From June 17 to 20, Think Plastic Brazil, a portfolio of solutions for the plastic-converted products sector in the internationalization process for target markets, carried out through a partnership between ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and INP (Brazilian Plastic Institute), begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, the activities of the Africa-Brazil Trade Mission, a commercial mission that connects 21 Brazilian companies with buyers from all over the region, invited to business rounds on the days of activity.
With a promising market on the African continent, the event is an important gateway for Brazilian industry, whether in the technical or retail sectors. The region has a young population with growing dynamic consumption, driven by rapid urbanization. The companies that are embarking with Think Plastic Brazil to South Africa are: Arthi, Alklin, Astra S/A, Azul Pack TechGround, Condor, Mello, Fame, Fortlev, Hiperpack, Itacorda, Mangueplast, Maxeb, Metaltru, Nitron,
They represent the verticals of Agribusiness, Civil Construction and Housewares, offering solutions for market needs, with the competitive advantage of sustainable development in the internationalization of our companies, committed to ESG and global innovation practices, strengthening the competitiveness of Brazilian products on an international level.
“We studied this market with the commitment and seriousness that this opportunity deserves, realizing that South Africa has demands for many of our verticals. There is already a receptiveness there to doing business with Brazil, and our innovations are very much in line with the needs that exist in the region. Color Trend® 2025 is an excellent example, in which design and colors tell a story that adds value to our products,” says Carlos Moreira, Executive Director of INP and Think Plastic Brazil CPO.
In addition to the business rounds with buyers operating in South Africa, buyers from neighboring countries will also participate, expanding the scope of the action. Finally, Think Plastic Brazil will be taking the 2025 edition of the International Yearbook to the Africa Mission, a catalog that brings together Brazilian companies in the converted plastics sector, divided into six verticals: Agrobusiness, Toys, Civil Construction, Supplies for the Plastic Converting Industry and Housewares.
Arthi: With over 500 items distributed in thousands of points of sale throughout Brazil and abroad, Arthi has been consolidating its name in the market for over 25 years. One of the leading companies in the domestic housewares market, it manufactures products for the kitchen, bathroom and organization, and is part of the lives of thousands of Brazilians. Located 70 km from São Paulo, in the city of Bom Jesus dos Perdões, it currently has a modern manufacturing plant with cutting-edge technology.
Alklin: The Alklin brand is owned by Schwanke Industrial, which, with over 70 years of history, is a leader in the cleaning cloth category in Brazil, with 17.2% of the Self-Service and Cash & Carry Retail market. Located in Santa Catarina, in the South of Brazil, it has two manufacturing plants, one in Blumenau, the city where it is headquartered, and the other in Penha. In addition to operating in the cloth category, the company works with the following product categories: sponges, brooms, squeegees/mops and housewares (brushes, shovels, buckets, plungers, door seals, clotheslines and rugs).
Astra S/A: Astra S/A Indústria e Comércio, founded in 1957 in the city of Jundiaí – 60km from the capital of São Paulo – is a multi-specialized company that creates and sells products and solutions for people’s daily lives. It has a varied portfolio, consisting of items aimed at construction, ranging from the foundation of the work to the finishing, from technical items to decoration, with practicality, beauty and well-being.
Azul Pack TechGround: TechGround Geomembranes are composed of geosynthetic materials produced using Polyethylene, a line specially developed for those seeking an effective waterproofing system combined with innovation and technology for projects that are concerned about the environmental impacts caused by contamination of soil, rivers and groundwater. The products follow the GRI GM-13 and GM-17 recommendations and are produced with high-quality virgin raw materials and the correct addition of carbon black, antioxidants and thermostabilizers, which guarantees greater resistance to UV rays and, consequently, longer service life and performance. The entire line is tested in their own laboratory, which has the international GAI LAP certification.
Fame: With 85 years of industry experience, FAME offers safe, efficient and affordable water heating solutions tailored to meet the needs of a global audience. Founded in 1940, FAME operates three modern production facilities in Brazil, employs over 2,000 people and exports to over 40 countries. All products are ISO 9001 certified and have over 10 international certifications, demonstrating the company’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Fortlev: At Fortlev, taking care of water is a commitment we make every day to families from the North to the South of Brazil. That is why our business goes far beyond manufacturing tanks, pipes and connections; we work to be a reference in water storage solutions. Since 1989, Fortlev has specialized in bringing quality to its customers. For this, innovation is needed. Today, we have one of the most modern industrial parks for pipes and connections in the country. As for water tanks, we are always one step ahead, seeking bold solutions for consumers.
Metaltru: Transforming steel and composite wood into innovative products with design and functionality has been Metaltru’s mission throughout its 38-year history. Operating in 40 countries, we have helped make the lives of thousands of consumers easier, which gives us the satisfaction of knowing that we are on the right track. In 2025, Metaltru will continue to strive to always do its best.
Plasvale: Plasvale has a complete and versatile line of household goods – ideal for distributors and retailers looking to boost sales. A Brazilian brand in the housewares segment since 1977, it offers products designed for the everyday needs of the modern consumer. With practical, durable and visually appealing solutions, it is ideal for distributors looking to expand their portfolio and for retailers looking to offer high-turnover products and who value the experience at the point of sale.
São Bernardo: São Bernardo, a leading brand in practical organization solutions, will be presenting its newest PET refrigerator organizer during its upcoming trade mission in South Africa. Made from high-quality recycled PET, this organizer was developed to optimize refrigerator space, making home storage more efficient and sustainable. The refrigerator organizer stands out as a practical solution for homes and retailers looking for smart and eco-friendly organization options.
Tigre: With over 83 years of history, Tigre is a Brazilian multinational with a strong international presence and a leader in solutions for civil construction. The company offers a broad portfolio of products that grows every year. We are driven by caring for water to transform people’s quality of life. We transform your experience with water beyond the construction site, through the best solutions on the market.
Unipega: We are a global brand that has been present throughout Latin America for over 20 years, offering products for the construction, crafts, furniture, automotive and consumer segments, with a portfolio of over 400 products that serve various segments — construction, carpentry, automotive, retail and mass consumption, as well as painting and coatings. Unipega is recognized by customers and consumers, having a presence in various distribution channels and winning important awards in the segment.
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 4,773 participations of 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.