THE CHANGING PAPER INDUSTRY: HOW TODAY'S EFFORTS WILL CREATE THE ROOTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW.

Sustainability is a very popular word and for quite a long time associated with environmental aspects. Nevertheless, three pillars support business sustainability: environmental, economic and social. In addition to rising concerns about resource shortages, sustainability actions aim to increase company revenues, as these actions avoid unnecessary expenses, minimize lost opportunities and generate process savings. The world is facing an unprecedented crisis and it is impossible to make any projections at this moment: What we do know is that companies determined to create a positive impact in a responsible manner will increase in value. Several indicators regarding the sustainability of processes were created to show investors which companies are committed to socioenvironmental responsibility, and guide decision-making in capital markets. Within this scenario, the paper industry offers recyclable and biodegradable products made from certified renewable resources. As a sector that requires large volumes of water and energy, possesses appropriate systems for treating its effluents, and requires high volumes of wood (and, consequently, large plantation areas), pulp and paper producers focus on boosting wood productivity per planted hectare, minimizing water consumption per ton of paper produced and optimizing cogeneration and energy usage. In terms of social and economic aspects, the sector creates jobs, income, local development, sociocultural investments and investments in research. The Human Development Index (HDI) curve of municipalities where forests are cultivated for the paper sector is growing faster than the Brazilian average. Consumption is inherent to human existence, regardless of the economic policy in effect. Paper products are easily integrated into circular economy chains, making them advantageous in relation to substitute products. The demand for high-quality recovered paper is rising, and the paper sector offers many possibilities to do business in this industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]