Suzano Begins Operation of New Pulp Mill in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

July 22, 2024 - Suzano on July 21 started operations at its new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

The new pulp mill, which Suzano named "Cerrado Project" while under construction, has the capacity to produce 2.55 million tons per year of eucalyptus pulp.

The project is the result of a total investment of R$22.2 billion (US$4.3 billion), of which R$15.9 billion (US$3.1 billion) was earmarked for the construction of the mill and R$6.3 billion (US$1.2 billion) for initiatives such as the formation of the planting base and the logistics structure for the flow of cellulose.

"The successful completion of the Cerrado Project reflects the dedication and executional skills of each person involved in this grand and transformational project, and demonstrates the culture of excellence that permeates the entire organization, masterfully led by Walter Schalka over the past 11 years," said Beto Abreu, newly appointed CEO of Suzano. "His vision and ambition led the company to deliver a project within budget and that, at every stage, adhered to Suzano's core focus of supporting sustainability and having a positive local impact."

With the start of operations at the new unit, Suzano's installed pulp production capacity will increase from 10.9 million to 13.5 million tons per year, representing an increase of more than 20% over the company's current production.

Suzano also has the capacity to produce 1.5 million tons of paper per year, including sanitary paper, printing and writing paper, and packaging paper, among other items that use pulp as a raw material.

The construction of the Ribas do Rio Pardo Unit was announced in May 2021 and, at the peak of the work, more than 10 thousand direct jobs were created. With the start of operations, around 3 thousand people, including employees and third parties, will work in the industrial, forestry and logistics activities of the new unit.

Suzano is the world's largest producer of hardwood pulp and a global leader in the innovation and production of renewable, bio-based materials for consumer and industrial use.

SOURCE: Suzano