Innovation

This entire project is based on innovation and upcycling, as Maple Cruz S.RL deals with large bodies of waste, it distributes and coordinates its uses based on the waste received. In this way, the company prioritizes SDG Target 12.5 by substantially reducing waste generation through recycling and repurposing initiatives. To start, nothing is left unused, plastic is replaced and repurposed while the real upcycling occurs with the paper and cardboard. Eggs are eaten every single day by many people as a staple in their meals, which results in the mass production of eggs requiring egg cartons. These recycled egg cartons make their way from the countryside, which is where they are produced, to the city to be distributed and sold within supermarkets and grocery stores. This heavily helps the environment as it decreases the need for imports, and increases sustainable practices, causing a multiplier effect in the process as it is in high demand. 

There are also sustainable practices on the side outside of the main operation. For example, through the recycling of water and the prevention of harsh chemical uses, Maple S.RL ensures it is able to operate under sustainable measures. This approach has led to recycling and upcycling approximately 300 tons of waste a month, which also through this process means the prevention of cutting down almost 50 trees. In this way, MapleCruz prevents deforestation and aligns with SDG Target 13.2 by fostering climate resilience and reducing emissions from industrial activities.  The measures taken by the company directly contribute towards SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices in its operations. The commitment to recycling and minimizing waste is an example of responsible production methods that reduce the environmental impact resulting from consumption. Furthermore, SDG 13 (Climate Action) is supported by the engagement in waste reduction and resource repurposing. 

This project was carefully curated based on the needs of the community, through market analysis , MapleCruz S.RL was able to determine that egg cartons were one of the most demanded items in supermarkets. As Bolivia is a landlocked country, it was also important to seek an industry that doesn’t mainly depend on foreign raw materials to operate. By focusing on local resources, the company advances SDG Target 8.3, promoting development-oriented policies that support local job creation and economic growth. Currently, it is exporting to Brazil, Peru, China, and plans to export to many more countries. 

Inspiration

Originally, this idea was able to come to life due to a trip to Taiwan. Having a young core, Maple S.RL had said they were filled with ideas and awaiting opportunity. Ronny and Teddy had just finished university and “were eager to have a business they could call their own”. They had analyzed their city’s market and realized that there was a need for a local egg carton producer, as this product used to be imported, making costs significantly higher. During the trip, the founders saw a factory that was similar to the one that is currently operating, and decided to develop something similar in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

After this, money was raised , they named their company MapleCruz S.R.L, and the rest is history. Their purpose was not only to exploit the market need, but to do so in a sustainable way. At this time, in 1993, sustainability was barely emerging as a concept of interest for companies, but it wasn't as central as it is today. However, they were sure they wanted their product to be made out of recycled materials. 

They started with one Taiwanese machine and, through hard work and perseverance, have since expanded to six machines, with plans to acquire more as their business grows. Today, MapleCruz S.R.L. stays true to its initial vision, having a profitable business with a commitment to sustainable, local growth.

Overall impact

This upcycling process is nothing short of sustainably impactful, both for society and for the environment. The sustainable practices of upcycling, prevents the tear down of many trees, and also the prevention of further waste being added to the current global climate crisis. Not only was this a sustainable practice for the environment with minimizing waste, but it even benefits the company as it reduces costs. Furthermore, the company provides a unique selling proposition as it offers a product that not many other companies are currently doing demonstrating differentiation. The practice of innovation helps not only the business thrive as a corporate social responsible company, but provides for the community as Maple Cruz S.RL inquires and acts based on community activity.

In a short term basis, the sourcing of recycled raw material contributes towards profitability, by supporting economies of scale. In other words, by using recycled inputs, the company can lower its expenses on raw materials, decreasing the costs per unit. Currently, the company receives around 300 tons of paper and plastic monthly. With this amount of raw materials, they are producing an average of 2,940,000 egg cartons each month. This innovation not only makes their product more affordable to produce but also allows the company to reinvest these savings, contributing to the further growth of the production plant.

In the long term, the impacts of the innovation are mainly environmental. The owners expressed how the climate crisis impacts businesses more and more with time. Their production process relies on water, paper, and cardboard, and as water and forest resources grow scarcer, using recycled materials becomes an even more sustainable and responsible choice.

Business benefit

The business itself is the innovation, as they have created a strong local recycling in a third-world country that allows them to benefit the local economy. There are several ways that this innovation benefits the business. One simple one would be an economic example: as the climate changes and the world slowly gets warmer, there will be a stronger shift towards environmental-based businesses or sustainable businesses. As a recycling plant, the benefits in the future and long term are unparalleled. 

By fulfilling the market need for domestically produced egg cartons, the company has faced constant demand, allowing for many prosperous opportunities, such as running the plant 24/7 for many months, which is unheard of in terms of plants and their run time. 

Social and environmental benefit

Maple Cruz S.LR. is a pillar of strength in the Bolivian economy. When the prospect of a recycling plant was decided upon, the founders committed themselves to finding a place where they needed to introduce a form of stability. Bolivia is a land of instability, and the idea behind opening a plant here was to introduce a way to integrate local stability. 

Yet another social benefit created from their innovation would be the creation of many jobs inside the plant, as they employ over 45 workers for stable work. Furthermore, as mentioned, running the plant around the clock has created significant employment opportunities, directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). With 24/7 operations, the company requires employees for day, evening, and night shifts to ensure smooth operations at all hours. Therefore, the company was able to offer a range of job positions, from machine operators to supervisors, supporting the local economy and creating stable, well-rounded job opportunities.

As well as providing jobs, the plant is creating much more competitive prices for many egg producers in the local Bolivian area. This is because the egg cartons are produced locally, which reduces the costs of importing the cartons from elsewhere. By keeping production local, MapleCruz allows egg producers to buy affordable, high quality cartons, helping them lower their overall production costs. By reducing this cost for everyone in the area, the company can create a large social impact for all small and medium-sized egg producers.

Interviews

Teddy Marancenbaum Alpire, Production Manager & Company Owner

Rony Marancenbaum Alpire, Sales Manager & Company Owner