We took a bus to Mogi Guacu, about 45 minutes away, to visit an International Paper mill there. This mill makes uncoated free sheet, using 100 % eucalyptus hardwood. It was good for the students to see a mil that, although originally built in the 1960's, is stil considered one of the best from an operating efficiency standpoint.
We started out in the tree nursery, where we something that most of us had never had a chance to see...the process with which clonal hardwood seedlings are produced. This is a fascinating process which, combined with the almost perfect weather, gives the Brazilian paper industry an incredible edge with regard to fiber costs.
After a nice lunch in the mill cafeteria, we took a walking tour of the mill. Good stuff!
That night, we ate out at a local pizza place. Clearly, we grossly underestimated how expensive this country is...food, drink, transportation, taxis...you name it, it is very costly here. We have already blown our budget.
We then went out to a local popular bar with a live samba band. The joint was hopping! The students really got into the joyous spirit of the place.
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