Pilot project brings innovation and sustainability to construction sites with the first packaging in the market that can be integrated into the process during concrete preparation

São Paulo, January 26, 2021 – Votorantim Cimentos, Brazil’s largest and the world’s sixth largest cement producer, and Klabin, Brazil's largest packaging paper producer and exporter, have launched water-dispersible packaging for the Votoran Obras Especiais cement, the first of its kind in Brazil. The packaging was jointly developed by the companies over the last two years. It is part of a pilot project, initially available only in Southern Brazil, which is served by the cement plant located in Rio Branco do Sul (Paraná).
The packaging is made of 100% dispersible paper, which means it can be integrated into the process during the preparation of concrete, thus speeding up production by using it directly in the horizontal concrete mixer. Just put the sealed sack into the concrete mixer, add sand, gravel, water and mix it until the packaging disperses and mingles with the final product, and the quality of concrete is maintained. 
This innovation increases the productivity of concrete artifact producers and is aligned with the sustainability guidelines of Votorantim Cimentos and Klabin. “Contributing to a more productive and sustainable world is part of our DNA. Driven by innovation, one of the pillars of our Sustainability Commitments for 2030, we tirelessly seek solutions that meet the needs of our clients and also bring environmental and social benefits,” said Hugo Armelin, director of Sales, Marketing and Concrete Operations at Votorantim Cimentos.
The packaging is the result of joint efforts by the companies aimed at innovation. In this challenge, Klabin offers yet another solution that meets the needs of its clients, brings convenience to the lives of people and, most of all, respects the environment. “We have a team that is alert to market demands and acts proactively in pursuing smart and customized solutions that are aligned with the company’s sustainable management model,” said Paulo Kulaif, general manager of Sackraft Packaging at Klabin. Like other products developed by Klabin, the packaging is produced from renewable raw material derived from planted and certified forests.
The new packaging guarantees high performance, as well as easy handling and use in plastic concrete (with slump value of 10 or higher) and in horizontal or tilting concrete mixers. Water-dispersible sacks are not recommended for use with dry concrete or in vertical concrete mixers.
 

 Embalagem hidrodispersível desenvolvida pela Votorantim Cimentos e Klabin.