At FCA, the transition from a traditional, linear economy to a circular economy created the “Coopeávore” (Cooptree), a sustainable fashion cooperative part of the social platform Árvore da Vida (The Tree of Life). It’s based in the Jardim Teresópolis community, on the outskirts of the Fiat Automotive Center in Betim, MG, and composed by a group of neighbors, mostly women. The cooperative receives leftover safety belts and automotive fabric scraps to produce accessories such as bags, backpacks, key chains and other items with internationally recognized quality.
In 10 years, more than 230 thousand pieces have been produced by the cooperative, which used as raw material about 25 tons of items donated by the FCA and associated companies. During this period Coopervárvore contributed to improving the quality of life of more than 70 families in Jardim Teresópolis, having even successfully concluded a partnership with the European Union for the promotion of peace and women’s leadership. The following video shows how the project changed the life of artisan Claudinéia: