Sustainability

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

Environmental

Thinking about the future of people and business

União Química, looking after the future of people and businesses, has always been attentive to the environment, developing initiatives that seek sustainable growth.

With an eye on the future of people and businesses, União Química has always been dedicated to preserving the environment, implementing initiatives that promote sustainable growth.

Além disso, a empresa busca constantemente a inovação em suas práticas, adotando tecnologias e processos ecoeficientes que minimizam o impacto ambiental de suas operações. Essa abordagem reflete o compromisso da União Química com a responsabilidade ambiental e a busca por soluções que beneficiem tanto a sociedade quanto o planeta.

Sustainability is a fundamental pillar in União Química's strategy, being integrated across all areas of the company. From waste management to reducing the consumption of natural resources, every decision is made considering environmental principles, aiming not only at economic success, but also at preserving the environment.

Raízes da União

Following União Química's Vision of “Being a reference in sustainable growth by expanding our portfolio of value-added products” and committed to leaving a positive legacy for present and future generations, in 2021 we launched the Raízes da União Program, which aims to plant 1 million trees in the states where we have manufacturing plants: São Paulo, Minas Gerais and the Federal District. The planting of native seedlings from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, also reaching water source areas.

The program also has an educational aspect that trains public school teachers to include environmental issues in the curriculum, impacting students and the local community.

For the initiative with the planting carried out by the program, União Química was recognized with the Green Company certificate by the Secretariat for Green and Environment of the city of São Paulo.

Check out more about the Program at: raizesdauniao.com.br

Upon turning 85, he launched the Roots of Union program, which aims to plant 1 million native trees within 5 years.

Water and Effluents

Water is an important input in the industrial production process and, therefore, in all of the company's manufacturing units this resource undergoes a careful operation that assesses everything from the definition of collection systems to treatment, reuse and appropriate disposal.

União Química's environmental teams carry out awareness-raising actions regarding the use of natural resources, aiming to provide guidance on reducing consumption, as well as environmental education activities within the manufacturing plants.

Effluents also receive professional attention to optimize their disposal. At the manufacturing unit located in Guarulhos, the liquids generated during production are treated at the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and after this process, the water is stored in tanks and reused in the unit for non-potable purposes.

Waste Management

Energy

Just like water and the correct disposal of production waste, energy efficiency is a central theme in the pillars of sustainable actions of manufacturing plants. Action plans are created based on the operational reality of each União Química factory, through indicators that guide actions to adapt consumption, savings parameters and even the indication of investments in adequate energy inputs.

The energy project, which is currently under implementation, seeks to transform 100% of the energy consumed in the company's manufacturing plants into energy from suppliers that use and encourage the use of clean and renewable sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. The supply will be provided by CEMIG, one of the largest energy companies in the country, which certifies, with CEMIG REC, the companies that have made this change.

Water and Effluents

Waste Management

União Química develops management of waste generation in its production ecosystem. Among the actions are packaging control, the strategy for improvements in digital leaflets, and reverse logistics for collecting medicines and packaging. The company has adopted the system for the conscious disposal of medicines intended for animal use, an action that is already being implemented in the state of Paraná.

The management of hazardous waste disposal is carried out following appropriate protocols that provide for the correct disposal of these materials with certified and qualified companies.

The goals for monitoring and reducing waste generation include the correct disposal of these materials and the adaptation of internal processes, following the guidelines of the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS).

Furthermore, the engagement of over 7,600 employees is also part of the company's actions, which launched an internal series on “Conscious Consumption” to work on ways to reduce and save resources in everyday life, sharing good initiatives from the various plants and bringing employees into the spotlight. The internal content addresses the consumption of plastic, energy, sustainability issues, the environment, among others.

Energy

Sustainability Report

Check here - Annual Report 2022
Check here - Annual Report 2023

The Report presents the main financial, social, environmental and governance highlights, prepared based on the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) Standards.

Corporate Environmental Policy

União Química is committed to ensuring the safety and health of its employees, in addition to preserving the Environment, and adopts the Corporate Policy on the Environment, Health and Occupational Safety, applicable to all its manufacturing units. Check it out here.