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Preserving the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands

Around 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador lie the Galapagos Islands with their incredible biodiversity and large number of species found nowhere else in the world. For generations, the group of islands has been isolated from the outside world. However, now they are home to over 35,000 Ecuadorian residents and a popular tourist destination. It is our responsibility to preserve this unique natural beauty.

Ideal Alambrec Bekaert has been partnering with Chaide y Chaide S.A., one of Ecuador’s largest mattress manufacturers, since March 2022 to contribute to the islands’ circular economy by recycling mattresses when they reach end of life.

The link between our companies lies in the wire we supply and that Chaide transforms into springs and frames that provide support within each mattress.  

We are happy to be joining forces with Chaide and a group of companies to build on the cradle-to-cradle approach for mattresses; contributing to a more sustainable value chain. Every year, more and more mattresses end up in landfills around the world wasting a lot of reusable resources.

Tammy Caamano

General Manager, Ideal Alambrec Bekaert
Tammy Caamano

Chaide encourages and helps its customers to dispose of their old mattress responsibly, by giving a cash discount on a new purchase in exchange for their old one.

As part of the partnership, dedicated teams go from landfill to landfill to collect  mattresses that have been dumped. After the mattresses are collected, they make their 3-day journey back to the mainland of Ecuador. There they pass through a recycling process, where recovered steel is sent to companies that melt and transform it into new recycled steel products. The foam and textile materials are sent to co-processing where they are used to manufacture cement.

In the first year of this partnership, we have contributed to the recycling of 1000 mattresses on the Galapagos Islands. 

It is estimated that since the beginning of the operation, 72 metric tons of CO2 have been saved, and 52 tons of materials (24 tons of steel and 28 tons of foam and fabric) have been put back in the loop of the circular economy, reducing waste and environmental impact. 

Bekaert's commitment to its customers and to the environment is demonstrated in a very powerful way with this project. The alliance continues, and together we are investigating new ways to make a positive impact on the world. Thanks, Ideal Alambrec Bekaert!

Raúl Estévez

National Sales & Innovation Manager, Chaide
Raúl Estévez

Amplifying our efforts

This partnership is a great example of amplifying our efforts to protect the planet by joining forces with our stakeholders. What better cause is there than contributing to the preservation efforts of one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth, the Galapagos Islands.

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