Since
1992, the increased use of renewable material in products produced by
DaimlerChrysler – Brazil has led to a worldwide rediscovery of
alternative uses of natural materials. This is particularly true in
the case of natural fibers (coconut, sisal, flax, hemp and others) for
the automobile industry, the creative response to legal requirements
and environmental needs. What once was considered trash has now become
treasure. Smallholders are able to increase their incomes by fully
utilizing the fruit. The coconut fiber combined with natural latex is
transformed into added value products, and also contributes towards
environmental conservation, through the sustainable use of its
resources.
The
pilot project began in 1993 for the processing of coconut fiber on the
island Marajó in the community Ponta de Pedras, by means of a
cooperation agreement between the Federal University of Pará through
the Program of Poverty and Environment in the Amazon – POEMA and the
DaimlerChrysler AG. Shortly afterwards the private company PRONAMAZON
was founded and established by members of the community. Its current
production levels are 8,000 headrests and 1,000 sun visors per month
for commercial vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz, which are
manufactured in São Bernardo do Campos, São Paulo. The success was
at the same time the turning point and breakthrough for the
development of further sustainable items out of the coconut fiber. As
a result of this demand, the company POEMATEC Ltda. was founded in
2001 and set up in the industrial area of the metropolitan region of
Belém.
Since
its creation, POEMA has believed in the opportunity of bringing
together a wide array of partners, whether they belong to the private
or public sector or civil society. The fiber project brings together
the State Government on behalf of community-related activities, the
Municipality (for the obtainment of the factory terrain),
DaimlerChrysler (for the machinery and technical equipment on the
basis of a leasing contract), the Bank of Amazonia - Banco da Amazônia
BASA (for the provision of small credits to the producers’
organization) and the German organization DEG (Deutsche
Entwicklungsgesellschaft) for the building of the factory
infrastructure.
POEMATEC
Limited is responsible for administration of the factory, and came
into being based on efforts and understanding of POEMA as to the
importance of supporting rural smallholders in order to protect the
environment. Their strategy is to assist smallholders in terms of
technological, commercial and environmental knowledge and aiding them
in terms of accepting their social responsibility. The participants
promise to use sound agricultural techniques that preserve
biodiversity and the ecosystems of the Amazon. This sustainable
product chain has already generated
employment for 800 families, considerably improving their living
conditions.
