Water use

Summary table

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

Water withdrawn from sources (m³)

The volume of water withdrawn in 2025 was 3.63% lower than in 2024, primarily due to the positive contribution of the Monte Alegre Unit, which reduced water withdrawal for its industrial operations by nearly 15%. This improvement was driven by targeted process optimization measures and, most importantly, by strengthened monitoring and measurement systems, which enhanced data reliability and operational control.

GRI-303-4

Water discharged by source (m³)

Note 1: Water-stressed areas are included in the total areas.

Note 2: Total includes surface water discharge + third-party water discharge.

The volume of water discharged in 2025 was approximately 1.80% lower than in 2024, primarily due to the reduction in the volume of water withdrawn by the Company during the year.

GRI-303-4

Substances defined and analyzed in discharges

Industrial facilities monitor the effluents they generate by analyzing relevant parameters against the limits established by applicable federal, state, and municipal regulations. Certain parameters, such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) and BOD removal efficiency, are prioritized because they provide insights into the biodegradability of organic matter in the effluent. Phosphorus levels are also prioritized for pulp and paper mill effluents. These indicators are regularly assessed against international benchmarks, such as the guidelines established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). For pulp mills, for example, a specific water consumption rate of 20–100 m³/t is considered adequate, whereas Klabin’s pulp operations reported a rate of 2.4093 m³/t. Similarly, the Company’s paper operations reported a rate of 4.4394 m³/t, significantly below the 10–50 m³/t reference range considered adequate for paper mills.

All Klabin units monitor the flow rate and quality of effluent generated by their operations, both before and after on-site treatment. The main parameters analyzed include pH, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), total and ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphorus, and settleable solids, among others, to assess the efficiency of the effluent treatment plants.

When results fall outside established targets, the unit requests a re-analysis of the sample and initiates a multidisciplinary investigation to identify the root cause. Following this assessment, a structured action plan is developed to address the issue and monitor its resolution, in accordance with the methodologies defined by each unit. All units have dedicated teams responsible for the operation and monitoring of water and effluent parameters.

Self-monitoring is conducted regularly, enabling comparisons between third-party and internal results. If a decline in efficiency or a deviation in any monitored parameter is identified, the operational teams take immediate action to investigate and address the root cause.

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

Water consumption (m³)

Note: Water-stressed areas are included in the total areas.

Klabin’s water consumption (water withdrawn minus water discharged) decreased by 17% between 2024 and 2025. This indicates that Klabin is reducing water losses during the production process through projects aimed at optimizing water use, including initiatives for water reuse and the repurposing of effluents.

Throughout 2025, the Company maintained water consumption in water-stressed areas at less than 1% of its total consumption, representing a reduction compared with 2021, following the acquisition of five new operating units. Klabin continues to prioritize solutions aimed at increasing operational productivity and improving water-use efficiency per unit of production.

Percentage of water used derived from reuse

Percentage of plants from water-stressed areas

Percentage of water withdrawn in water-stressed areas

Percentage of water discharged in water-stressed areas

Percentage of cost of goods sold from plants located in water-stressed areas

Water consumption in water-stressed areas (million m³)

Note: The water consumption target for water-stressed areas is aligned with the Company's operational planning.

Currently, Klabin has six operating units located in water-stressed areas, where significant pressure is placed on local water resources. As a result, these units are subject to enhanced controls and monitoring of associated risks. Areas are classified as “water-stressed” when the baseline water stress level exceeds 20%—representing the ratio of water withdrawals to available water resources in the region—both under current conditions and in future projections for 2030 and 2040. This assessment is based on the WRI Aqueduct tool, which has been used across all of the Company’s operating areas since 2018.

Throughout 2025, the Company maintained water consumption in water-stressed areas at below 1% of its total water consumption, representing a slight reduction compared with 2021, following the acquisition of five new operating units. Klabin continues to prioritize solutions aimed at increasing operational productivity and improving water-use efficiency per unit of production.

In 2024, the methodology used to define the target for total water consumption in water-stressed areas was updated. The target is now based on individual-specific water consumption reduction indicators for each production unit, aligned to reduce water consumption in these areas by 2030. This indicator is used internally to guide efforts to reduce water demand across Klabin’s operations and serves as a reference for the Water Management Working Group.

In 2023, the Working Group—a multidisciplinary team comprising representatives from the Pulp, Paper, and Packaging business units, as well as the Industrial Environmental Responsibility areas—was strengthened through the inclusion of the Innovation, Research & Development, and Projects & Engineering departments. This expanded composition broadened the perspective and engagement of the industrial units and increased the visibility and organizational focus on the topic, supporting the Group’s objective of identifying opportunities to reduce water withdrawal and consumption across Klabin’s mills.

Number of cases in which the analyzed substances exceeded established limits

Flow rate, temperature, pH, COD, BOD, settleable solids, TSS, sulfides, phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen, and mineral and vegetable oils and greases—12 parameters in total—are monitored across all units based on their relevance. These constitute the minimum set of parameters required for all units under applicable federal legislation. Additional parameters are analyzed as required by the state legislation applicable to each unit.

SASB-RT-CP-140a.3

Number of non-compliance cases related to water discharge that resulted in formal actions

Industrial facilities analyze effluent parameters against the applicable limits established by legislation in each state and country to monitor the effluents they generate. Parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) and BOD removal efficiency are prioritized, as are Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and phosphorus concentrations in effluents from pulp and paper mills. These results are regularly compared with international benchmarks, such as those established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which considers specific water consumption of 20–100 m³/t adequate for pulp mills and 10–50 m³/t for paper mills.

The main parameters analyzed include pH, conductivity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), total and ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphorus, and settleable solids, among others, to monitor the performance and efficiency of wastewater treatment plants.

Self-monitoring is also conducted regularly, enabling comparisons between third-party and internal results. If a decline in efficiency or a deviation in any monitored parameter is identified, the operational teams take immediate action to investigate and address the root cause.

In line with its Sustainability Policy, Klabin integrates key environmental principles into its operations and strategies, consistently contributing to water conservation and water security. This commitment is reflected in initiatives aimed at conserving freshwater ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and promoting ecosystem balance in the regions where the Company operates. 

As part of its continuous improvement approach to water management, Klabin cascades the KODS target of reducing specific water consumption by 20% to all industrial units on an annual basis. Each unit’s target is monitored monthly through Critical Reviews (CRs), which assess indicator performance and track progress against continuous improvement action plans. 

In this context, Klabin continuously works to reduce water use and consumption through efficient water resource management and a commitment to responsible and sustainable water use. Its operational practices are guided by the prevention and reduction of environmental impacts associated with effluent discharges, with a focus on reducing and, where possible, eliminating potential water pollutants. These efforts contribute to the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of its operations. 

This strategic direction is also supported by the Water Conservation Plan, which integrates the Company’s strategic approach to water security and guides its short-, medium-, and long-term operations and commitments. The Water Conservation Plan follows a reporting methodology that encompasses governance structures, resilience strategies, risk and opportunity management, as well as targets and metrics. It serves as a framework for organizing and guiding the Company in defining action plans and mitigation strategies. In addition, Klabin manages community water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, with a focus on water security and water availability in the regions where it operates. 

Furthermore, in 2025, Klabin launched the Klabin Transforma (Klabin Changes) – Value Chain Program to assess the maturity of its suppliers and customers in managing water resources and responsible water use across their operations. Participating companies were selected based on an assessment of water stress in the regions where key business partners are located. The initial phase focuses on assessing maturity levels, while future phases are expected to include educational content and engagement initiatives to support stakeholder progress and foster positive water-related impacts throughout the value chain. 

The Company also promotes active stakeholder engagement through transparent dialogue, environmental education, and collaborative initiatives, thereby strengthening sustainable water management. These efforts support collective action and help amplify positive impacts across the regions where Klabin operates. 

In its forestry operations, Klabin applies the concept of “Hydro-Solidarity Management,” a pioneering methodology in the sector that seeks to balance timber production with water provision. This approach integrates different demands for water resources, taking into account the needs of surrounding communities and the ecological processes associated with micro-watersheds. Hydro-Solidarity Management is incorporated from the forest planning stage, which considers the characteristics of each micro-watershed and the water intake points serving communities located near forestry operations. This approach supports responsible, integrated, and collaborative water resource management. 

Water Risk Management 

Since 2018, Klabin has assessed all of its industrial operations located in water-stressed areas using the WRI Aqueduct tool, an internationally recognized benchmark for assessing water availability risks. An operation is considered exposed to water stress when its baseline water stress rating exceeds 20%, based on the ratio of water withdrawals to available water resources in the region, under both current conditions and future scenarios for 2030 and 2040. 

According to the WRI Aqueduct tool, Klabin currently has six industrial operations located in water-stressed areas. These operations belong to business units with relatively lower water intensity, while the Company’s pulp and paper operations—which account for the largest share of its total water withdrawals—are not located in water-stressed regions. This configuration reinforces Klabin’s strategy of aligning its operations with local conditions, taking into account the availability of natural resources and the specific characteristics of each business unit. 

The Company employs structured management systems to monitor and manage risks associated with its operations, including those located in water-stressed areas. These systems include, among other measures, monitoring water availability, rainfall levels in the regions where its facilities are located, and other relevant environmental variables. The objective is to anticipate potential supply constraints, support decision-making, and identify sustainable alternatives for water use, thereby mitigating potential impacts on operations. 

This monitoring is supported by the Water Management Working Group, which contributes to the strategic management of water resources and helps define preventive measures to mitigate risks and reduce impacts in the regions where Klabin operates. In 2023, the Working Group was restructured to broaden its scope and strengthen the involvement of industrial units, with the addition of the Innovation, Research & Development, and Projects & Engineering areas. This expanded structure has strengthened internal engagement and the integration of water-related considerations into operational decision-making. 

The work of the Water Management Working Group also directly contributes to water resource conservation, internal engagement, and greater awareness of the importance of responsible water use. The Group’s primary objective is to identify opportunities to reduce water withdrawal and consumption across Klabin’s industrial operations, thereby driving greater efficiency and sustainability. 

In 2025, Klabin kept water withdrawals from water-stressed areas below 1% of its total water withdrawals. In other words, the vast majority of the Company’s water withdrawals take place in areas with greater water availability, resulting in low exposure to water-related risks and reflecting a proactive, preventive approach to water resource management. The Company continues to pursue solutions that enhance operational productivity and improve water-use efficiency, guided by industry best practices and its commitment to water security and long-term sustainability. 

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

Klabin has a dedicated working group focused on implementing water reduction initiatives and identifying opportunities across all its units to reduce water withdrawal and consumption, while also improving water and effluent quality throughout the Company. The group brings together a multidisciplinary team comprising representatives from the Pulp, Paper, and Packaging business units, as well as the Research and Development, Innovation, and Industrial Environmental Responsibility areas. 

Klabin applies methodologies that assess potential impacts across the entire life cycle of its products, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Water Footprint Assessment in accordance with ISO 14046. These methodologies consider internal data and indicators related to relevant water-related impact categories, including acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, water use, and water footprint. The Company then uses the LCA framework to identify impact criteria and develop initiatives aimed at reducing the water footprint of its products. 

Treated effluents are monitored both internally and by third parties to verify compliance with all applicable legal requirements. In addition, Klabin’s units undergo periodic internal and external audits to assess the management system, including environmental control and management processes. At units with water-related environmental targets, these targets are linked to the employee profit-sharing program.  

Minimum effluent discharge standards are based on the municipal, state, and federal regulations applicable to each facility. Klabin also benchmarks its performance against the International Finance Corporation (IFC) indicators, which provide reference values for the pulp and paper sector. To establish maximum discharge limits, Klabin conducts studies on the dispersion of effluents and the self-purification capacity of the receiving water body, with the aim of defining limits that do not adversely affect the water body’s quality or volume.  

Additionally, as set out in Items 15 and 18 of Klabin’s Sustainability Policy, all units are required to manage water resources responsibly, pursue continuous improvement across their processes, and operate in compliance with applicable municipal, state, and federal environmental laws and regulations. This commitment is reinforced by the specific water consumption indicator, which is linked to the employee profit-sharing program. 

Regarding water quality, Klabin monitors 100% of water intake points across all its operations on a daily basis. Monitoring water volumes and parameters is essential for identifying opportunities to improve the quality of available water. These aspects are tracked through indicators, whose management has been consolidated on a dedicated platform since 2018, enhancing data traceability and facilitating ongoing monitoring. 

Objectives and goals 

Klabin’s objectives and targets go beyond compliance with existing public policies, seeking to improve water availability and quality for local communities. In addition to expanding water security initiatives across its areas of operation, Klabin has established targets to reduce specific water consumption at its industrial sites and expand “Hydro-Solidarity Management”—a collaborative approach to water resource management—across its forestry units. These efforts are intended to optimize water use and enhance water availability in the regions where the Company operates. 

Employee awareness-raising measures 

Klabin’s units continuously participate in the Superar Program, which uses a management methodology based on the Total Productive Management (TPM) model, with a focus on process efficiency. The program addresses areas such as energy and water consumption, as well as waste generation and disposal. Depending on each unit’s specific profile, awareness and training initiatives are implemented to capitalize on identified improvement opportunities and drive greater operational efficiency. 

In addition, Klabin offers the ENK Portal to all employees, providing sustainability-focused learning paths covering topics such as water and waste management, energy, and climate change mitigation, among others. These initiatives are designed to foster environmental education across the workforce. Klabin’s facilities also conduct annual campaigns to promote greater water efficiency in their operations, particularly during Environment Weeks.