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Couro Ecológica
Couro ecológica, or "ecological leather," is handmade by overlaying the extract of the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, the Brazilian rubber tree, onto cotton. The enterprise Couro Ecológica was founded in 1997 by Arimar Fietosa and other community members. It has now grown to employ over 15 CEN's Role CEN is currently expanding the distribution of "ecological leather" goods in the United States market by locating retailers and distributors. The planned expansion of our cCLEAR project will allow us to increase our assistance to Couro Ecológica. We hope to expose them to vital marketing and trade strategies that will enable them to increase income levels for themselves and their employees. Read more about CEN's Role
Related Articles Couro Ecológica Handbags; Entrepreneurship Sales TraditionWharton Consults with Maguary Community Business Interview with ArimarFeitosa. Former Marketing Director for Couro Ecologica For more information, please see Couro Ecológica brochure (English)(596K PDF) |
This cotton-latex overlay is then sun dried to turn it into a waterproof, durable material similar to animal leather. The local artisans stitch it together to make purses and other "leather" goods which are sold locally and internationally. The income earned by selling the finished products is significantly higher than could be earned from selling the raw latex. Furthermore, latex can be harvested without harming the trees, so the business is sustainable over the long term.
workers--men and women--in an area with extremely few employment and economic options. The company provides vital income to many of the FLONA Tapajós (Tapajós National Forest) residents, making them less dependent on foreign and government aid. Couro Ecológica functions as an association owned by the workers. Artisans do not earn wages, but instead share the proceeds from each item sold. Enterprises such as Couro Ecológica, serve as successful models for other community members and neighboring communities to follow.
