter, is the leading manufacturer of paper and board for packaging, corrugated board packaging, industrial sacks and timber in logs. Founded in 1899, it has 14 industrial units in Brazil and one in Argentina. Klabin is organized into three business units: Forestry, Paper (paperboard, kraft paper and recycled) and Conversion (corrugated board and industrial sacks).

Klabin’s management is entirely oriented towards sustainable development, and pursues integrated and responsible growth that combines profitability, social development and a commitment to the environment. Klabin has been a component of the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa) since 2014. It is also a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and the Brazilian Pact to Eradicate Slave Labor, and seeks suppliers and business partners that adopt the same values of ethics, transparency and respect for sustainability principles.

Learn more at www.klabin.com.br