Innovation

According to Gustavo, the one project that we should be focusing on in order to really reflect the impact of the company is called “Seginus”. This innovation is about a company in the ecosystem that is focused on the recycling process of used tires and turning them into a mixture that can be used for the creation of asphalt, granulated materials for sport fields, crafts and co-generation of energy. Seginus is the first coop integrating the entire chain of used tire recycling with more than 60 organizations, being also the first successful circular economy initiative in Ecuador with 75% of the tire market working with them. It guarantees their subsequent utilization in the creation of value-added products, generating a positive social, economic and environmental impact.

Inspiration

Sambito is always looking for opportunities to save the planet and improve the environment's well-being. In our interview with the former environment minister of Ecuador he explained to us all the processes and regulations that opened up the opportunity and allowed Sambito to create Seginus. In the year 2015 the former environment minister, Lorena Tapia, passed the resolution #142 in which it mandated the technical standard of used tires in Ecuador, a resolution that compelled all the producers, distributors and users of this chain of used tires to recycle most of the tires used in the country. Seginus saw an opportunity to unite all of the members involved in the industry of tires to facilitate the process of the collection and recycling process of the product in discussion, acting as an intermediary. This innovation was created with the mission to “guarantee compliance with environmental regulations for our members, designing and transparently executing an efficient and effective management plan for the collection, transportation and positive use of out-of-use tires. And we contribute to positioning social responsibility before its suppliers, customers and Ecuadorian society”. 

Its mission statement helps us understand that they act as an intermediary to achieve regulation approvals and in addition to comply with their SDG #12 - responsible consumption and production - in this case the production of tires. That is why this company’s objective is to ensure that all actors in the value chain comply with environmental regulations in a transparent, ethical and professional manner.

Overall impact

Seginus has had great impact in Ecuadorian society. With numbers provided by the company itself, Seginus has 7.,595,678 Managed NFU units, 70 adhered members, 3,692 generation points, 912,171 retreated tires, 236,731 tons of CO2 reduced, 5 certifications in management systems. Also, they pave the way for a circular economy by promoting environmental and socioeconomic development in Ecuadorian soil, generating more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs for ecuadorians. They recycled more than 1.2 million tires in 2023 in Ecuador, benefiting the community while converting the used materials into new useful ones for the same or other purposes. 

The company's work has been recognized by Pacto Global for its efforts on promoting and putting in practice SDG 12, received the Recircles Award for best business innovation due to their successful circular economy model, recognized for best EPR scheme between 3 other similar enterprises, winner in two categories in the “Premios Retos Circulares”, they have a presence in circular valley, and other accomplishments. All of this tells us how much of an impact Seginus, and Sambito overall, have had in promoting and taking action accordingly with sustainable practices in Ecuador, expanding its recognition beyond Ecuadorian borders and making a global impact.

Business benefit

Since Seginus was created to facilitate the relation between all the members of the value chain that participate in the tire industry, its main objective is to help comply with the regulation. Nonetheless, Seginus' strategy to generate income is to charge one dollar per tire at the moment of its purchase. For example, every time Michelin sells a tire one dollar goes to Seginus and towards the recycling of the tire and the creation of new materials like asphalt, arts and crafts,etc…

To put things into perspective, in the year 2023, the total amount of recycled tires in Ecuador was 1.2 million in total. According to Sambito’s information 75% of all recycled tires were done by Seginus, so that means that around 900,000 tires were recycled by this company. In addition, Seginus leads the way in the circular economy by promoting environmental and socioeconomic development in the Ecuadorian territory, generating direct and indirect jobs for more than 15,000 people.

Social and environmental benefit

Seginus puts in a great effort to benefit society and the environment, while including all members of society in their sustainable practices. For example: the “circular art” program, which incentivizes the participation of artists to have an event where they can display their work using recycled materials, therefore making an inclusive and creative promotion of sustainability. Seginus´ ecological parks reinforce the commitment to the environment, making use of around 2,000 tires that were considered residuals.

There are many more projects that benefit society and the environment given that they are an important part of striving and taking action for a more sustainable Ecuador, while also promoting community involvement and participation in their projects, being a source of both indirect and direct jobs as mentioned before, and overall having a large presence and impact on sustainability.

Interview

Gustavo Manrique Miranda, Co-Founder