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Circular economy

Circularity is part of the nature of the sugar-energy sector. Through best practices, Raízen stands out in this model.

Our production process employs a circular economy—a model that consists of the reuse, recovery, and recycling of materials and energy. It all starts in the sugarcane field, which incorporates sugarcane by-products into the soil, maximizing new harvests and closing the cycle.

A circularidade faz parte da natureza do setor sucroenergético. Por meio das melhores práticas, a Raízen é destaque nesse modelo.

MANAGEMENT OF BY-PRODUCTS AND THE OPTIMIZATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AT RAÍZEN ARE BASED ON THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR PROCESSES, ENSURING GREATER VALUE CREATION AND CONTINUITY OF THE BUSINESS. 

Sugarcane bagasse is used to generate bioelectricity, which guarantees the energy self-sufficiency of our mills.

Bagasse is also used to produce Pellets are produced using biomass and have a smaller carbon footprint than their conventional substitutes (coal), in addition to being 100% renewable. (E2G), an innovative example of applied bioeconomics and sustainability. 

Filter cake and vinasse are used to produce biogas, another renewable energy source.  

Ashes, filter cake, and vinasse are used as natural fertilizers, i.e., they reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and return to the soil, closing a nutrient cycle.

Pellets are produced using biomass and have a smaller carbon footprint than their conventional substitutes (coal), in addition to being 100% renewable.

Circularity in water management - ReduZa

Using the circular economy as a tool to do more with less, we work on our water management, seeking greater resilience for our business and reducing our environmental impact on resources related to water management. 

With this in mind, we assumed a proactive stance and created ReduZa - Raízen's water management program

Using practices such as

  • Reduced withdrawal of water from external sources by making greater use of the water contained in the sugarcane.
  • Investment in technology and good reuse practices within industrial units. 
  • Search for a smaller water footprint in all our products.


ReduZa is structured around 3 pillars:

  • Reduce water consumption in production processes through a continuous search for best practices and team engagement.
  • Promote the benefits of reducing water withdrawal and energy use. 
  • Advance always, focused on sustainable management.  

The success of the program is due to its advanced management and senior management engagement. Our results are as follows:

MORE RESILIENCE:

Since ReduZa was created, we have become less dependent and saved 27 billion liters of water not withdrawn, compared to spending prior to the creation of the program.

LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

For our Raízen partners, this means buying products that are proven to have a smaller water footprint.

Acknowledgment

Acknowledgment

In recognition, the program won the "Ground Breaking Innovations" category of the 8th edition of the Bonsucro Inspire Awards 2019—a renowned award for sustainable policies.