USAID Trained 200 Crucenos in Plastics Recycling with PANTANAL S.R.L.

On February 20, Ambassador Goldberg participated in the closing ceremony for a training course to identify, select, and store used plastics for recycling.  The course was organized by Santa Cruz-based Pantanal SRL and USAID's Bolivian Trade and Business Competitiveness project.  The 200 trainees were from poor sectors of Santa Cruz, who now have the opportunity to increase their incomes in a newly developing sector of the economy. 

Pantanal SRL was created in 2005 to recycle used plastics by transforming them into pellets, mainly for the local market (though 15% of the production is exported).  The company has sales of around $500,000 per year and employs 65 people.  This activity generates more than 600 indirect jobs, organized through micro-enterprises and small cooperatives.  At Pantanal’s request, the BTBC project developed the training course, which included safe and healthy handling of these used materials.  While many trainees sell their collected goods to Pantanal SRL, they also sell them to other companies.  The implementation of new techniques have increased the collection of used plastics by 20% and generated 38 new jobs.  This industry promotes environmental protection, generates employment, and increases awareness of adequate disposal of used plastics. 

The USAID Bolivian Trade and Business Competitiveness (BTBC) Project supports economic growth and poverty reduction by generating sustainable jobs and improving the competitive production of value-added, labor-intensive products.  The program also aims to promote public policies that enhance productivity and export competitiveness.

Support for business development and job creation includes linking small businesses into production networks with larger private sector firms, and promoting joint efforts to take advantage of market opportunities.  This work directly targets the poor and supports regional development plans with concrete actions promoting job creation and inclusion.