The initiative brought together 16 Brazilian companies, reinforcing the country’s position as a strategic player in the construction, hardware, and finishing materials sector.
Expo Nacional Ferretera, held from September 4-6 in Guadalajara, Mexico, yielded impressive results for the 16 Brazilian companies that participated with Think Plastic Brazil — a portfolio of solutions that supports the internationalization of the country’s converted plastics sector, carried out through a partnership between ApexBrasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and the INP (Brazilian Plastic Institute). The event generated US$135,000 in immediate business, with a projection of US$2.39 million over the next 12 months.
Beyond the figures, the three-day event attracted more than 58,000 visitors and reinforced trends in the converted plastics sector for the construction, hardware, and finishing materials industries. This expanded the visibility of Brazilian companies and strengthened their position in strategic markets across Latin America and North America. The program also welcomed writer Luis Arévalo, author of Inovação contra o Polvo Burocrático (Innovation Against the Bureaucratic Octopus), a key partner of the portfolio. This marked Think Plastic Brazil’s fourth consecutive participation in the trade fair.
“The results demonstrate the strength of Brazilian companies when they unite around a joint internationalization strategy. This event shows that Brazil not only keeps pace with global trends, but can also lead them in specific segments,” states Carlos Moreira, Brazilian Plastic Institute Executive Director and Think Plastic Brazil CPO.
The participating companies also celebrated the positive outcomes. According to Ive Silvestre Sforsin, CFO of Sforplast — a company that showcased fastening solutions such as wall plugs, nails, and screws — Expo Ferretera opened doors to new business in the country: “This was Sforplast’s first time participating in Expo Ferretera, and we have already embarked on our journey with incredible opportunities. Without even realizing it, we achieved milestones to which we used to say, ‘who knows, maybe someday.’ When we combine competence, purpose, and faith, we build a solid track record, generate positive impact, and inspire everyone who walks with us. The support of Think Plastic Brazil, in partnership with ApexBrasil, was essential to our success at the fair. Now it is time to wait with confidence: the seeds have been planted, and soon the fruits will come.”
For Rafael Porto, CEO of Grupo Force, a company that develops sustainable technologies such as wheelbarrow tires, gym flooring, and mats made from Havaianas sandals rubber scraps, the event was decisive: “Expo Ferretera was fantastic. Think Plastic Brazil is focused on innovation, the advancement of Brazilian companies, and internationalization. It was a highly productive week, with extensive networking, many prospects, and many leads. Being alongside Think Plastic Brazil at this fair was essential to making these connections possible.”
Carlos Moreira
Brazilian Plastic Institute Executive Director and Think Plastic Brazil CPO
About Think Plastic Brazil
Think Plastic Brazil started its activities with 38 companies and, over the last 20 years, has expanded its participation to more than 250 companies. During this period, the Portfolio promoted the participation of 4,773 companies in the industry in 240 projects specifically for Trade Promotion, resulting in 64,366 meetings. The economic impact was significant, with more than US$1.247 billion in business generated and a total investment of US$12.338 million, achieving an impressive ROI of US$101.04 for every dollar invested.
For those interested in buying from Brazil and contacting Brazilian companies associated with Think Plastic Brazil directly, please contact cristina.sacramento@thinkplasticbrazil.com and daniela.ornelas@thinkplasticbrazil.com via email or visit the website (https://thinkplasticbrazil.com/en/home-en/). Think Plastic Brazil is a non-profit, non-commissioned organization that can facilitate your direct contact with Brazilian producers.
About INP
Founded in 1989, the Brazilian Plastic Institute – INP arises amid the process of globalization and the need to make the plastic market more competitive internationally. Its strength and representativeness are the results of the union of the Brazilian Processed Plastic and Recycling Industry (ABIPLAST), the Brazilian Association of the Chemical Industry (ABIQUIM), and the Union of Synthetic Resin Industries in the State of São Paulo (SIRESP).
As a sectoral technological body, the INP’s is to be the focal point for the entire plastics production chain in Brazil. To this end, the body maintains an extensive workforce qualification program, promotes access to the most modern technologies, especially for small and medium-sized companies, and develops Technical Standards so that products with better quality be manufactured.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) promotes Brazilian products and services abroad and attracts foreign investments to strategic industries of the Brazilian economy. To reach its goals, ApexBrasil carries out diversified trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and valuing Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business roundtables, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, and visits by foreign buyers and influencers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that are also focused on strengthening “Brazil” as a brand.
The agency also acts in a coordinated manner with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for the development of the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.
