Veracel is a high-performing asset central to Stora Enso’s strategy
Veracel stands out as one of the most competitive pulp assets on the global market. Its vertically integrated operations, spanning fast-growing eucalyptus plantations, modern pulp production facilities, and efficient logistics, enable cost-efficient operations.
“With eucalyptus rotations as short as 7–8 years and an average transport distance of approximately 60 kilometres for the wood sourced from Veracel’s own forests, the company operates with high efficiency. Veracel provides sustainable, high-quality fiber that’s critical for the packaging segment and selected customer applications,” explains Antink.
Eucalyptus fiber is a valuable complement to Stora Enso’s Nordic fiber base. Its fast growth and excellent formation properties make it well-suited for applications like packaging and tissue. As part of a diversified fiber portfolio, eucalyptus supports long-term supply security and adds flexibility in meeting global demand for renewable materials.
One of Veracel’s greatest strengths is its joint operations model. The governance structure ensures deep collaboration between Stora Enso and Suzano, not only at the board level, but throughout the organisation via sustainability, forestry, and operational committees.
“What’s remarkable is the sense of shared purpose,” says Antink. “It doesn’t feel like two companies owning a stake – it feels like one team. That unity translates into smarter decisions and stronger outcomes, especially in a complex and diverse region like Bahia.”
A long-term commitment to local communities and a leader in environmental stewardship
Operating across 11 municipalities in southern Bahia, Veracel has maintained a proactive and sustained dialogue with Indigenous peoples, landless rural workers, and traditional communities. Its social initiatives are aimed at building self-reliance through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship. A recent initiative helps families earn income from cultivating native weeds used to produce essential oils, which are high-value products sold on the market. Another long-standing program supports community-based bee farming, enabling local families to generate additional income through sustainable honey production while promoting biodiversity and healthy forest ecosystems.
“Veracel works through structured partnerships, not handouts,” Antink emphasises. “Every social project is built around clear goals and long-term impact. It’s about creating lasting, dignified livelihoods.”
The same long-term, impact-driven approach also defines Veracel’s environmental strategy. Since its inception, the company has followed a 1:1 land-use commitment, ensuring that for every hectare of eucalyptus planted, one hectare of native Atlantic rainforest is conserved.
In May 2024, Veracel signed a landmark agreement with Biomas to restore 1,200 hectares of degraded land, with financing linked to the future sale of carbon credits. This initiative is set apart by its 100-year conservation period, along with Veracel’s long-term commitment to monitor and maintain the restored areas over the entire duration.
“Our aim with this initiative is to show that biodiversity restoration can be both scalable and economically viable,” says Antink. “It’s a nature-based solution with real market value and long-term ecological benefits.”
Continuing the journey after two decades of impact
As Veracel celebrates two decades of pulp production, it continues to evolve. In a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, but also social complexity, Veracel remains committed to balancing productivity with purpose.
“Sustainability isn’t an add-on for Veracel, it’s part of the business model,” Antink concludes. “The stability, trust, and performance we’ve achieved over 20 years are the result of listening deeply, acting responsibly, and partnering with integrity.”
For Stora Enso, Veracel is not just a success story of the past 20 years; it’s a foundation for the decades ahead. A cornerstone asset in the journey to create renewable solutions for a circular bioeconomy.
Read more:
Veracel Mill - About us | Stora Enso
Biodiversity indicators for plantations - Biodiversity | Stora Enso
