New Gelnex Packaging Program Promotes Sustainability

SANTA CATARINA, BrazilGelnex launched a new packaging and shipping program for its gelatin products to improve its efforts in environmental, economic and social sustainability.

The pallet-free" shipping system, which uses no wood or plastic pallets, is expected to save 40,000 trees in the first year while cutting weight and energy. It also eliminates the cost and inconvenience of storing and disposing of pallets. Handling is the same as regular pallet-type packaging, and no special equipment is needed.

As a part of its sustainability program, Gelnex gelatin bags now carry the child-friendly company" seal from the Brazil-based Abrinq Foundation, an international non-profit dedicated to promoting the rights of Brazils children and adolescents. As an Abrinq member, Gelnex is committed to the Foundations goal to bridge social and economic divides to overcome poverty, eliminate child labor and make the welfare of children and adolescents the absolute priority" in Brazils national agenda.

At Gelnex, we believe that in order to build a truly sustainable enterprise and world," said Gelnex U.S. president Felipe Chaluppe. We must continually innovate in our forest, water, energy and air quality conservation practices. At the same time, we must also make significant contributions to the health, education and well-being of the people in the communities in which we operatewith a strong emphasis on children."

Gelnex also supports a variety of community-based projects, such as the "Project to Encourage Reading," "Healthy Childhood Project" and "Home of the Elderly Project."

The company opened a third facility, located in Araguaina, Brazil, to produce bovine gelatin  while also optimizing sustainability.