Grupo Force, an associate of 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) — has developed an innovative product that unites recycling, sustainability, and technology: tires for wheelbarrows produced from industrial waste, including scraps from the manufacturing of Havaianas sandals.
Each tire incorporates more than 3.5 kilograms of recycled raw materials, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the circular economy. The model is solid (and therefore puncture-proof), fire-resistant, and offers comfort and shock absorption comparable to that of pneumatic tires. According to the manufacturer, the product lasts up to three times longer than conventional models and supports loads of up to 200 kilograms.
The innovation gained Tramontina’s trust, as the company believed in and embraced the product idea, applying it to their wheelbarrows, which resulted in great success. In addition, Grupo Force also develops exclusive products for the brand.
Recognized for its six patents in recycling technologies, the Paraíba-based company emphasizes that the partnership with Tramontina enhances the visibility of its solutions and paves the way for new sustainable advancements on a global scale.
“Grupo Force puts into practice everything we have consistently advocated for the sector: the future rests on three pillars — innovation, design, and sustainability,” said Carlos Moreira, Brazilian Plastic Institute Executive Director and Think Plastic Brazil CPO.
“We develop innovative and sustainable technologies and products. The tire is just one example of our potential to deliver impactful solutions,” adds Rafael Porto, CEO of the company.
Innovation on the International Stage
In September, the company participated in the Trade Mission to Colombia, promoted by Think Plastic Brazil with the support of ApexBrasil. On this occasion, it showcased its technologies to potential buyers from Latin America, reinforcing its international expansion strategy.
By joining Think Plastic Brazil, the company reinforces its commitment to consolidating its position as a benchmark in sustainable innovation within the global market.
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.
