The evolution of industry is shaped by the interplay between technology, environmental responsibility, and people development. In this interview, Diorgenes Bertolin discusses how Guararapes is advancing this journey and preparing its operations for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Diorgenes Bertolin, Industrial Director at Guararapes

1. In recent years, how has the pursuit of more eco-efficient operations driven the evolution and investment in Guararapes’ industrial processes?

We have continued to advance our plywood and MDF operations, with investments aimed at combining production efficiency, technology, and reduced environmental impacts. In plywood production, for example, one of our latest initiatives was the renewal of the forklift fleet at our Palmas facility, replacing combustion-powered equipment with electric models. In addition to improving efficiency, safety, availability, and operator comfort, this change will help reduce air emissions, particularly because Brazil’s electricity mix is one of the most renewable in the world, with hydropower accounting for the largest share of generation.

This pursuit of eco-efficiency also extends to how we use essential production resources. Regarding water, our focus is on reducing withdrawals from natural sources by expanding reuse and recovery within the industrial process itself, including through rainwater collection ponds and tanks. In our energy mix, wood biomass plays a central role, as this renewable source accounts for approximately 87% of the energy consumed by the company and is used to generate the heat required to manufacture plywood and MDF.

In our MDF operations, one of the most significant developments in this journey was the implementation of Line 3, which combined advanced technology and solutions focused on environmental efficiency. In addition to doubling our MDF production capacity, reaching a nominal capacity of 1.14 million m³ per year, the new line features a closed-loop evaporation system that recovers water from the wood and converts it back into steam for reuse in the process.

All these developments are supported by our environmental management system, which has been ISO 14001-certified since 2020 and guides impact monitoring, target-setting, and the continuous improvement of eco-efficiency across our operations.

2. How does Industry 4.0 go beyond automation and translate into our day-to-day operations at Guararapes?

A good example in our plywood operations is the development of PlyControl, an internally developed platform designed to integrate information that was previously distributed across different stages of production.

The solution connects data from raw material receipt through to the finished product, consolidating production, quality, inventory, and operational performance information in a single environment. By eliminating manual production records, it has reduced the time and resources required for data entry, while making data capture faster and more reliable.

PlyControl also integrates information from the Palmas and Santa Cecília facilities into a single database using standardized methods. This enables consistent comparisons between operations, facilitates the identification and replication of best practices, and strengthens plant management.

Another important gain was the elimination of discrepancies in production records, which previously created difficulties during the closing process and compromised the reliability of management information. With data recorded in an integrated, real-time system, teams now have a more reliable basis for monitoring deviations and making decisions.

In addition, the platform strengthens product traceability, particularly for export products, and ensures full compliance with applicable quality programs and requirements, including PS1-22, CE System 2+ FPC, BBA, UKCA, AS/NZS, and FSC.

PlyControl therefore represents more than an automation tool: it is a management system developed with Guararapes’ DNA, tailored to integrate processes, improve the quality of information, and support the people who manage our operations every day.

3. In an increasingly automated and connected industry, what role do people play in the evolution of Guararapes’ operations?

As we advance in automation, digitalization, and the use of data, we also need to prepare the people who make decisions across our operations every day. That is why we have been gradually strengthening our Lean Manufacturing practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We started several years ago with more targeted initiatives, such as Kaizens, forming small groups to analyze bottlenecks, identify the causes of problems, and develop solutions.

Over time, this work has increasingly involved our operational leadership. Through development initiatives such as the Lidera Program, coordinators and supervisors have been trained in analysis, problem-solving, and root cause identification tools. The goal is to move from a predominantly corrective approach toward management that can identify deviations, address their causes, and prevent the same problems from recurring.

Now, our focus is on increasingly embedding these practices into our daily operations, where improvements really happen. We are strengthening the monitoring of indicators, PDCA, visual management, and operational review meetings, encouraging teams to pursue continuous, incremental improvements. This process requires consistency, as we want to develop people who can analyze processes critically and contribute every day to a more efficient and sustainable operation.

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4. Line 3 was one of the largest industrial investments in Guararapes’ history. Beyond increasing production capacity, what changes did it bring to the way the company operates?

Line 3 is among the most modern in the world, combining high productivity with sustainability. As I mentioned earlier, one of its key features is the closed-loop evaporation system, which reuses residual water to generate steam for the chip-cooking process, eliminating the need for potable water and reducing liquid waste generation.

It also brought a high level of flexibility to the operation, allowing us to work with a product portfolio designed to meet different needs. The line produces panels ranging from 2.5 mm to 45 mm in thickness, as well as different dimensions and resin types, serving both domestic and international markets. This ability to adapt is an important factor in our competitiveness.

5. In 2026, Guararapes’ environmental management became a corporate function. What are the main benefits of this change?

The corporate approach to environmental management allows us to take an integrated view of Guararapes. We can now leverage the best practices developed at each plant and apply them across the others, strengthening knowledge sharing and accelerating the evolution of our processes.

We are also advancing the standardization of targets, indicators, suppliers, and practices, including waste management and disposal, as well as compliance with legal requirements. With consolidated data and common criteria, we can make more consistent decisions and continuously improve the company’s overall environmental performance.

6. Looking ahead, which areas of industrial development do you believe will have the greatest impact on Guararapes’ competitiveness and sustainability?

In the coming years, Guararapes’ industrial development will continue to be driven by Industry 4.0, with further advances in automation and the adoption of increasingly advanced and connected equipment. We are developing a short-, medium-, and long-term investment plan for our facilities, ensuring that each decision is aligned with operational needs and the company’s growth strategy.

Three areas will be priorities within this plan: product development, cost reduction, and innovation. These pillars directly contribute to increasing our efficiency and strengthening Guararapes’ competitiveness in the markets where we operate. All of this will be pursued with sustainability always in view, seeking solutions that allow us to produce more efficiently, use resources more responsibly, and deliver consistent results over the long term.

Learn more in the 2025 ESG Report, available here