Brazil's Suzano and Mato Grosso lawmakers unveil new environmental initiatives on World Environment Day

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, announced a partnership with Baterias Moura to collect and recycle lead‑acid batteries used in its forest‑machine operations in Bahia. The program, part of the company’s circular‑economy strategy, returns spent batteries to the manufacturer for re‑use of plastics and critical metals, expanding from pilot sites in Teixeira de Freitas and Mucuri to other units such as Mato Grosso do Sul. Analyst Naiara Stupp Andersen said the initiative “ensures environmentally correct disposal and generates economic return while meeting solid‑waste legislation.”

In Mato Grosso, the state legislative environmental commission approved several bills aimed at protecting the Pantanal, restoring waterways and safeguarding wildlife. Measures include a permanent protection statute for the Pantanal, the creation of ecoducts to allow safe animal crossings, and a program to combat river pollution. Deputy Eduardo Botelho highlighted the commission’s role in “strengthening actions for resource preservation and balancing environmental and economic development.” These actions were presented during a series of meetings and a public hearing timed with World Environment Day.