In the month celebrating World Environment Day, observed on June 5th, Suzano — the world's largest pulp producer and a global benchmark in manufacturing bioproducts developed from eucalyptus — highlights a significant initiative by its Bahia Forestry Unit, in partnership with Baterias Moura, which enables the recycling and reuse of lead-acid batteries used in forestry operations, preventing improper disposal of the material.
“Unserviceable batteries from forestry machinery maintenance must be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Through the partnership with Baterias Moura, via the Moura Environmental Program (PAM), Suzano returns end-of-life batteries to the manufacturer, which will reuse plastic and critical metals in the industry's production process. Returning this material ensures an economic return for the company and also complies with environmental legislation,” explains Suzano's Forestry Environmental Analyst, Naiara Stupp Andersen.
The Project
The lead-acid battery reverse logistics project began a year ago at the Maintenance Centers in Teixeira de Freitas and Mucuri, but has already been replicated in other Suzano units, such as in Mato Grosso do Sul, and the expectation is that it will also be extended to other units. The initiative complies with the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) and is part of Suzano's sustainability and circular economy strategy, especially in forestry operations.
“For over 40 years, Moura has been involved in the circular economy process, which is part of our business model and directly connected to our purpose. Our focus is to transform waste into new resources, responsibly and integrated into our operations. This battery reverse logistics process is an industry example and
practically translates our environmental culture, which constantly seeks to innovate to generate sustainable value for the business and society,” emphasizes Flávio Bruno, Moura's Director of Procurement, Metals, and Sustainability.
"For Suzano, this connects to ESG goals and the reduction of environmental impacts from operations, including proper waste management in environmental compliance. Battery reverse logistics is fundamental to ensuring a more sustainable product life cycle, as it allows these components to return to the production process after use, minimizing environmental impacts and promoting the circular economy, thereby reducing the need for natural resource extraction," concludes Naiara Stupp.
See how Suzano's forestry machinery battery reverse logistics works:
· Use in forestry operations - Forestry machinery and other equipment use lithium batteries for electrical power and traction.
· End of useful life - When the battery loses performance or reaches its charge cycle limit, it cannot be disposed of as regular waste because it contains potentially hazardous metals and chemical components.
· Collection and return to manufacturer - Moura collects these batteries through its reverse logistics network, which includes certified units and specialized transport.
· Sorting, reuse, and recycling - Depending on the battery's condition, some modules can be reused; electronic components can be recovered; metals and internal materials undergo industrial recycling; hazardous waste receives appropriate treatment.
· Circular economy - Part of the raw materials return to the production chain, reducing: the extraction of new minerals; carbon emissions; risk of environmental contamination; and the volume of industrial waste.