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Sustainability: Check out our projects and operations | Klabin
SUSTAINABILITY: WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES?
By definition, sustainability is the characteristic of a system capable of functioning and maintaining itself in the long term. In practice, being sustainable is finding ways to mobilize natural, economic and human resources without depleting them and hindering the survival of future generations.
The idea of sustainability was first related to ecological aspects, based on the understanding that the world’s natural resources are finite and their use requires a strategic balance. Then, the concept became broader and included various other factors. Therefore, a sustainable project integrates environmental, economic and social dimensions, ensuring ethical and inclusive processes.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY
Democratizing a sustainable way of life can change the future of the planet. After all, social and environmental responsibility is the key to stop the advance of climate changes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate economic inequalities. Thinking sustainably is the way for a fairer and more viable human existence.
In this journey, the private sector cannot be left out. For this reason, the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) acronym was created. The concept guides the commitments undertaken by companies to adopt good environmental, social and managerial practices, and sustainability has increasingly been part of their business plans. Companies began to adopt a series of policies aiming to build a greener and fairer future, focusing on renewable energy sources, reducing emission of pollutants, working for the well-being of nearby communities and striving for greater transparency in financial management.
ESG FOR KLABIN
Klabin is a global reference in sustainable development and it has a specific agenda focusing on it. Our work is based on the intelligent use of natural resources, using technology to ensure the sustainability and circularity of all our processes.
Klabin takes the ESG concepts seriously in all steps of the production chain: we work with suppliers committed to responsible social and environmental practices and invest in bioproducts that aim to replace non-renewable raw materials.
Also, our processes include social responsibility initiatives specially designed to improve the well-being of everyone involved in our operations and those who are directly or indirectly affected by them. Our employees and people residing in the communities nearby our forest and industrial areas receive support constantly.
As the leading company in the packaging market, for over 120 years Klabin has been demonstrating that financial development can be hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility.
Do you want to learn more about how we work towards a sustainable future?
SUSTAINABILITY TRIPOD
Have you ever heard of “sustainability tripod”? Learn more about this important concept:
Environmental sustainability
Environmental sustainability is about the responsible use and conservation of natural resources, such as forests, soil, water and land, and the preservation of native ecosystems. In other words, the idea of environmental sustainability is that human beings extract what they need to survive without degrading the environment. The concerns associated with environmental sustainability involve the correct disposal of waste, responsible use of water, preservation of endangered species, combating of illegal hunting and reduction of pollution. The concept is not limited to the moderate and responsible use of the existing resources, but also encompasses their regeneration, similar to what happens when new green areas and forestry zones are created.
Social sustainability
Social sustainability pertains to the human aspect of sustainable development. Its meaning is linked efforts for reducing inequalities, increasing the quality of life of communities, reducing crime rates and promoting well-being for people. Social sustainability initiatives aim to improve the quality of life of society as a whole. As such, they tend to encourage diversity, promote the strengthening of socially and economically vulnerable groups and increase access to education and job market, for example.
Economic sustainability
Economic sustainability is connected with responsible and equitable production and distribution of goods and services. In other words, it is the capacity to generate, distribute and mobilize financial resources while protecting environmental and social aspects. A government or company with policies targeted at economic sustainability will focus on intelligent and responsible financial decisions that will not produce severe negative impacts in the future. The goal here is to develop activities that are simultaneously profitable and committed to nature and individuals..
KLABIN’S MAIN SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS
The existence of a sustainable society requires the engagement of individuals, government and corporations. After all, substantial changes require all sectors of the economy to engage in responsible production.
At Klabin, we follow our Sustainability Policy, a document that describes our commitment to sustainable development. We consider the Sustainability dimensions in a broad concept: leadership and governance, environment (considering risk assessment and potential positive and negative impacts of and on the company’s operations), human capital, social capital (which, in addition to risk assessment and the aforementioned impacts, includes human rights aspects, which are key in all our relationships), business model and innovation.
In our processes, we engage all stakeholders subject to our impact and influence, such as direct and indirect employees, shareholders, communities, biodiversity, business partners (suppliers and clients), government agencies, financial entities and charitable organizations, among others. And we expect their representatives to adopt similar commitments and conduct, promoting sustainable development across the value chain.
In the context of social sustainability, the communities living nearby our units grow with us. Our social initiatives are based on four pillars: Citizenship, Local Development, Environmental Education and Culture. To learn more, visit our Community and Society page.
All this ESG structure translates as a highly efficient economic performance. In 2021, our Adjusted EBITDA, excluding non-recurring effects, amounted to R$6.8 billion, as shown is Klabin’s Sustainability Report. In addition, the power of our sustainable economy is demonstrated by the superior quality of our products, the strong growth of our results and the trust of our investors.
KLABIN’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Some of our most impressive positive impacts derive from the Company’s firm commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as part of its climate management plan. Our activities also focus on active maintenance of biodiversity in the areas of our operations.