Veolia has played a crucial role in supporting Suzano, the largest pulp producer globally, by providing state-of-the-art industrial and demineralized water and effluent treatment systems for the new facility in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
This facility, poised to become the largest single-line eucalyptus pulp production site in the world, reflects our dedication to the industry. Operations commenced in the summer of 2024, with an anticipated annual output of 2.55 million tons of eucalyptus pulp, enhancing Suzano’s production capacity by over 20%.
Water treatment is essential in the pulp and paper manufacturing sector, as the process demands substantial quantities of high-quality water and complies with environmental standards for challenging effluents, including suspended solids, trace heavy metals, and organic materials.
These processes are crucial for companies like Suzano, which prioritize sustainable pulp production. This is vital for Brazil’s economy and guarantees a consistent supply of pulp for various products such as toilet paper, sanitary pads, diapers, pharmaceuticals, books, and other daily necessities worldwide.
The Brazilian Tree Industry reported that in 2023, Brazil achieved its highest-ever sales volume and revenue to China: 8.9 million metric tons of pulp valued at $3.8 billion.
The new industrial and boiler feed water treatment systems commissioned by Veolia for Suzano’s next-generation facility exemplify our commitment to efficiency and reliability.
They incorporate cutting-edge technologies for producing industrial process water and potable water, including Densator clarifiers, SP Pak filters, ZeeWeed* ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis. With a treatment capacity of 9,550 cubic meters per hour for industrial water and 80 cubic meters per hour for drinking water, this facility will ensure a dependable water supply for the largest pulp production plant in the world.
“Brazil is continuously expanding its role as a global pulp exporter, and to satisfy that demand, this new facility requires the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology,” stated Mauro Cruz, Senior Vice President for Latin America at Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions.
“Our specialists are well-versed in the specific requirements of the pulp and paper sector and have crafted solutions that empower our partners at Suzano to achieve pollution reduction and the regeneration of essential resources aligned with Veolia’s GreenUP strategic plan and ecological goals.”
Furthermore, Veolia has improved the plant’s effluent treatment through its Biofilm Activated Sludge (BAS™) process, an advanced technological approach that integrates the moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) method with activated sludge, followed by sludge dewatering belt presses.
The treatment of sludge produced during dewatering is also a vital aspect of Veolia’s solution. This innovative technology has set a benchmark in new pulp and paper facilities, providing high reliability, reduced civil construction expenses, and proven efficiency, ensuring adherence to local environmental regulations.
“The sophisticated effluent treatment process we’ve established can, when utilized effectively, prevent water pollution equivalent to the organic load generated by a city of 2 million residents,” explains Mauro Cruz. “This level of treatment protects the local ecosystem and conserves our crucial water resources.”
“Veolia’s capability to tailor their innovative technologies to satisfy our rigorous demands and specific needs, along with their ability to bring strong and dependable partners to the project, was a key factor in this initiative,” remarks Mauricio Miranda, Engineering Director at Suzano.
The technologies implemented at Suzano’s new facility feature the most sustainable innovations and processes in water treatment. The establishment of these water and industrial effluent treatment systems further underscores Veolia’s commitment to fostering an ecological transformation within the pulp and paper industry, allowing companies like Suzano to operate efficiently while reducing environmental impact and facilitating the regeneration of existing resources.
Source :Veolia
