The Think Plastic Brazil initiative aims to expand exports and establish connections with strategic markets.
From September 8 to 12, 2025, Think Plastic Brazil will hold a Trade Mission to Colombia, bringing together 26 Brazilian companies from the converted plastics sector for a strategic agenda of business meetings and prospecting with regional buyers. Think Plastic Brazil is a portfolio of solutions supporting the internationalization of Brazil’s converted plastics sector. The program is a partnership between ApexBrasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and the INP (Brazilian Plastics Institute).
This Trade Mission will take place in Bogotá with the support of specialized local consultancies, offering participants the opportunity to connect with buyers from Colombia and neighboring markets such as Ecuador, Panama, and Costa Rica, expanding commercial prospects across the continent.
“Colombia is one of the most dynamic economies in South America and a gateway to the Andean markets. This Trade Mission was designed to foster valuable connections — ensuring security, technical support, and commercial intelligence — and to pave the way for the regional expansion of our industries,” says Carlos Moreira, Brazilian Plastic Institute Executive Director and Think Plastic Brazil CPO.
The partner companies participating in the mission are: ARTHI, Astra S/A Indústria e Comércio, Enerbras, Estamparia de Alumínio Oliveira, Force, Fortlev, FRONTEC, Jaguar, LOLLY, MarGirius, Martiplast, Maxcrill, Maxeb, Metaltru, Nitronplast, Nutriplan, Plasvale, Rainha, Sanremo, São Bernardo, Schwanke, Sforplast, Tigre, Uninjet, Velper and Wyda.
THE COLOMBIAN MARKET FOR CONVERTED PLASTICS
Colombia remains one of the most important markets for Brazilian converted plastics. The country projects GDP growth of 2.5% in 2025, expecting to reach 2.8% in 2026, driven by private consumption, high exports, and investment. Inflation declined to 4.5%, while unemployment fell to 9.1% at the end of last year — its lowest level since 2017. “Despite fiscal challenges and a high rate of informality, the Colombian economy is showing clear signs of recovery and stability, with a notable performance by the agricultural sector, which grew by 8.1% in 2024, and by tourism, which broke records with 6.7 million visitors,” adds Carlos Moreira.
Export data from companies participating in Think Plastic Brazil underscore Colombia’s strategic importance in the converted plastics sector. Between January and July 2024, companies exported 30.17 million kilograms of plastic, totaling US$39.86 million. In the same period of 2025, those figures rose to US$46.82 million and 36.25 million kilograms, ranking Colombia as the seventh-largest export market, behind only Argentina, Chile, and Belgium. The growth in both value and volume shows a solid, continuous demand.
Additionally, Think Plastic Brazil has implemented 20 initiatives in the country, including 18 trade shows and two bespoke projects in Bogotá. These initiatives have generated over 10,000 business meetings involving 339 member companies. These efforts have resulted in US$10.3 million in confirmed business deals, with a pipeline exceeding US$138 million and an ROI of US$132.02 per dollar invested. This data proves that Colombia is not only an expanding market but also a strategic trade partner for the sector.
ABOUT THE COMPANIES
Alklin: The Alklin brand is owned by Schwanke Industrial. With more than 70 years of history, it is a leader in the cleaning cloth category in Brazil, holding 17.2% of the Self-Service Retail and Cash & Carry market. Alklin, owned by Schwanke Industrial, has over 70 years of history and leads Brazil’s cleaning cloth category, holding a 17.2% share of the self-service retail and cash & carry market. Based in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, the company operates two manufacturing plants, one in Blumenau, its headquarters, and another in Penha. Beyond cleaning cloths, its product lines include sponges, brooms, squeegees and mops, and other household items (such as brushes, dustpans, buckets, plungers, door draft stoppers, clotheslines, and rugs).
Arthi: With more than 25 years in business, Arthi offers kitchen, bathroom, and home-organization products, with a portfolio of over 500 items distributed throughout Brazil and internationally. Headquartered in Bom Jesus dos Perdões, São Paulo, Arthi operates a modern plant equipped with cutting-edge technology. The company combines quality, design, and functionality with ongoing investments in innovation and staff training. Responsive to consumer demands, Arthi has expanded its portfolio to include rubberized products and maintains a strong environmental commitment through sustainable processes and a state-of-the-art effluent treatment plant.
Astra S/A Indústria e Comércio: With over 60 years of history, Astra S/A is a Brazilian company and a benchmark in solutions for the construction, home decor, and housewares sectors. Committed to quality and innovation, the company offers products that blend technology, design, and sustainability.
Enerbras: In 2025, Enerbras celebrates its 30th anniversary in the electrical materials sector, a journey marked by resilience and dedication. As part of the celebrations, the company is participating in various events around the world, including Expo Ferretera, where it will present its latest launch: the E-Griff shower head, featuring a modern design and innovative technology. The product is available in two colors, white and black, with a matte finish.
Fortlev: Fortlev’s daily commitment to caring for families’ water supply across Brazil reinforces the importance of this essential resource with every product delivered. More than just manufacturing water tanks, pipes, and fittings, the company seeks to be a benchmark in water storage solutions. Since 1989, Fortlev has combined quality with innovation and boasts one of the country’s most advanced production facilities for pipes and fittings. Fortlev is also a leader in developing water tanks, creating bold solutions that blend innovation and tradition in each new launch.
Jaguar: With over 45 years of experience, Jaguar is a pioneer in the production of housewares and industrial packaging, offering a portfolio of more than 500 products to domestic and international markets in over 20 countries. Recognized for its innovation, quality, strength, and durability, the company stands out for developing custom projects using cutting-edge technology and a specialized team, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and remaining in a state of constant growth and transformation.
MarGirius: Founded in 1949 in São Paulo and moved to Porto Ferreira in 1973, MarGirius is one of Brazil’s largest manufacturers of electrical and electronic controls, with a portfolio of more than 19,000 products for various applications. With a focus on safety and quality, the company offers electrical outlets, LED drivers, power strips, adapters, circuit breakers, sensors, residential wall switches and appliance switches, float switches, pressure switches, and photoelectric relays, among other products. Present in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, MarGirius ensures safety and reliability in everyday electrical power management.
Metaltru: For 38 years, Metaltru’s mission has been to transform steel, plastic, and reclaimed wood into innovative products that blend design with functionality. Present in more than 40 countries, the company helps make daily life easier for thousands of consumers, focusing on social responsibility, respect for the human being and the environment, with the satisfaction of being on the right path.
Nitron: For 35 years, Nitron has operated in the plastic housewares market. With a portfolio exceeding 300 products, Nitron ranks among the country’s leading plastic housewares manufacturers. This standing results from a focus on product quality, consistent investment, and professional modernization, all while honoring customers’ core needs and preferences.
Ou: With 30 years of experience, Ou is a leader in the home organization market, standing out for its distinctive design, innovation, functionality, and sustainability. Present in 24 countries and with retail locations throughout Brazil, the brand offers products that transform people’s daily lives by fostering organized and comfortable environments. The brand also features Casa Ou, an exclusive space in São Paulo where clients and partners can experience the brand’s essence through organization and well-being workshops.
Plasvale: Plasvale’s mission is to make daily life easier for people. Since 1977, the company has passionately worked on product development, quality, sustainability, and technology. Excellence in the development of each item is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of its more than 500 employees, who work daily with you and your family in mind to make your lives easier, more practical, and happier. All Plasvale products are free of toxic substances — in fact, the company is BPA-FREE — and meet the highest quality standards. They are tested to offer the best possible performance and ensure the satisfaction of clients and consumers.
Sanremo: Strategically located in the Mercosur region, Sanremo boasts a monthly production capacity of 5 million units. Its portfolio includes kitchenware, home-organization solutions, laundry and cleaning supplies, pet and baby products, gardening tools, and thermal goods, totaling approximately 1,000 SKUs. The brand is a benchmark for quality, with 100% of its products made from virgin raw materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, and silicone. All products are BPA-free (bisphenol-A) and colored with non-toxic pigments. The company tackles environmental sustainability challenges through clean technologies and by engaging its 500 employees in continuous awareness initiatives.
São Bernardo: The plastic products manufactured by São Bernardo are successfully sold in countries ranging from Argentina to Australia. Such is the result of five decades of experience and the continuous improvement of the company’s manufacturing processes. A family-owned company founded in 1959, São Bernardo initially produced steel tools and parts, such as shelves and racks. Today, the company operates a modern industrial facility in the city of Itaquaquecetuba, São Paulo, and is ISO 9001 certified.
Tigre: With over 83 years of history, Tigre is a Brazilian multinational with a strong international presence and a leader in solutions for the construction industry. The company offers an extensive portfolio growing year after year. We are driven by our commitment to water stewardship, enhancing quality of life. We transform your experience with water, on and off the construction site, with the best solutions on the market.
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.
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