Sustainable development is a driving element for agribusiness. From planning to practice, sustainability must be present in an increasingly transversal way. Acting with a smaller environmental footprint, through good practices and technology, is a demand from society, whether from those who consume, invest or produce.

The concern with the theme, with discussions since the 1970s, is now added to the way companies produce. The cultivation of sugarcane, which in more than 500 years represents an important economic, political and social contribution, is one of the most evolving in the promotion, above all, of sustainability.

For this, the continuous improvement of the operation is essential in the wake of the concern with the environmental agenda and with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices. From the conscious use of resources to the reuse of waste, from the management of water resources to the protection of biodiversity, from preventing fires to reducing emissions.

At BP Bunge Bioenergia, one of the largest sugarcane processors in Brazil, the 11 units work with the least possible environmental impact, fostering community development and emphasizing the energy transition. A future of clean energy and more sustainable production processes are the company's commitments to society.

In 2021, the company released the agenda “Our Commitments 2030”. Formatted according to the company's strategy and in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, it establishes actions aimed at climate change, energy efficiency, biodiversity, human capital and economic development. These are goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% in the production of ethanol, reducing the water used for industrial use by 10% and planting 2.3 million seedlings of native species.

Another important step, in 2022, was joining the United Nations Global Compact, which encourages a more sustainable global market. BP Bunge Bioenergia also has a permanent multidisciplinary Sustainability Committee to manage activities and initiatives related to the topic. In the 2021 2022 Sustainability Report, the company's indicators reflect a more sustainable evolutionary process.

The percentage of waste generated reused and/or recycled was around 86%. The total waste dropped 22% compared to the previous harvest. In terms of biodiversity management, 365 thousand native seedlings were planted in Permanent Preservation Areas and Legal Reserves, 45% higher than in 2019-2020.

In addition, to minimize environmental impacts, the company has a program to prevent and fight fires, using technology. In detection, it relies on satellite monitoring and recently started using high definition cameras in Pedro Afonso (Tocantins), Itumbiara (Goiás) and Ituiutaba (Minas Gerais). In 2024, all units will have the camera detection system.

Sugarcane is a fantastic crop and has great potential for sustainable use, mainly from its by-products, reinforcing the concept of a circular economy. Vinasse is one of the best known. At BP Bunge Bioenergia, it is used for fertilizing the soil, applied locally, present in 65% of the company's own 300,000 hectares, and also as fertigation, carried out by sprinkling.

However, adherence to sustainable commitments is a collective duty that also involves partners and suppliers. It is the role of the sugar-energy sector to engage and positively influence the operation to ensure that sustainability is present in all initiatives. At BP Bunge Bioenergia, 100% of new suppliers are selected based on socio-environmental criteria.

the sector sugarcane is at the forefront of sustainability. The activity is strategic from the point of view of food security, as it produces sugar, and highlights the energy transition, from bioenergy (ethanol and electricity from biomass), as a path to a low carbon economy, a challenge in the face of population growth. and increased demand for food.

Understanding this scenario is critical to creating long-term value. Clean technologies allied to an environmental commitment, through a close relationship with communities and socio-environmental bodies, will be decisive for sustainable development, a global and urgent commitment.