Suzano, the world’s largest producer of hardwood market pulp, has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the first annual Edie Net-Zero Awards. It was announced as the winner from a shortlist which included Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, DS Smith and Interface.
Suzano was recognized for its sustainable pulp manufacturing which has a carbon intensity (per tonne of production) one-third of the industry average, according to the Transition Pathway Initiative.
Suzano’s US$2.8 billion Cerrado Project, one of Brazil’s largest private sector investments, is set to become the world’s largest single-line pulp plant by 2024, operating entirely fossil fuel-free through advanced biomass gasification. This initiative demonstrates Suzano’s longstanding commitment to sustainable innovation, exporting 180MW of surplus clean energy to Brazil’s grid while minimising environmental impact.
The company’s 16,000 km2 of sustainably managed eucalyptus farms provide a deforestation-free source of raw material for its pulp production. Not only does this meet global demand for renewable biomaterials, but also contributes to Suzano’s Commitments to Renewing Life which include the goal of removing 40 million tons of CO2 by 2025.
Suzano was honoured alongside 15 other winners which included Whitbread, the UK Government’s Environment Agency and Formula E. The new edie Net-Zero Awards have been created to recognise and reward the individuals and organisations that are spearheading the transition towards a net-zero carbon economy. Judges selected winners who are innovating, collaborating and inspiring others across the value chain to accelerate the net-zero transition.
Edie is an industry-leading, purpose-driven business media brand read by sustainability, energy and environmental professionals.
Commenting on the award, Walter Schalka, Suzano’s CEO said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as Manufacturer of the Year at edie’s Net-Zero Awards. Whilst this is an award for Suzano, we believe that tackling the climate crisis demands global cooperation where businesses recognise their impact on the environment, and collectively and individually drive solutions to achieve a more sustainable future.
“We are constantly seeking to improve our operations at every stage, from our tree planting to the manufacturing process, working with local communities, customers and suppliers, but we know that we, alongside others, still have more to do to solve the challenges of the climate crisis, and we can only do this together.”
A case study on Suzano’s winning entry can be found on Edie's website.