Water use

KODS 2030
 

Reduce the specific industrial water consumption by 20%

In 2025, Klabin recorded consistent progress in reducing water consumption per unit of production compared to the base year of 2018. This performance is mainly due to the optimization of the ratio between water withdrawal and water discharge, whose difference was decreased from 14% in 2024 to 10% in 2025. Combined with increased production, this operational gain contributed directly to the improvement in the specific consumption indicator.

This progress is the result of expanded awareness initiatives at all industrial units, combined with the implementation of projects aimed at improving water measurement and monitoring systems, reduction of water use in processes, and mitigation of losses and waste. As a result of these initiatives, the Company has reduced its total water withdrawal by 2% compared to 2024, even in the face of an approximate 5% growth in total gross production.

The Monte Alegre (PR) Unit reported a reduction of nearly 16% in water withdrawal for its industrial operations. This result was driven by specific process optimization actions and, mainly, by the strengthening of the monitoring and measurement system, which increased the reliability of information and operational control over water use.

The Piracicaba II Unit (SP), which began operations in 2024, made significant progress in its operational stabilization process throughout 2025, with substantial production increases, representing approximately 3% of the Company's total production. This increase in production, combined with the unit's low water consumption in relation to Klabin's total consumption, contributed to a reduction in specific consumption, even in a context of ramp-up operations.

In addition, the Ortigueira (PR) Unit maintained its consistent contribution to the Company's water performance. Approximately 90% of the water collected returns to the river as treated effluent, demonstrating high efficiency in the use of water resources and performance in line with industry best practices, in accordance with the assumptions established since the project's conception.

Operations will continue to be monitored systematically, with a focus on consolidating the gains already achieved and continuously identifying opportunities for improvement, ensuring compliance with the commitment to reduce specific water consumption by at least 20% by 2030. 

Performance for specific total water consumption (m³/ton)

*Until 2019, this indicator was not measured.

** New units acquired by Klabin in 2020.

Specific water consumption is calculated by taking the difference between water withdrawn and water returned to the environment, divided by the Company's total production. Therefore, and also because they are different types of production, businesses, and units, the figures above do not reflect the reduction percentage in specific consumption per unit or business. 

There was a 29.8% reduction in specific water consumption in 2023 concerning the base year 2018 in industrial operations. This significant reduction in the indicator was mainly influenced by the completion of the expansion processes (Puma II - Phase II) and the start of operations at the plant. It was expected that, with the implementation of Phase 2 (PM28) of Puma II (Paraná), Klabin's consumptive water use results would change, since the project is more efficient than the operations already in place. 

For the Correia Pinto Unit, there was a reduction in water withdrawal as well as a threefold reduction in disposal, impacting the increase in the consumptive use indicator. 

In Monte Alegre, the indicator was mainly impacted by changes in the production process and the temporary shutdown of PM1. 

At the Otacílio Costa Unit, there was a significant reduction in water withdrawal due to improvements made to reuse cooling water from the Lime Kiln bearings, replacing the use of water for log washing, along awareness actions regarding water use. 

KODS 2030
 

100% of the localities where we operate initiatives to increase territorial water security

Water use management and water security are monitored periodically at all Klabin industrial units. By using the WRI Aqueduct tool, the company assesses its direct operations located in areas of water stress. The results guide the prioritization of territories for initiatives aimed at strengthening water security, promoting responsible water use and encouraging the participation and engagement of local communities. Initiatives conducted in 2025:

• Implementation of new WWTPs (Wastewater Treatment Plants) and modernization of existing ones in Betim (MG), Itajaí (SC), Manaus (AM), Goiana (PE), and Horizonte (CE), resulting in the reduction/monitoring of the organic load of treated effluent and improved environmental performance of these operations.
• Active participation in Watershed Committees, including:
  • Tibagi River Committee (Ortigueira and Monte Alegre units),
  • Canoas River Committee (Correia Pinto and Otacílio Costa),
  • PCJ Consortium (Piracicaba I and II, and Jundiaí DI and TP),
  • Goiana River Basin Committee (PE).
• Klabin Transforma Caiubi – Environmental Education Program, whose central theme in 2025 was “Water Security.” The program trained 360 professionals from municipal education networks in communities near the Monte Alegre (Telêmaco Borba/PR), Ortigueira/PR, Suzano/SP, Otacílio Costa/SC, Lages/SC, Correia Pinto/SC, Angatuba/SP, Feira de Santana/BA, Suzano/SP, and São Leopoldo/RS units. It is also worth noting the partnership with the client Vita Coco, which enabled the expansion of the program to the municipality of Conde (BA) in 2025.

KODS 2030

100% forest operations under own management with hydrossolidary management

Klabin is a pioneer in adopting watershed management principles in its forest management operations. This approach seeks to balance forest production with water production, integrating the needs of communities, ecological processes and the business itself.

The process begins with forest planning, which considers micro-basins, including those responsible for providing water  to communities, as strategic management units. This vision allows for the implementation of forestry practices that promote water resource conservation and local water security. The annual target for this strategy is set each year, and the updated figure will be released in January 2026.

Percentage of plants in water-stressed areas

Percentage of water withdrawn from water-stressed areas

Percentage of water discharged in water-stressed areas

Percentage of cost of products sold corresponding to plants located in water-stressed areas

Water consumption in water-stressed areas

Klabin currently has six plants located in water-stressed areas, which undergo strict control and monitoring of associated risks. Areas are classified as exposed to water stress if their baseline is greater than 20%, compared to the current situation or future projections (2030 and 2040). This assessment is based on the WRI Aqueduct tool, which has been used in all areas of the Company since 2018.

Throughout 2024, the Company maintained its water use levels in areas of water stress below 1% of total use, down slightly from 2021, influenced by the acquisition of five new operational units. Klabin continues to prioritize solutions to increase the productivity of its operations and to optimize water use per unit of output. In addition, it is committed to developing initiatives as part of its Water Conservation Plan, to guide its operations and strategies in the coming years.

In 2024, the methodology used to define the goal for total water consumption in water-stressed areas was updated. The goal is now calculated based on individual indicators for specific water consumption reduction in each production unit, in line with the objective of reducing this type of consumption by 2030. This indicator is used internally to guide efforts to reduce water demand in Klabin’s operations, as well as serving as a benchmark for the Water Management Working Group.

In 2023, this working group, composed of a multidisciplinary team, including representatives of the Pulp, Paper and Packaging businesses, as well as the Industrial Environmental Responsibility Area, was reinforced by including the Innovation Area, Research & Development Area, and Projects and Engineering Area. This restructuring broadened the working group's vision and deepened the involvement of industrial units, as well as this topic’s engagement and visibility, contributing to the Company’s objective of identifying opportunities to reduce water withdrawal and consumption in its plants.

River flow and rainfall in different regions are monitored through a report, which is used to anticipate possible water shortages and seek alternatives to deal with the impacts. This is monitored by the Water Management Working Group, which also guides actions to prevent impacts.

Summary

GRI 303-3 SASB RR-PP-140a.1 SASB RT-CP-140a.1

Water withdrawal by source (m³)

The Company's overall specific water use (the amount of water withdrawn to produce one metric ton of output) decreased compared to 2023, mainly due to operational improvements in production processes.

The volume of water withdrawn in 2024 was 2.6% higher than in 2023, mainly due to increased production at the Pulp and Paper plants. This growth was driven by the startup of the new paper machine at the Ortigueira Plant in Paraná and increased production of paperboard for food packaging, which required an increase in water abstraction due to operational adjustments to enable manufacturing best practices.

At the Otacílio Costa Plant in Santa Catarina, there was a major reduction in water withdrawal as a result of improvements made to reuse cooling water from the lime kiln's support rollers for log washing, which helped promote awareness of efficient water use.

GRI 303-4

Water discharge by source (m³)

*Water-stressed areas are included in Total areas

**Total includes Surface water discharge + Third-party water discharge

In 2024, the volume of water discharged was 4.2% higher than in 2023, due to the stabilization of operations at the Ortigueira Plant in Paraná, following the installation of Paper Machine 28. The new operations at the site enhanced water use efficiency, increasing the amount of water reused and discharged. 

SASB RT-CP-140a.3

Number of incidents of water discharge noncompliance that resulted in formal actions

GRI 303-4

Substances defined and analyzed for disposal

Klabin's plants analyze parameters and respective limits established by applicable laws in each state and country as a benchmark for monitoring their effluents. Parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and BOD removal efficiency are priorities, as are Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and phosphorus concentrations in effluents from pulp and paper plants. The results are often compared to global benchmarks, such as IFC guidelines (20 to 100 m³/t for pulp mills and 10 to 50 m³/t for paper mills).

All Klabin plants monitor the flow and quality of effluents generated in their processes before and after internal treatment. The main parameters analyzed are pH, conductivity, total suspended solids, total nitrogen and ammonia, phosphorus and sedimentable solids, among other indicators used to control the effectiveness of effluent treatment plants.

In cases where results fall outside the established goals, the unit requests a reanalysis of the sample and initiates a multidisciplinary investigation to find the root cause of the problem. After this process, a structured action plan is created to rectify and follow up the issue, based on the methodologies defined in each unit. All plants have specific areas responsible for managing and overseeing water and effluent parameters.

Self-monitoring is carried out frequently, allowing third-party results to be compared with internal ones. If a downward trend in efficiency or a deviation in monitored parameters is identified, operational teams act immediately to identify and resolve the root cause.

GRI 303-5 SASB RT-CP-140a.1

Water consumption (m³)

Percentage of reused water used

Number of cases in which the substances analyzed were outside the parameters 

The parameters of flow, temperature, pH, COD, BOD, sedimentable solids, total suspended solids, sulfides, phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen, and mineral and vegetable oils and fats (12 parameters in total) are applied to all units, according to relevance criteria, and they are the minimum required for all units, in accordance with federal legislation. Other parameters are analyzed in line with the specific state legislation applicable to each plant. 

Water conservation is aligned with Klabin’s Sustainability Policy, which integrates essential environmental principles into its operations and strategies and reflects its commitment to conserving freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on preserving biodiversity and promoting ecosystem balance. The Company works continuously to reduce its abstraction and consumption of water, based on efficient water resource management and the prioritization of responsible and sustainable use. Its practices are focused on preventing and reducing environmental impacts related to effluents, in order to reduce and/or eliminate potential water pollutants. 

The Company remains committed to developing actions guided by its Water Conservation Plan – a document that organizes its water security management and serves as the basis for its operations and strategies in the coming years. At the same time, it manages water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in the community, focusing on water security and availability in the regions where it operates. It also promotes stakeholder involvement through active and transparent dialogue, environmental education and engagement with stakeholders, with a focus on sustainable water management. In this way, it furthers its commitment to transparency and sustainable governance, promoting collective action for resource management.  

In forestry operations, socially responsible water management is used. This pioneering approach in the sector is based on balancing wood and water production, integrating different water resource needs, including those of communities and ecological processes. Socially responsible water management begins with forest planning, taking into account micro-watersheds and water collection points in the communities where forestry units are located.  

Water efficiency (assessment of consumption, reuse, quality and effluents) 

The Water Management Working Group carries out actions to identify opportunities to reduce water withdrawal and consumption at all units and to improve water and effluent quality. 

Klabin uses the Life Cycle Assessment and Water Footprint (ISO 14046) methodologies, based on internal data and indicators related to the assessed water impact categories (acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, water use and water footprint). This information guides the definition of impact criteria in Life Cycle Assessments, supporting the development of measures to reduce the water impact of the Company’s products. 

Treated effluents are monitored internally and by third parties to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements. Klabin’s plants undergo periodic internal and external audits to evaluate their management systems, including environmental control and management processes. At units that have environmental goals connected with water resources, compliance is linked to employees’ performance-related pay. 

Minimum effluent disposal standards are based on the municipal, state and federal legislation applicable to each site. Klabin also compares its results with the indicators of the International Finance Corporate (IFC), which has benchmarks for the pulp and paper sector. In 2024, the Company remained below these recommended levels, which are 20 to 100 m3/t for pulp mills and 10 to 50 m3/t for paper mills. 

To determine maximum discharge limits, the Company conducts water dispersion and water body self-purification studies to assess and determine limits that do not cause changes in water quality and volume.  

As described in items 15 and 18 of Klabin’s Sustainability Policy, all units must practice responsible water resource management, seeking continuous improvement in their processes and adhering to municipal, state and federal environmental laws and regulations. This commitment is reinforced by the specific water use indicator, which is linked to all employees’ performance-related pay. 

Klabin monitors the quality of 100% of the water it withdraws in all its operations on a daily basis. Monitoring volumes and other parameters is important for identifying actions to improve the quality of available water. These aspects are tracked using indicators that have been consolidated on a specific platform since 2018, facilitating the traceability of information. 

Consumption performance analysis 

Throughout 2024, the Company maintained its water use levels in water-stressed areas below 1% of total consumption, down slightly from 2021, the year when it acquired five new operational units. As a result of water management during the year, the volume of reused water at Klabin represented approximately twice the volume of raw water withdrawn.  

Klabin’s water consumption (water withdrawal – water discharge) expanded by 8.8% compared to 2023, due to strategic planning adjustments and operational changes implemented in units. One hundred percent of the effluent from Klabin’s industrial processes is treated at its effluent treatment plants before being returned to water bodies or the local water company. 

The Company continues to focus primarily on solutions to increase the productivity of its operations and to optimize its water use per unit of output. 

Measures to raise employees’ awareness 

The Superar (“Surpass”) continuous improvement program is in place at Klabin’s industrial units, using a management methodology based on the Total Productive Management (TPM) model. Energy and water consumption and waste generation and disposal are some of the aspects covered by this initiative, which promotes awareness and provides training to harness identified opportunities for improvement, with a focus on operational efficiency, in line with each site’s profile. 

In addition, Klabin offers its employees access to the Portal Escola de Negócios Klabin (Klabin Business School portal), which includes training courses related to sustainability, covering topics such as water, waste and energy management, measures to combat climate change, and environmental education. Klabin’s plants also carry out specific campaigns each year to improve water efficiency in their operations, mainly during an annual Environment Week.