Innovation

Seeking to provide Mother Earth with an environmentally sustainable product, the company ACELFLEX SAS will create the environmentally friendly brand NatPacking a natural packaging. Bags are created with cassava starch, palm oil and natural essences. They are water soluble, biodegradable and non-toxic. In addition to this, ACELFLEX SAS fulfills a social function in the area, since 90% of its staff is indigenous, belonging to the Canoas shelter in Santander de Quilichao, generating an impact on the community.

100% Organic Packaging

Inspiration

The idea appeared looking for environmentally sustainable alternatives and in line with the product of ACELFLEX SAS. It was taken up as a long-term project since the market trend is that plastic packaging tends to disappear, since people are becoming more conscious of the care of our planet.

That is why the NatPacking line was created. The product focuses on four types of packages that are water soluble, biodegradable and non-toxic:

1. Crop by-products: Colombia is a country that is characterized by its coffee crops, and these crops generate around 10 million bags a year, generating land and air pollution. To help with this problem, the company created a bag of the right size for the crops that disintegrates and becomes fertilizer in 180 days.
2. Plastic bags in sanitary landfills: The bags that reach the landfills are the ones that generate the greatest amount of contamination, as these can remain there for more than 200 years. For this purpose, bags with special sizes for garbage dumps were created which can be used at home and in the industry.
3. Bags for pet feces: In Colombia, 6 out of 10 homes have pets. These households generate high pollution by collecting their pets' droppings in plastic bags and depositing them in the trash. Biodegradable bags with a special size have been developed that allow the collection of stool without the negative effects.
4. Shopping Bags: These bags were created especially for trade because although many companies have changed to paper bags, these types of bags can lead to worsening deforestation.

Overall impact

A plastic bag needs between 200 and 1000 years to degrade, the NatPacking bags only take two minutes to dilute in hot water; they have no polyethylene or PLA, zero oil, so they are not toxic and can even be consumed by animals. They are 100% biodegradable and truly compostable. It reintegrates into the life cycle of the earth in 180 days.

In ACELFLEX SAS, there is a policy of fair wages, appropriate shifts and support with the development of recreational, cultural and social activities. They also have environmental training programs such as recycling and proper use of energy. Taking into account that it is an indigenous population, training is provided in topics such as writing and reading which can be extended to their families.

Business benefit

Taking into account the characteristics and importance of sustainable development ACELFLEX SAS has benefits such as:

• Generating a good image of the NatPacking brand by contributing to environmental sustainability.
• Facilitating access to new markets by opening calls and competitions for sustainable companies.
• Employees feel committed and identified with the company and the brand, generating a greater sense of belonging which is reflected in productivity levels.
• It has programs that support indigenous communities, generating employment and economic and intellectual development opportunities for this type of population, which makes customers support the company and the product.
• More income is produced thanks to the use of other types of resources and cheaper materials. Consumers can buy more for these type of products, generating greater income and profits.

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Social and environmental benefit

The bags of the NatPacking brand degrade in a maximum of 180 days, compared to plastics made of polyethylene that take about four centuries. Insects, snails, small fish and microorganisms can consume this material without problem because its origin is totally vegetable.

If by chance one of NatPacking's bags reaches a river, sea or ocean, they are diluted in water in approximately two minutes and it is not toxic to animals. This contributes to the protection of marine life.

The social impact that this initiative generates is the labor inclusion of natives, where their culture is respected and the remuneration to mother earth of all that she provides is allowed through her work. In addition to this, through training, laborers learn about the issues that impact our environment and world and they can share that knowledge with their community.

Interview

GIOVANNI PEREZ VARGAS, GERENTE GENERAL