Circular Economy in the Paperboard Industry: Ibema Cases

Transforming the economy and industrial processes with a focus on sustainable development has become paramount given the ever-increasing critical state we find ourselves regarding the use of natural resources. Companies need to be aware of their capacity to adapt and make the changes necessary. Circular economy initiatives are becoming more popular and call for well-defined players with motivation aligned with the purpose of circularity. Strategic orientation coupled with the definition of a consistent purpose are initial steps for identifying and building value paths that generate long-term results. Aligning corporate values and organizational culture with a systemic vision of the circular economy allows for engagement of both sides and improves communication within a project. Once companies execute their actions and decisions based on circularity principles, it is possible to see results evolve more easily. Valuing and further incorporating the use of renewables is a path that can help reduce society’s current impact on the planet. Brazil is already a major global player in renewable energy generation and highly productive in the cultivated forests sector. This context provides even greater long-term growth potential for projects of this nature. For Ibema, sustainability is already part of its DNA as the company is inserted in a market environment of regenerative value. Tree planting delivers a renewable feature through its very existence since part of the process is carbon sequestration, a positive social impact, as is the conservation of native areas and biodiversity. Additionally, the planted trees market is based on high-technology planting, management, control, and harvesting. This chapter presents two Ibema cases. Pursuant to a systemic strategic vision, circularity is incorporated to further reveal the benefits of using materials and processes from renewable sources, based on the bioeconomy. As a result, it is possible to develop product and service solutions under more favorable conditions for society, with better use of resources and less impact on the environment. In consonance with the business purpose and its values, it is possible to see strong determination to overcome the obstacles encountered during execution of the cases and that also helps give more importance to caring for the connections within the ecosystem where the players are fully engaged in the same objectives and, with this, walk hand in hand toward the evolution, continuity, and success of circularity-based projects.