Bracell Treasury Manager Fernando Branco has been appointed President of the Board of Directors of the Bahia Association of Forestry-Based Companies (ABAF) for the 2026–2028 term, strengthening the company’s role in one of Brazil’s most important forestry industry organizations.

The appointment comes as Brazil’s planted forestry sector continues to expand its contribution to renewable raw materials, sustainable pulp production and climate-focused forest management, with industry associations playing an increasingly important role in supporting collaboration between businesses, policymakers and local communities.

Leadership Transition Supports Forestry Sector Development

Branco brings more than 20 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry and has served for the past decade on ABAF’s Fiscal Council.

According to Bracell, his appointment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to responsible forest management, institutional cooperation and sustainable development across Bahia’s forestry value chain.

In his new role, Branco is expected to support dialogue among industry stakeholders, government agencies, local communities and civil society organizations while promoting policies that strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Brazil’s plantation forestry sector.

“The forestry sector plays a critical role in generating employment, supporting regional development, fostering innovation and contributing to environmental conservation,” Branco said following the appointment.

Brazil’s Planted Forest Industry Continues to Expand

Brazil remains one of the world’s leading producers of market pulp, eucalyptus fiber and specialty cellulose, supported by highly productive plantation forests and internationally competitive manufacturing capacity.

The forestry sector has become increasingly important to the country’s bioeconomy, supplying renewable raw materials for pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and cellulose-based products while contributing to export growth and regional economic development.

Industry organizations such as ABAF work with member companies to promote responsible forestry practices, improve sector competitiveness and encourage cooperation on environmental, regulatory and social issues.

Sustainable Forest Management Remains a Strategic Priority

Bracell, one of the world’s largest producers of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose, continues to invest in sustainable plantation management, biodiversity conservation and responsible land stewardship.

The company said its long-term sustainability strategy integrates commercial eucalyptus plantations with the conservation of native forests, protection of water resources and biodiversity management.

Bracell also noted that its forest management approach includes investments in research and development, carbon monitoring and environmental initiatives designed to support the transition toward a lower-carbon economy.

Community Engagement Complements Environmental Stewardship

Beyond forest management, Bracell said it continues to support community development programs focused on education, environmental awareness, income generation and local economic development in the regions where it operates.

According to the company, these initiatives have benefited tens of thousands of people across Bahia and form part of its broader sustainability strategy.

Forestry Associations Play an Increasingly Important Role

As demand grows for renewable fiber, sustainable packaging materials and certified forest products, industry associations are becoming increasingly influential in shaping forestry policy, promoting responsible land management and strengthening cooperation across the pulp and paper value chain.

For Brazil’s forestry sector, leadership within organizations such as ABAF is expected to remain important as companies respond to evolving sustainability expectations, climate-related commitments and growing global demand for responsibly sourced wood fiber.

Branco’s appointment reflects the sector’s continued emphasis on governance, stakeholder engagement and long-term sustainable development as Brazil reinforces its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of renewable forest-based products.

Last Updated on 30/06/2026 by Jota Machinery