LARGE SCALE
The largest digital printing facility serving Latin America.
Scale, technology and innovation with social and environmental responsibility.
Sustainability
in the printing industry
Print to transform.
Sustainability in the printing industry
Forma Certa | ESG, certifications and responsible printing
Based in Barueri, São Paulo, Forma Certa operates the largest digital printing facility serving Latin America. It serves businesses throughout Brazil and clients across Latin America and Europe, including publishers, schools and large education networks.
We have operated with digital printing since 2013, and since 2023 all electricity at our headquarters has been renewable and I-REC certified. Our environmental, social and governance practices are verified through international certifications and assessments such as FSC®, SMETA and EcoVadis. They continue to evolve through goals, indicators and initiatives designed to reduce impacts and strengthen our ESG strategy. For companies that need to demonstrate social and environmental responsibility in their supplier chain, Forma Certa offers traceability, documentation and verifiable data.
Impact results
Results that demonstrate our commitment
Numbers tell part of the story. The rest is in the hands of the person who received a book, the child who read for the first time and the employee who grew alongside the company. But numbers matter too — because sustainability without evidence is only an intention.
Data consolidated in the 2025 Impact Report.
100%
Renewable electricity at our headquarters
I-REC certified since 2023.
-65%
Chemical waste in 2025
Changes in production inputs improved our environmental and economic results.
500
Trees planted in the Amazon
Agroforestry system in the Juma Indigenous community.
24,756
Training hours in 2025
An average of 1.5 training hours per week for each employee.
ECOVADIS
EcoVadis Bronze Medal in 2025 and 2026
Global performance assessment of environmental, social and governance practices.
Forma Certa Forest
A commitment that takes root
A commitment that takes root. The Forma Certa Forest grew from the conviction that transformation requires concrete action. In partnership with Meu Pé de Árvore and the Juma Indigenous village in the Amazon, we developed an agroforestry project combining environmental restoration, stronger biodiversity and positive social impact. Regeneration is a collective effort.
The project brings together environmental restoration, stronger biodiversity and income generation for the local community.
View the project gallery
Certifications, audits and independent assessments
Commitments assessed against recognized standards
Forma Certa's practices are verified through certifications, audits and independent assessments that reinforce transparency, traceability and the continuous improvement of our processes.
FSC®
About this recognition
Forest Stewardship Council — Certifies that the paper used comes from forests managed in a responsible, socially equitable and economically viable way, with traceability throughout the production chain.
SMETA
About this recognition
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit — An independent audit assessing labor practices, health and safety, the environment and business ethics.
EcoVadis Bronze 2025
About this recognition
Bronze Medal awarded in the 2025 EcoVadis assessment, which examines environmental, social, ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
EcoVadis Bronze 2026
About this recognition
Global ESG assessment platform — Evaluates environmental, social, ethical and sustainable procurement performance, with international recognition.
Intertek Achievement Award
About this recognition
Intertek Achievement Award in 2026, with a 98% score in the WCA (Workplace Conditions Assessment).
FAMA Disney
About this recognition
Manufacturing authorization for Disney products, linked to the requirements of the company's International Labor Standards program.
I-REC
About this recognition
International Renewable Energy Certificate — Verifies that 100% of the electricity consumed at our headquarters has come from renewable sources since 2023.
Global commitments
UN Global Compact
Beyond meeting recognized standards, we believe companies have an active role in building a more sustainable future. Forma Certa therefore voluntarily participates in initiatives that promote ethical, responsible management aligned with global challenges.
Forma Certa is a voluntary participant in the UN Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. By joining the Global Compact, we reaffirm our commitment to the Ten Principles covering human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.
As part of this commitment, we have joined these initiatives:
UN Global Compact
The world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.
Educa 2030
Strengthening education as a driver of sustainable development.
Mente em Foco
An initiative promoting mental health and well-being in the workplace.
These commitments reinforce our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and guide the ongoing evolution of our ESG strategy.
2030 Agenda
Our contribution to the UN's global agenda
In 2015, the world came together and set 17 goals to build a better future. Forma Certa chose five — not because the others do not matter, but because these five are where our work delivers real, verifiable impact.
Leadership selected five priority SDGs based on SASB materiality and employee consultation.
SDG 4 — Quality Education
Scholarships, apprenticeships and social projects expand access to knowledge.
SDG 7 — Affordable and Clean Energy
100% renewable electricity at our headquarters, certified through I-REC.
SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
Print-on-demand reduces wasted inputs and excess inventory.
SDG 13 — Climate Action
Greenhouse gas inventories and the Forma Certa Forest support climate action and future carbon capture.
SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Governance, ethics and data protection strengthen trust.
ESG strategy
Bringing processes and values together
ESG did not come to us as a market trend. Our ESG strategy grew out of listening, reflection and collective effort. Its three pillars were not chosen in a consulting office — they were built by the people who make Forma Certa what it is every day.
Forma Certa combines innovation, environmental management and social and environmental responsibility to offer sustainable printing solutions. As one of Latin America's largest digital printing facilities, we seek to produce efficiently, reduce waste and strengthen a responsible value chain.
In 2024, we structured our ESG strategy through a materiality assessment based on SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and employee input. The material topics identified were energy, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, data security, people development, transparency and the value chain.
ESG in the printing industry
Environmental, social and governance
The three pillars of our ESG strategy were built by the people who make Forma Certa what it is every day.
Environmental management
Environmental
We combine sustainable printing, efficient operations and waste management to reduce impacts.
Explore the priorities
- Renewable energyElectricity at our headquarters is 100% renewable and has been I-REC certified since 2023.
- Carbon emissionsAnnual Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas inventories have been prepared since 2023.
- Waste managementChanges in production inputs resulted in a 65% reduction in chemical waste in 2025.
- Forma Certa Forest500 trees planted in an agroforestry system in the Juma Indigenous village in the Amazon.
Social and environmental responsibility
Social
People, education and development are part of our contribution to a responsible value chain.
Explore the priorities
- EducationYouth and adult education scholarships through EJA in partnership with SESI (Brazil's Social Service for Industry), and hiring young apprentices in partnership with SENAI (Brazil's National Service for Industrial Training).
- Professional developmentTraining hours increased compared with 2024, reaching a total of 24,756 hours in 2025.
- Mental healthParticipation in Mente em Foco and ongoing initiatives for well-being, safety and health.
- Social investmentThe Transformando Gente, Gente que Voa, Caravana Literária and Movidos projects expand access to education.
ESG governance
Governance
ESG governance guides transparent decisions, ethical relationships and security across our operations.
Explore the priorities
- TransparencyPublic disclosure of our values, principles and achievements, with the ESG Committee and PMO monitoring goals and indicators.
- Information securityAlignment with Brazil's LGPD data protection law and zero data breaches recorded in the period reviewed in 2025.
- ComplianceCode of conduct, integrity and secure reporting channels.
- Supplier chain70% of key suppliers were approved and trained on ESG topics.
A responsible value chain
Smart production aligned with demand
Responsible printing means thinking about what is left over. Paper that becomes another product. Packaging returned to the supplier. For us, a responsible value chain is not just a concept — it is everyday practice.
Digital printing enables production on demand, reduces excess inventory and avoids waste. Forma Certa combines this technology with waste management, reverse logistics and social and environmental criteria for suppliers.
This model reduces waste, avoids unnecessary inventory and contributes to a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.
In 2025, 100% of hazardous waste was properly disposed of.
312 silicone containers returned in 2025 through reverse logistics.
Supplier approval visits and training to help suppliers improve their environmental, social and governance practices.
Paper suppliers with the FSC® label, ensuring traceability of origin.
ESG governance
Transparency, maturity and concrete action
Trust is built through transparency. That is why we have a Code of Conduct to guide every decision, an open channel for anyone who needs to speak up and a data policy that protects those who trust us. These are not documents simply to meet an obligation — they reflect how we choose to build relationships.
Code of Conduct
Guides decisions and actions to strengthen an ethical, responsible culture aligned with applicable laws. This includes respect for human rights, diversity and equal opportunities, and the prevention of discrimination, harassment, child labor and forced labor. Available for download.
→Supplier Code of Conduct
Establishes requirements for legal compliance, human rights, decent work, business ethics, anti-corruption, environmental management, data protection and continuous monitoring of business partners' compliance.
Open document →Confidential reporting channel
Clients, employees, suppliers and partners have access to a secure, externally operated channel to report conduct that conflicts with the company's principles, anonymously if preferred.
→Information security
Our Information Security Policy guides data protection and alignment with Brazil's LGPD. No data breaches were recorded in the period reviewed in 2025.
Open document →Core Labor Requirements Policy
Commitment to excellence, ethical conduct, respect for individual rights and the environment.
→
Continuous progress
Continuous progress in sustainability
Each year on this timeline is a step in a journey that began with two brothers and a sister, and now brings together hundreds of people committed to the same purpose.
Benefits for your business
Commitments that translate into results
- FSC®FSC® certification — traceability of paper origin
- UNUN Global Compact participant since 2025
- 70%70% of strategic suppliers approved and trained in ESG
Knowledge center
Sustainability insights
We believe that sharing knowledge is also a way to drive change. That is why we create content on ESG, sustainable printing and certifications — helping more companies make responsible choices.
01
What is a sustainable printing company and why does it matter to businesses?
Understand how a sustainable printing company reduces environmental impacts, promotes social responsibility and contributes to more responsible production chains.
02
Sustainable printing: how to reduce waste in print production
Explore practices that help reduce waste, optimize resources and make print production more efficient and sustainable.
03
ESG in printing: why companies assess suppliers beyond price and quality
Discover how environmental, social and governance pillars are transforming printing and encouraging more responsible businesses.
04
FSC® certification: what it means and why it matters to businesses
Learn how FSC® certification contributes to responsible forest management and strengthens sustainable practices in printing.
05
Recycled paper or FSC® certified paper: what is the difference?
Understand the differences between reusing fibers and responsible sourcing to choose the right paper for your project.
06
Waste management in print production: why it matters and how it works
Explore strategies to reduce waste, reuse materials and promote more sustainable production.
07
Digital printing and sustainability: producing only what is needed
See how digital printing enables production on demand, reduces inventory and lowers environmental impacts.
08
Sustainable printing materials: what are the main options?
Explore material options and criteria that help make printed projects more responsible.
09
How to choose a sustainable printing supplier for large projects
Assess production capacity, traceability, risk management and performance indicators before hiring a printing company for large projects.
10
How to choose a sustainable printing supplier for your business
Discover the essential criteria for selecting partners committed to ESG, certifications and environmental responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions — Sustainability and ESG in printing
What is a sustainable printing company?
A sustainable printing company seeks to reduce environmental impacts and increase positive social impacts while growing economically. Ways to achieve these goals include responsible resource use, efficient waste management, renewable energy, material traceability and continuous improvement of production processes.
How does Forma Certa reduce environmental impacts?
Forma Certa invests in I-REC certified renewable energy, digital print-on-demand, waste management, greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and reverse logistics programs. In 2025, it reduced chemical waste by 65%, even with a 21% increase in production volume.
What does FSC® certification mean?
FSC® certification ensures that the paper used is responsibly sourced from forests managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially equitable and economically viable way, with traceability throughout the production chain.
How does digital printing reduce waste?
Digital printing makes it possible to produce only the quantity needed, reducing excess inventory, obsolete materials and waste caused by large print runs. It also makes updates and personalization easier without producing excessive volumes.
Does Forma Certa use renewable energy?
Yes. Since 2023, 100% of the electricity consumed at Forma Certa's headquarters has come from I-REC certified renewable sources, helping to reduce emissions associated with the company's operations.
What does ESG mean in the printing industry?
ESG integrates environmental, social and governance practices into company management. In the printing industry, this includes energy efficiency, waste management, people development, business ethics, transparency and responsibility throughout the supplier chain.
Which certifications, audits and assessments does Forma Certa have?
Forma Certa holds FSC® certification, a SMETA audit, an EcoVadis Bronze assessment, Disney FAMA authorization and I-REC certificates for electricity at its headquarters. These are distinct verification and recognition instruments. The company has also been a voluntary participant in the UN Global Compact since 2025.
How does Forma Certa contribute to the UN SDGs?
Through initiatives related to education (SDG 4), clean energy (SDG 7), responsible consumption (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and stronger governance (SDG 16). The company has joined the UN Global Compact's Educa 2030 and Mente em Foco initiatives.
How can I choose more sustainable printed materials?
Consider traceability, certifications, durability, recyclability and suitability for the project. Certified materials, proper planning and reducing excess make printing more efficient and responsible.
Does sustainability increase printing project costs?
In many cases, sustainable practices help reduce waste, unnecessary inventory, rework and excessive consumption. Sustainability is therefore increasingly associated with operational efficiency and cost optimization.
For businesses
For businesses considering Forma Certa as a supplier
Does Forma Certa provide official ESG documentation for client reports?
Yes. Forma Certa provides documentation on its certifications, environmental practices and ESG performance indicators for clients who need to report on the social and environmental responsibility of their supplier chain. Contact our team to request the information needed for your report.
Does Forma Certa issue FSC® traceability documents for projects?
Yes. As an FSC® certified printing company, Forma Certa can issue documentation tracing the origin of the paper used in projects, ensuring it comes from responsibly managed forests. This documentation is particularly relevant for publishers, companies with sustainable procurement policies and projects with chain-of-custody requirements.
Is Forma Certa a voluntary participant in the UN Global Compact?
Yes. Forma Certa has been a voluntary participant in the UN Global Compact since 2025 and has joined the Educa 2030 and Mente em Foco initiatives, aligning its operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.
How does Forma Certa support companies seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of printing?
Forma Certa helps reduce the carbon footprint of printing projects by producing according to actual needs, using 100% I-REC certified renewable electricity at its headquarters and monitoring Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Companies with climate goals can request these data to calculate and communicate the environmental impact of their printed materials.
What types of companies choose Forma Certa based on sustainability criteria?
Forma Certa serves publishers, manufacturers and businesses in education, retail, healthcare and technology that need printing with environmental traceability and internationally recognized certifications. These companies can use Forma Certa's ESG documentation in supplier approval processes and sustainability reports.
Does Forma Certa serve clients outside Brazil?
Yes. Forma Certa exports books and printed materials to other countries, using digital printing processes that enable production according to need and efficient logistics. For international projects, the team provides guidance on documentation, certification and traceability requirements.
Commitments Report
Every number in this report has a story behind it.
The Commitments Report brings together Forma Certa's certifications, environmental, social and governance practices, and publicly stated commitments. Download the report in Portuguese or English.