The “Fibras da Serra” project generates income for needy communities

Part of Solvay Indupa’s “Chemical and Nature Program”, the Fibras da Serra project is an environmental education  and joint economy project. Developed with the site-neighboring community of the city of Rio Grande da Serra, it is focused on the creation of jobs and income by the production of artisan objects such as fabrics with straw and banana tree fiber, which are added to other materials.

Since it was created in 2006, the social project "Fibras da Serra", developed by Solvay Indupa with the community of the Municipality of Rio Grande da Serra, remained firm in his purpose to disseminate environmental education and strengthening the social economy with a focus on the generation of employment and salary for local residents.
The project was born as the result of regular meetings between the company leaders and local schools. The idea is to use the abundance of bananas in the region to develop products using the fibers from the stem of these plants, normally discarded after harvesting the fruit. This concept was strengthened as a sustainable process and gives a second life to a waste material.
The group started work making baskets, containers and small crafts. On the second phase, Solvay Indupa promoted the implementation of training courses and technical training with the Sebrae, and invited designers to guide the group in improving the quality of the final product.
In 2009, the Solvay Indupa's proposal for the group is that its create new product lines for greater value with a collection of fine jewelry with banana fibers and new decorative objects. Currently, the group is composed of 30 people, including local leaders, young, teachers, housewives and craftsmen who use the activity to supplement the family salary.