Initiative promoted in partnership with the Municipal Government and the recycling cooperative ReciclaTB, during Expo Telêmaco 2024 and 2025, collected more than 3.5 metric tons of recyclable materials, which were converted into food through the Feira do Bem program

Paraná, August 20, 2025 – More than 3.5 metric tons of food were donated at the beginning of July to socially vulnerable families registered at the Welfare Reference Center (CRAS) in Telêmaco Borba (PR). The initiative is the result of the action promoted by Klabin at Expo Telêmaco in the years 2024 and 2025, through the Klabin Transforms Circular Territory program, in partnership with the Feira do Bem, a program of the Municipal Government, and the Cooperative of Environmental Agents (ReciclaTB).

During Expo Telêmaco, which took place at the Mieceslau Malinowski Events Center in March 2024, large bags were placed in the event area for proper disposal of recyclable waste. In 2025, the amount collected was a record, with more than two metric tons collected, an increase of 40% compared to 2024. In total over the two years, 323 fresh produce baskets were distributed, with 11.4 kg of food each.

"It is an action that combines awareness, solidarity, and sustainability." The involvement of the public sector, the private sector, and the nonprofit sector was fundamental to ensuring the success of this initiative for the second consecutive year”, highlights Uilson Paiva, Community Relations Manager at Klabin.

One of the beneficiaries of the action was Lenice de Fátima Dias de Melo, mother of six. "This help came at the right time. Every month I spend, on average, R$600 in the market. This week, I won't need to go grocery shopping. The money I save is enough to buy medicine or other little things for the house," she says.

“Solidarity and care for people will always be at the center of our actions. This initiative, which combines sustainability, social inclusion, and support for family farming, shows how well-constructed partnerships can transform the lives of those who need it most. Seeing over 3 metric tons of food being generated from recycled materials, through the teamwork of the Municipal Government, Klabin, and ReciclaTB, is a source of pride for Telêmaco Borba. We remain committed to building a more just, aware, and compassionate city,” emphasized Rita Mara de Paula Araújo, Mayor of Telêmaco Borba.

The list of donated products is quite diverse, including items such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, oranges, beets, carrots, and passion fruit. Most of these are grown by local farmers who receive support through the Klabin Transforms Social Forests program and the Feira do Bem initiative, which encourages exchanging recyclable materials for fresh food.

"It was amazing to see the impact that ReciclaTB had during ExpoTelêmaco 2025. The collection of recyclable waste exceeded expectations and, with the exchange of these materials, food was purchased to donate to families in need in Telêmaco Borba. Hearing about the joy and gratitude of the people was incredible. ReciclaTB showed that, together, we can make a difference and contribute to a more supportive and sustainable community", says Giane Galvão, president of ReciclaTB.

#Recycling #Sustainability #Society #Solidarity