Focusing on sustainable production, environmental compliance, and income generation, the Klabin Transforms - Social Forests program has already impacted over 1,000 family farmers in the region


Antonio Sardanha is one of the farmers supported by the Social Forests program

Paraná, August 29, 2025– Klabin highlights the progress and impacts of the Klabin Transforms - Social Forests program, which for nearly a decade has been promoting the sustainable development of small rural producers in municipalities of Paraná. Created in 2015, the program, which combines training, technical consultancy, guidance for environmental compliance of properties and production diversification, is carried out in partnership with the Association for Preservation of the Environment and Life (Apremavi), Sebrae, and the municipal governments of 11 cities surrounding the company's operations within the state.

A survey that interviewed 310 farmers clearly illustrates the program's success. Of these, 67% increased food production, 57% had an increase in income and 46% expanded sales channels, including direct sales to companies and supply through regional cooperatives. The program also stands out for the improvement in environmental management for 86% of producers and the reduction in the use of pesticides for 58% of them.

“With a 93% approval rating among participants, Klabin Transforms - Social Forests goes beyond technical support. The project creates opportunities for farmers and reinforces the strategic role of family farming in food security, environmental conservation, and the development of local economies,” says Maria Harumi, Social Responsibility and Community Relations Manager at Klabin.

The strength of cooperativism in family farming

In addition to direct support for individual farmers, the program also works to strengthen cooperatives, promoting greater autonomy, marketing opportunities and production scale. An example of this work is the creation of the Association of Family Farming Cooperatives in the Central North region of Paraná (CCN/PR), formed by around 900 producers from 40 municipalities.

Combined, the cooperatives served by the program generated sales of more than R$9 million last year. In 2025, CCN/PR resumed the contract with the company Sapore to supply fresh produce to the cafeterias of Klabin units in Ortigueira, Monte Alegre, and Florestal.

“The program opened doors to new opportunities to distribute our products, which was fundamental for the growth of our cooperative and for serving large companies such as Klabin,” reveals Vivian Santos, a farmer from Imbaú, president of CCN/PR and a participant in the Social Forests since 2015.

Another example of success is Antonio Sardanha, from Sapopema (PR). With roots in family farming, the producer saw the initial difficulties give way to a new reality on his property. Antonio's family used to produce for their own consumption, but now their production is sold in the region. Currently, tomatoes are their main product, but they plan to expand the variety with organic green beans and strawberries.

"The main gain was the technical knowledge. We learned from other producers, learned about new practices and received support. This made all the difference for our soil. With the support of Social Forests and the cooperatives, we are once again producing with confidence," the farmer concludes.

Social actions such as the Klabin Transforms - Social Forests program contribute significantly to the fulfillment of the Klabin 2030 Agenda, called KODS – Klabin’s Sustainable Development Goals, which seeks to strengthen the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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