Investing in People, Communities, and the Future of Carnauba
Investing in People, Communities, and the Future of Carnauba
At Strahl & Pitsch, sustainability is about more than sourcing natural ingredients responsibly. It's also about supporting the people and communities behind those ingredients.
That's why we're proud to support the Inclusive Carnauba for Education and Biodiversity Project, an initiative led by Brasil Ceras in northeastern Brazil. The program helps create opportunities for young people, supports rural families, and promotes the long-term sustainability of the carnauba supply chain.
Why This Project Matters
Carnauba wax is an important source of income for thousands of families across Brazil's Northeast region. While the industry plays a vital role in local communities, many families face challenges such as limited access to education, seasonal income, and fewer opportunities for young people to build careers while remaining in their communities.
The Inclusive Carnauba for Education and Biodiversity Project was created to help address these challenges by investing in education, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Since launching in 2021, the project has provided young people with access to technical training, educational support, and real-world skills that prepare them for careers in agriculture, sustainability, and the carnauba industry.
Creating Opportunities Through Education
At the heart of the project is a partnership with the Santa Ângela Family and Agricultural School (EFASA), where students receive a unique combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Students alternate between time spent at school and time working alongside their families and communities, allowing them to apply what they learn directly to real-life situations.
In addition to traditional coursework, students receive training in:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Responsible carnauba production
- Environmental awareness
- Human rights and workplace safety
- Traceability and supply chain best practices
- Fair trade principles
These programs help students develop valuable skills while encouraging the next generation of leaders within rural communities.
A Growing Impact
Over the past five years, the project has:
- Directly supported 65 students
- Indirectly benefited more than 1,000 students
- Reached 42 communities across 10 municipalities
- Maintained strong female participation, with women representing more than half of all students
- Connected many students to certified fair trade supply chains
These numbers represent more than statistics. They represent students gaining access to education, families building stronger futures, and communities becoming more resilient.
Supporting Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship
Education is only one part of the project.
A native seedling nursery in Piauí produces carnauba seedlings and other native species that help restore local ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity.
To date, more than 2,700 seedlings have been produced and distributed to farming families. These seedlings support reforestation efforts, improve land management, and help create healthier environments for future generations.
Helping Families Build Sustainable Livelihoods
The project also supports agroforestry systems on family-owned properties.
These systems combine agriculture and native vegetation to create additional sources of income while improving soil health and protecting local ecosystems.
For many families, this means greater financial stability during the carnauba off-season, increased food security, and new opportunities to generate income throughout the year.
Looking Toward the Future
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing the paths students take after graduation.
Former participants have gone on to attend universities, earn agricultural research scholarships, work in rural development programs, and become leaders within their communities. Others continue working within the carnauba supply chain, helping bring sustainable practices to the next generation of producers.
Our Commitment
Every investment in education, biodiversity, and community development helps build a stronger and more sustainable future for the carnauba industry.
Strahl & Pitsch is honored to support initiatives like the Inclusive Carnauba for Education and Biodiversity Project that create lasting positive impact for people, communities, and the environment.
Together, we can help ensure that the future of carnauba is not only sustainable, but also more inclusive, resilient, and full of opportunity.