The publication of this, our 2023 Impact Report, serves as a reminder of the all-pervasive effects of climate change on our health, our ability to grow food, the suitability and availability of our housing, our security and our work.

While these impacts are felt more acutely by some than by others, the inescapable truth is that, the earth being one large, interconnected system, we will all feel them with increasing discomfort if we continue to misuse and abuse its resources. Over this last year, emissions have continued to increase, reaching record levels. It could not be clearer that every one of us, as individuals, as companies and as governments, must now contribute actively to the protection of our planet. There is simply no more time to delay.

Carbon neutral and on-target for reduced emissions.

In this regard, I am proud to say that Pontes has been able to set a new benchmark for carnauba wax manufacturers in Brazil, becoming the only company in our sector to attain carbon neutrality in its operations. This achievement has been verified by the respected Testing, Inspection and Certification

agency, Intertek, and recognised with the award of our prized Gold Seal on the GHG Protocol platform. Our targets for reducing emissions have also received a stamp of approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our ambitions with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Our commitment to biodiversity.

in partnership with various federal institutions, Pontes has now made five investments into valuable scientific research projects. Alongside these, we maintain the largest private genetic bank of species from the Caatinga biome – an irreplaceable ecosystem that is already 46% deforested, as well as an exclusive Caatinga seedling nursery with which to restore degraded areas and green spaces. We make additional heavy investment into environmental education, believing that only this holds the  transformative power required to effect real change.

Human Rights. Supporting our supply chain and their families.

In parallel with our environmental endeavours, we have continued to prioritise social responsibility with equal rigour. Since 2016, we have made continuous investment in providing training for our entire production chain, the issues dealt with evolving as the chain has developed and matured.

Within this program, we have worked hard to ensure that our own commitment to transparency is matched, day by day, by that of our suppliers and partners, encouraging collaboration in developing solutions that place the wellbeing, interests and rights of workers at their centre. As a company, and as a family, we place great value on long-term relationships and on the trust built between parties over many years, and it is for this reason that we view transparency in our relationships with both suppliers and customers as essential to the success of our business.

In every area, Pontes strives for and achieves Fair Trade.

Finally, I am delighted to be able to say that, for the second consecutive year, Pontes was the only company in the sector to receive 5 Leaves – the highest level of certification from Fair for Life, the global organisation certifying fair trade, respect for human rights, fair working conditions, promotion of biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices and positive local impact.

This is no mean achievement. I am proud of the commitment and determination of our colleagues and partners which made this possible. I am equally proud of the assurance of an ethical, sustainable and responsible product from Pontes that this delivers to our customers.

Lara Pontes

President