In 1997, the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Association (BRACELPA) was founded as the successor of the National Association of Pulp and Paper Manufacturers. The association is responsible for the institutional representation of the sector nationally and globally. BRACELPA’s headquarters are in Sao Paulo, Brazil. BRACELPA members account for all the Brazilian pulp production and approximately 80% of the Brazilian paper production. Internationally, BRACELPA participates in the CICEPLA – Latin America Pulp and Paper Industrial Confederation, ICFPA and Advisory Committee on Paper and Wood Products from FAO/UN (BRACELPA, 2011b).

BRACELPA has published a report on the performance of the Brazilian pulp and paper industry with respect to energy, environmental aspects and sustainable forest utilisation. It also publishes regular statistical reports (BRACELPA, 2011c). The report on the performance of the Brazilian pulp and paper industry describes the increased utilisation of black liquor and firewood in the energy mix of the Brazilian pulp and paper industry. The share of black liquor in the energy mix of the Brazilian pulp and paper industry was 68% and the share of firewood was 19%. The paper also states a paper recovery rate of 46% for the Brazilian pulp and paper industry (BRACELPA, 2011d).