BRAZIL - The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) sent a letter, signed by its executive president, Paulo Hartung, to each of the governors across the country and all the ministers of the Federal Government.

In the document, the entity expresses understanding with the measures adopted to curb the advance of COVID-19 and requests that the authorities take into account the importance of the forest-based sector, a manufacturer of cellulose and packaging paper, papers for sanitary purposes, panels among others.

Operating in more than 1000 municipalities and factories and forest areas spread over almost all Brazilian states, the sector is a source of essential products for everyone's daily life, including some that have been the focus of consumers in this moment of crisis, such as papers for sanitary purposes. There are more than 5,000 products, some of them essential for the entire supply chain. Paper packaging is an example, as it is used in essential items such as food, medicine and cleaning products. Print and write papers are important for prescriptions, forms etc. Cellulose, in fact, is one of the products used in surgical masks, along with other raw materials.

Ibá reinforced its call for governors to consider the value of products from the planted tree industry to society, so that measures to be taken, even if well intentioned, do not compromise the chain, consequently disorganizing other critical sectors, such as food, medicines and personal care.

“The aim is to dialogue with the authorities, demonstrate solidarity at this moment and ensure that the end consumer does not lack a basic product. The industry is in constant contact with retailers to understand and meet demand. And, of course, companies are putting in action plans to take care of the health of employees and their families”, said Paulo Hartung, president of Ibá. In the letter, the organization made clear the commitment of the sector to contribute to public health in Brazil, especially during these times.