Thiago Karam Westphalen takes over the presidency of INCAPE

Consolidated as the largest and leading manufacturer of recycled paper in Brazil, INCAPE is reaping the rewards of years of investment, focus on efficiency for its customers, innovation and commitment to sustainability.

In 2024, governance is a relevant pillar for its long-term vision. Therefore, in a structured manner, the company is in the process of transitioning from the first to the second family generation.

Thiago Karam Westphalen takes over as CEO of INCAPE, succeeding his father, who has been at the helm of the business for the past 26 years, with plans to continue the family’s successful track record of business expansion and professionalization.

However, Mr. Geraldo Karam Westphalen Jr. will not be stepping away from the business. He assumes the position of Chairman of the Board with the task of contributing to building the future and legacy of INCAPE. The Board will also be composed of Mrs. Joseidy Oliveira (co-founder of INCAPE) and two external professionals, Mr. Thiago Mascarenhas and Mr. Luiz Passetti.

“Strategy 2026”, the company’s ongoing strategic plan focuses on consolidating INCAPE as an increasingly relevant player in Brazil and Latin America, delivering high quality and demonstrably more efficient products to its customers.

“Long-term goals are challenging, yet achievable, therefore, we are confident that, with proper management, closeness to the customer, innovation and sustainability, we will be able to make a mark in the industry. INCAPE’s team is a special factor, people who are and will be very responsible for the achievements on this path,” stated Thiago Karam Westphalen.

“Our main goal is to consolidate in the Brazilian market. Thiago has an innovative vision, many ideas and the will to make things happen, and it is with that initiative that we will take off towards new horizons in Latin America. We will achieve this growth through our sales force, constant innovation, commitments to sustainability, expansion of production capacity and strengthening of the INCAPE brand in the market”, completes Geraldo Karam Westphalen Jr.

PEOPLE AS KEY ASSETS

For INCAPE, it is people who deliver results. The basis of the INCAPE Strategy is, and always will be, to strengthen the culture and invest in the development and growth of employees. The company values diversity, inclusion, meritocracy, hard work and tirelessness to promote impact. The goal is to provide an enjoyable and challenging environment for everyone to grow and contribute positively.

“We believe that people are our greatest asset and investing wisely in our team is critical for us to grow. INCAPE will increasingly become a leader in the market, but this only happens through the work and dedication of everyone, in every sector. The purpose is that everyone visualizes the same path to follow together in this direction. When the company moves forward, everyone with us moves forward together”, emphasizes the CEO.

INCAPE BECOMES SIGNATORY OF THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT

The company genuinely believes and wants to be a protagonist in the sustainability agenda. In January of this year, INCAPE became a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, a business initiative that contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

INCAPE’s strategy includes commitments to eight SDGs:

• SDG 05: Gender Equality;
• SDG 06: Drinking Water and Sanitation;
• SDG 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth;
• SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities;
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production;
• SDG 13: Climate Action;
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions;
• SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goals.

Within this scenario, INCAPE has already developed (and implemented) impact programs, such as “Women Papermakers”, which aims to insert and train women in the paper sector; the “Evoluir” program, developed in partnership with the Fritz Müller Foundation with the focus on training managers and directors for a more effective, humanized and efficient management; the “Women 40/40” program, which works on one of the goals of SDG 05, which is to reach 40% of women in the total number of employees by 2030; and “Water Capture Reduction”, which aims to reduce clean water capture for the process by 20% by 2025 and 25% by 2030.

“Falconi Consultoria has assisted us throughout the process, from the implementation of projects in a strategic manner to the tactical and operational format, providing essential follow-up so that our work always operates in a sustainable manner, within the established commitments,” explains Thiago Karam Westphalen.

FOCUS ON RESULTS WITH FAMILY VALUES

INCAPE’s development plans are progressing at a positive pace. In the first months of 2024, the company has already noted a significant turnaround in business and operating results.

Innovation, people management and sustainability projects continue to generate impact. The investment plan gains robustness with each cycle. All this momentum is aligned with respect for people, the community in which INCAPE operates and the values of the Karam Westphalen Family.

“INCAPE has its history built on a foundation of family values. We have passion for what we do, customer focus, hard work, respect for others and energy to deliver results. It is this solid foundation that has brought us this far and will carry us forward,” concludes Thiago Karam Westphalen.