{"id":94955,"date":"2026-07-10T13:15:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T16:15:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/bp-sugar-mill-in-brazil-could-lose-certification-if-environmental-damage-is-proven\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T13:15:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T16:15:56","slug":"bp-sugar-mill-in-brazil-could-lose-certification-if-environmental-damage-is-proven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/bp-sugar-mill-in-brazil-could-lose-certification-if-environmental-damage-is-proven\/","title":{"rendered":"BP sugar mill in Brazil could lose certification if environmental damage is proven"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>UNDER INVESTIGATION<\/strong> by the Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office of Tocantins (MP-TO) for possible environmental damage, the Pedro Afonso Bioenergia mill, a subsidiary of BP Bioenergy located in the municipality of Pedro Afonso, Tocantins state, Brazil, could lose its RenovaBio certification if the allegations are confirmed and found to be related to certified areas or to information provided during the certification process, Brazil\u2019s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) confirmed to <strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>RenovaBio is the Brazilian government\u2019s national biofuels policy. It allows companies to trade a type of carbon credit known as CBIO (Decarbonization Credit) on Brazil\u2019s stock exchange (B3). CBIOs are calculated based on greenhouse gas emissions allegedly avoided by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, such as ethanol, in Brazil\u2019s energy matrix. In 2025 alone, according to the federal government, the financial volume of CBIOs traded reached BRL 2.4 billion.<\/p>\n<p>However, RenovaBio prohibits the certification of mills producing biofuels in areas where recent deforestation has occurred, since the clearing of native vegetation is Brazil\u2019s main source of greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"77670\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n<div data-id=\"17a659f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings='{\"background_background\":\"classic\"}'>\n<div>\n<div data-id=\"386385d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div>\n<h2>ASSINE NOSSA NEWSLETTER<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-id=\"6546917\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-id=\"8c2e333\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings='{\"button_width\":\"20\",\"step_next_label\":\"Next\",\"step_previous_label\":\"Previous\",\"button_width_mobile\":\"20\",\"step_type\":\"number_text\",\"step_icon_shape\":\"circle\"}' data-widget_type=\"form.default\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"form-field-email\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmail\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/label><\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"submit\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Submit<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Pedro Afonso Bioenergia\u2019s certification is valid until December 1, 2027. The MP-TO investigation concerns possible environmental damage at Fazenda Gorgulho, on the banks of the Tocantins River, allegedly caused by construction works related to a water pipeline intended to irrigate sugarcane plantations and supply the mill.<\/p>\n<p>The allegations include illegal landfilling in a Permanent Preservation Area (APP) and the destruction of natural springs. In addition, another complaint alleges the clearing of approximately 5,000 hectares of native vegetation\u2014the equivalent of about 7,000 football fields\u2014to establish irrigated planting areas.<\/p>\n<p>The MP-TO is awaiting the completion of two expert reports to determine whether Pedro Afonso Bioenergia\u2019s construction works caused environmental degradation at Fazenda Gorgulho.<\/p>\n<p><strong>:: Read also: Brazil prosecutors examine whether BP\u2019s ethanol plant caused environmental damage in the state of Tocantins ::<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In a filing submitted to the MP-TO, the company argued that the works at the farm are part of a duly licensed irrigation project, supported by environmental impact studies and water-use permits.<\/p>\n<p>The company reiterated the arguments contained in that filing in a statement sent to <strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong>, but did not answer questions regarding the impacts of the pipeline system or the allegation involving the clearing of 5,000 hectares (read the full response here).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong> found that the BP Bioenergy subsidiary\u2019s mill has recently supplied ethanol to Vibra (formerly BR Distribuidora), Ipiranga and Ra\u00edzen, Brazil\u2019s three largest fuel distributors. Asked about the case, Vibra said it had requested formal clarification from Pedro Afonso Bioenergia, while Ipiranga said the allegations presented in the report would be investigated internally. Ra\u00edzen declined to comment (read the full responses here).<\/p>\n<h2>ANP and certification body withhold certification details<\/h2>\n<p>Neither the ANP nor Benri, the auditing company accredited by the agency to certify the Pedro Afonso mill, told <strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong> whether Fazenda Gorgulho was included in the calculation of the facility\u2019s CBIO generation potential.<\/p>\n<p>That information is crucial because of RenovaBio\u2019s own rules. Under the program\u2019s criteria, only biomass produced on rural properties where no native vegetation has been cleared since November 2018 is eligible to generate CBIOs.<\/p>\n<p>The complaint under investigation by the MP-TO alleges precisely the large-scale clearing of native vegetation in planting areas linked to the Pedro Afonso Bioenergia mill.<\/p>\n<p>In an email response, the ANP said detailed information \u201ccannot be disclosed under the Access to Information Law because it involves personal data and\/or information protected by commercial, industrial or business confidentiality.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Citing \u201ccontractual confidentiality obligations,\u201d Benri also declined to provide the information to <strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong> (read the full responses here).<\/p>\n<figure><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\"src=\"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Petrobras_no_B_Laranjeiras_Rio_de_Janeiro-RJ2.jpg\" alt=\"Vibra (formerly BR), a fuel distributor with a history of purchasing ethanol from the Pedro Afonso plant, said it has formally requested clarification from the company regarding the allegations. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Petrobras_no_B_Laranjeiras_Rio_de_Janeiro-RJ2.jpg 900w, https:\/\/reporterbrasil.org.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Petrobras_no_B._Laranjeiras_Rio_de_Janeiro-RJ2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/reporterbrasil.org.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Petrobras_no_B._Laranjeiras_Rio_de_Janeiro-RJ2-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\"><figcaption>Vibra (formerly BR), a fuel distributor with a history of purchasing ethanol from the Pedro Afonso plant, said it has formally requested clarification from the company regarding the allegations. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Asked about the consequences if it were determined that sugarcane from an area affected by illegal native vegetation clearing, unlawful intervention in a Permanent Preservation Area, or another environmental violation had been used to calculate the eligible production volume, the ANP said it could revise \u201cthe eligible volume, the Energy-Environmental Efficiency Score (NEEA), the CBIO generation factor and, where applicable, the CBIOs themselves issued on the basis of the information originally declared.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to Eduardo Trevisan, an expert on agricultural supply chains and biofuels at Imaflora, RenovaBio measures the climate and energy performance of production but does not function as a comprehensive social and environmental certification. \u201cAn operation may be certified under RenovaBio while still presenting social or environmental problems that are not captured by the system,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n<p>Trevisan argues that the biofuels sector should be assessed beyond its carbon balance, with attention to impacts on water resources, native vegetation, communities and territories.<\/p>\n<p>Merel van der Mark, coordinator of the international Forests &amp; Finance coalition, argues that data on product traceability and assessments of production chain impacts should not be kept confidential, and that the lack of transparency hampers public oversight and risk assessment.<\/p>\n<p>She notes, however, that \u201cthe lack of data is no excuse for financial institutions not to monitor their clients. Banks and investors can demand greater transparency and traceability,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<h2>Fuel distributors announce measures<\/h2>\n<p>Asked by <strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong>, Vibra, a fuel distributor with a history of purchasing ethanol from the BP Bioenergy mill, said that after becoming aware of the information published by the press, it had \u201crequested formal clarification from Pedro Afonso Bioenergia regarding the reported facts.\u201d The distributor added that it is monitoring the case and that, should any irregularities be identified that violate its principles, \u201cthe compliance and corporate governance departments will take the measures provided for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In its Supplier Manual, Vibra states that companies must adopt \u201cbest environmental management practices,\u201d mitigate the impacts of their activities, and comply with applicable legal requirements, \u201cincluding those related to the location where the goods or services supplied to the company are produced, delivered or performed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ipiranga, in turn, said that the information presented by <strong>Rep\u00f3rter Brasil<\/strong> will be investigated internally and that \u201cshould any situations requiring action be identified, the appropriate measures will be taken.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ra\u00edzen declined to comment. In its Code of Conduct for Suppliers, Partners and Subcontractors, the company states that \u201cfull compliance with environmental legislation\u201d and adherence to \u201call required environmental permits\u201d are \u201cconditions of the business relationship.\u201d The distributor also provides for penalties in the event of non-compliance with these guidelines, including \u201ctermination of the contract or business relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The distributors\u2019 full responses can be read here.<\/p>\n<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"129686\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n<div>\n<div data-id=\"e5e1762\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"300\"src=\"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/apoie--11.webp\" alt=\"Apoie a Rep\u00f3rter Brasil\" srcset=\"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/apoie--11.webp 360w, https:\/\/reporterbrasil.org.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/apoie-1-300x250.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>25 anos investigando para mudar.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>A Rep\u00f3rter Brasil j\u00e1 ajudou a impulsionar leis, fortalecer direitos e combater o trabalho escravo.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Em 2026, fazemos 25 anos \u2014 e vem muito mais por a\u00ed!<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-elementor-type=\"container\" data-elementor-id=\"75228\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n<div data-id=\"5e8db1e6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div>\n<div data-id=\"36eb6c91\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div>\n<div data-id=\"6f52f515\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div data-id=\"65d9f401\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n<div>\n<div>\n\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-id=\"134a1245\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div>\n<div data-id=\"10fe55fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div>\n<p>Leia tamb\u00e9m<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-id=\"3c9495ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings='{\"template_id\":\"75221\",\"columns\":1,\"row_gap\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":10,\"sizes\":[]},\"_skin\":\"post\",\"columns_tablet\":\"2\",\"columns_mobile\":\"1\",\"edit_handle_selector\":\"[data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\"]\",\"row_gap_tablet\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":\"\",\"sizes\":[]},\"row_gap_mobile\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":\"\",\"sizes\":[]}}' data-widget_type=\"loop-grid.post\">\n<div>\n<div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p>The post BP sugar mill in Brazil could lose certification if environmental damage is proven appeared first on Rep\u00f3rter Brasil.<\/p>\n<!-- Begin Yuzo --><div class='yuzo_related_post style-1'  data-version='5.12.89'><!-- without result --><div class='yuzo_clearfixed yuzo__title yuzo__title'><h3>Related Post<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"relatedthumb \" style=\"width:125px;float:left;overflow:hidden;\">  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a  href=\"https:\/\/redept.com.br\/blogosfera\/racha-no-centrao-contra-carlos-bolsonaro-em-sc-mdb-sai-do-governo-e-une-forcas\/\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"yuzo-img-wrap \" style=\"width: 125px;height:90px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"yuzo-img\" style=\"background:url('https:\/\/redept.org\/blogosfera\/wp-content\/plugins\/yuzo-related-post\/assets\/images\/default.png') 50% 50% no-repeat;width: 125px;height:90px;margin-bottom: 5px;background-size: cover; 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