The agreement also includes the Germany-based Agency For International Co-operation (GIZ) and is a program that is expected to last two years or more, and will ultimately benefit around 300 families, situated in 24 cities in different areas of the Amazon.
The agreement targets three principle areas of the supply chain – organization and management, manufacturing and organic certification and marketing – while also ensuring that all areas of the manufacturing process are monitored and assessed for best practice.
GIZ responsible for training and collaborations
GIZ will be responsible for training in business management and collaborative solutions, helping to instill structural financial organization, whereas Beara will be responsible for helping to develop technical and productive capacities according to its Biodiversity Enhancement Program.
Beraca and GIZ will also be working together to promote and exchange ideas amongst different groups involved in working with the Amazon communities as part of efforts to mproving their social conditions, particularly with reference to forced and child labor.
L’Oréal will play an integral role in the project by investing in infrastructure and safety equipment, which is said will lead to better working conditions for the Amazonian communities where the raw materials are sourced.
Beraca and L’Óreal have long working relationship in Brazil
“Since 2003, Beraca has been supplying natural and mineral raw materials used in L’Óreal’s products,” said Simone Esteves, head of raw material at L’Óreal Brasil.
“The partnership allows us to present innovative options to the market, while building a sustainable chain with local communities.” The first meeting between all of the players involved in the project will be held later this month in the city of Belém, in Pará state, and will go under the name Beracom.
“With GIZ and L’Oréal’s operational, commercial and institutional support, the project aims to reach 1,200 people, develop new raw materials sourced from the Brazilian biodiversity and expand their use in the manufacture of cosmetics,” said Daniel Sabará, CEO at Beraca. “We plan to create a virtuous circle covering the entire production chain, from manufacturers to consumers."