Veolia’s Advanced Water Regeneration Technologies Strengthen Environmental Security at Arauco’s New Pulp Mill in Brazil

Global pulp producer Arauco has selected Veolia, a global leader in water treatment technologies, to design and implement the industrial effluent treatment plant for its landmark Sucuriú Project in Brazil.

The project involves the development of a USD 4.6 billion pulp mill in Inocência, Mato Grosso do Sul, with an annual production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of short-fibre pulp. Scheduled to begin operations by late 2027, the facility will be the world's largest industrial facility built in a single phase.

Under the partnership, Veolia will deploy its advanced water treatment technologies to process 10,600 cubic metres of wastewater per hour, helping prevent pollution of natural water sources. The treatment capacity is equivalent to managing the organic load generated by a municipality of approximately three million inhabitants.

Advanced technologies for sustainable water management

Drawing on more than 50 years of expertise in the pulp and paper industry, Veolia will implement advanced, pre-engineered water regeneration technologies specifically developed for next-generation pulp and paper mills.

The treatment solution will incorporate Veolia’s Biofilm Activated Sludge (BAS™) process, combining Moving Bed Bioreactor (MBBR) technology with activated sludge treatment. This integrated approach enhances biological treatment capacity while maintaining a compact operational footprint.

The system will also feature proprietary belt presses for efficient sludge dewatering, helping optimise sludge production and final disposal.

These technologies are designed to deliver operational reliability, flexibility and efficiency while optimising investment costs and supporting the regeneration of vital freshwater resources.

A strategic partnership for environmental security

The collaboration brings together Arauco’s industrial expertise and environmental commitment with Veolia’s global water technology and engineering capabilities. Together, the companies aim to strengthen environmental protection, safeguard local water resources and support responsible industrial development across the region.

Leonardo Crociati, Executive Manager of Implementation for the Sucuriú Project at Arauco, said:

“The Sucuriú Project is the largest project built in a single phase in the world and represents a historic milestone for Arauco. An undertaking of this magnitude demands partners who share our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Choosing Veolia for our wastewater treatment plant reflects this vision, ensuring we operate under the highest standards of environmental compliance while creating shared value for Mato Grosso do Sul.”

Anne Le Guennec, CEO of Veolia’s Water Technology activities, added:

“Securing water resources and protecting local ecosystems have become essential to business continuity and sovereignty. This strategic partnership with Arauco exemplifies how our innovative technological solutions enable sustainable industrial production while safeguarding water resources, in perfect alignment with Veolia's GreenUp strategic program. We are proud to support Arauco’s journey toward more efficient and environmentally responsible operations.”

Through this strategic collaboration, Veolia reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative water solutions that support industrial performance, environmental security and the sustainable management of natural resources.