Initiative by the Grupo Sabará business unit contributes to the maintenance of approximately 345,000 hectares of native vegetation and involves around 2,100 families in the collection and processing of ingredients
São Paulo, September 2022 – On September 21, Brazil celebrates Tree Day, a date that marks the beginning of spring in the country and was established in 1965 with the goal of raising awareness among the population, government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders about the importance of trees for life on Earth, due to their roles in producing oxygen, preventing erosion, reducing temperature, and providing food for animal species.
It was with a focus on protection, especially of forests, that in 2022 Concepta Ingredients – a business unit of Grupo Sabará recognized for supplying ingredients to various industries, with an emphasis on natural, organic, and sustainable products – invested in the creation of the Bio Abundance Program, which reinforces its socio-environmental commitment to Brazilian forests and seeks to ensure traceability of raw materials sourced from the Amazon and other biomes.
The initiative is based on five pillars: connecting people in a virtuous value chain between the richness of the forest and the market; conserving standing forests; respecting the peoples and communities who inhabit them; encouraging the use of ingredients from Brazilian biomes; and promoting socioeconomic inclusion and reducing social inequality.
Rooted in the engagement of communities, cooperatives, and agro-extractive associations that supply inputs, the Bio Abundance Program was created to enhance an ongoing action at Concepta Ingredients. “The ingredients we offer are supported by the training of families and the conservation of different biomes in Brazil, contributing indirectly to the maintenance of approximately 345,000 hectares of native vegetation through the valorization of non-timber forest products,” explains André Sabará, Commercial Director of Concepta Ingredients.
The executive adds that the initiative involves about 2,100 families working in the collection and processing of products, including traditional peoples who find in this activity an additional reason to remain in their regions of origin, enabling income generation through these inputs. “Suppliers are also encouraged to practice sustainable management in extractive activities and to diversify what we call the ‘product basket,’ valuing cooperatives and traditional communities and contributing to the security of biomes and territories,” André adds.
Recognition and International Support
Thanks to the work carried out in communities within the Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes, Concepta Ingredients received financial support this year from the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD), considered an important instrument of the Dutch government for contributing to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The funding recognizes the work developed by Concepta Ingredients, with one of the key points being the company’s commitment to paying a fair price to local communities, who are encouraged to care for the forest, in addition to promoting sustainable collection practices to ensure protection against deforestation.
With DFCD’s approval, a financing agreement was signed with a subsidy of 350,000 euros for Concepta Ingredients. The investment supports, among other initiatives, the execution of a technical feasibility study and market research.
Ulisses Sabará, CEO of Grupo Sabará, highlights the importance of this support for the business unit’s planning with local communities. “The DFCD investment will strengthen us in the next steps of supporting local communities as we continue our journey toward the processing and sustainable use of natural ingredients from Brazilian forests,” the executive points out.
About Concepta Ingredients
Concepta Ingredients is part of Grupo Sabará and specializes in natural and technological solutions developed under the Bio Abundance Program. Based on innovation and research, the company offers organic ingredients supported by the training of families and indirect conservation of areas across different Brazilian biomes. Its extensive portfolio includes technological inputs from international partners and ingredients derived from Brazilian biodiversity to meet the most specific demands of the industries it serves.
About Grupo Sabará
With over 65 years of history, Grupo Sabará is genuinely Brazilian and recognized for its capacity for innovation and adaptation. For three generations, the Group has overcome challenges and stood out in its markets. Its commitment to the well-being of people worldwide goes beyond offering innovative products and services. Its activities consider future generations, focusing on solutions that ensure sustainability. Through its various business sectors, Grupo Sabará operates throughout Brazil and has a presence in countries in South America, North America, and Europe. It specializes in developing technologies, solutions, and high-performance raw materials aimed at water treatment markets in sanitation and industry, animal nutrition and health, and the food and beverage industries. The development of its products relies on 100% national knowledge and technology, a factor that helps position Brazil as a reference in product research for a sustainable world.
