De un vistazo

Location: Natal, Brazil

Impact Areas: Green Technology, Sustainable Income, Sociobioeconomy

People Supported:
Smallholder Farmers and Collectors, Women and Local Communities

Se unió a NESsT Portafolio :
2024

Visión general

Plantus, founded in 2010 by its CEO Zelita Maria Santos Rocha, develops and manufactures natural and organic inputs for pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. Led by an all-women management team, the social enterprise is committed to creating income opportunities for local communities while safeguarding the planet. Plantus sources all its plant ingredients from the forest using harvesting methods that don’t deforest or harm the biodiverse environment. By doing so, Plantus provides small producers with fair, steady income from sustainable sources. 

Plantus' innovative fermentation process enhances bioactive compounds in plant-based ingredients. Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring substances that have beneficial effects on health and skin, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.  

It applies its certified technique to over 30 different Amazonian seeds and fruits at its production plant in Natal. The high-quality ingredients it produces include plant-based and essential oils, extracts, butters, and powders, which are sold primarily to international markets to create cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. 

Plantus also invests in the growth and independence of its local suppliers. The social enterprise provides training, technology, and resource to ensure small producers aren’t solely dependent on Plantus for income. For example, when entering a new area, Plantus identifies native plants with economic potential and creates illustrated manuals to guide producers in best practices for cultivating and processing these natural resources. 

At its production plant in Natal, in northeastern Brazil, Plantus employs over 70 people, nearly 60% from marginalized backgrounds and 35% of whom are women. Several of Plantus’ employees have progressed from entry-level roles to higher positions through its educational support program, which covers full tuition fees, with seven employees enrolled in the year 2024. The enterprise also runs a weekly skills-building program led by employees. 

NESsT Inversión

Currently, Plantus’ greatest growth obstacle is to match its growing demand with a limited available supply of high-quality, sustainably sourced raw materials. To address this, NESsT will support Plantus to expand its supply chain by amplifying its presence in the Amazon. NESsT will connect Plantus with current enterprises in its portfolio to support the enterprise to build new commercial relationships and strengthen its Amazonian supply chain. 

Plantus plans to increase sourcing from small Amazonian producers from 30 to 50% of external production needs in the next 3 years, providing dignified income to more than 200 families in the region. Alongside NESsT portfolio managers, Plantus will map out and enhance its social and environmental impact.