Brazil: Argibem - Use of renewable biomass

The project focuses on making three ceramic factories, located in a region of great wealth and unique ecological characteristics of the Atlantic Forest, sustainable.

This project is composed of three small ceramic factories Argibem, São Sebastião and Vulcão, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where structural ceramic products, such as bricks, are produced to be sold in the regional market.

Looking for more sustainable practices, the mills have left aside the common practice of using fossil fuel, opting for renewable biomass from local reforestation activities wood waste and sawdust. 

This change to a more sustainable production process reduces GHG emissions. In addition, the project promotes the well-being of the communities. São Sebastião works in partnership with a local NGO that supports people with the HIV virus, donates milk for babies in charitable institutions. Argibem bought a specific truck to supply water to the local hospital, schools. The ceramics company has implemented an employment policy that favours the equality of all members of the community, employing women and people with disabilities in administrative positions and on the production line.

This project is estimated to reduce 20,814 tCO2e in 10 years. It is an externally verified project with VCS and Social Carbon certifications.

Area features - Argibem - Use of renewable biomass

Name of the country

 Brazil

Area (km2)

8.358.140

Population (million)

214,3

Income/capita (US$)

7.507

Life expectancy at birth (years)

72,8

Infant mortality rate <5 years (/1000 births)

13,9

Illiterate adult population (%)

5,7

Carbon footprint (ha/capita)

2,6

CO2 Emissions (ton/capita)

2,28