Bracell Maintains Halal and Kosher Certifications for Dissolving Pulp

Common certifications like ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environment, and ISO 45001 for health and safety address workplace accident prevention. Forestry certifications such as PEFC and FSC ensure sustainable plantation management and production traceability. Bracell Bahia holds unique international Kosher and Halal certifications for its specialty dissolving pulp used in food and pharmaceuticals.

These define dietary laws for Jews (Kosher) and Muslims (Halal). “Despite some similarities, these certifications cater to distinct religious audiences. What they have in common are some rules related to the slaughter and consumption of animals, traceability of inputs, methods and good manufacturing practices, as well as other specific requirements. While Kosher certification ensures that the development of ingredients in certain food products follows Orthodox Jewish dietary laws, called kashrut, Halal certification guarantees that the food was produced in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence,” said Meryellen Oliveira, Environment and Certifications Manager at Bracell Bahia.

She explained that Bracell's worldwide clients from diverse cultures demand precise manufacturing. "These are specific rules that apply not only to the food itself, but also to the manufacturing, packaging, and transportation processes, to ensure that there is no influence from other factors that could compromise the strict adherence to Jewish and Islamic dietary laws," she added.

Maintaining these certifications aids Bracell in external and internal markets. "The certifications bring competitive advantages, attest to the rigor of our production process, and contribute to the expansion of our global market," Meryellen noted, highlighting the vast Muslim market's relevance for global firms.

Bracell Bahia secured Kosher certification in June 2019 and Halal in 2017. Annual renewals occur via audits from accredited institutions with expert auditors and religious representatives. “We continuously work to offer a high-quality product, meeting the demands of our consumers. This is our great differentiator, since we produce special dissolving pulp for specialty applications, meeting the specific demands of our clients in Brazil and worldwide,” she concluded.