Guatemala is in a process of change where every effort, no matter how small, can be a trigger for a new culture that benefits many. This is the case of Gronn, a national company that seeks a new path in the recycling industry by proposing creative initiatives and giving new life to Guatemalan waste.
The current situation of the countries and the intensification of different industries predispose the deterioration of the environment in its various areas such as rivers, air, soil erosion, logging, among dozens of other consequences of poor management of industrial waste from national consumerism.
Aaron Bendfeldt is a Guatemalan dreamer who a few years ago had the opportunity to be exposed to a new environment with different industrial approaches. After his visit to Norway, where he learned and was enchanted by the sustainable practices of this country, he returns to Guatemala with new dreams and the desire to do something for Guatemala, something different. From this desire was born the idea of proposing a unique product from ecological activities that has an impact on the environment, but also gives life to what we waste.
A bottle passes through our hands for about 20 minutes, however, Gronn proposes to create containers from them, giving them a longer shelf life than we are used to. Gronn is a sustainable development company that focuses on recycling glass, specifically different types of bottles. This collective was built on three important principles in its business: support for women, sustainability and shared prosperity. These three pillars demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to its employees and the environment.
Gronn currently converts about 200 bottles a day into cups. These bottles are obtained mainly from the collection of more than 20 restaurants and hotels in the area, which has represented a recycling process of 23,271 bottles in the first quarter of the year 2023. In addition to the collection in restaurants and hotels, everyone can come to the offices and contribute with any amount of bottles and subsequently obtain a discount on their next purchase.
In addition to the manufacture of glasses, Gronn is constantly experimenting by creating other types of containers such as: water bottles, cups, sauce boats, planters and candle holders. The production of these glasses has transcended in recent years, as the team had the magnificent idea of adding completely original designs by Guatemalan artists. This initiative is called SUMARTE, which is a design contest in 4 different categories. Last year they took iconic places, traditions, culture and Mayan heritage as the thematic axis of the call. The winning designs were used for a special collection that was launched at the end of 2022. Recently, a collaboration was made with the organization Archilarum to promote a special edition of the White Nun where part of the proceeds would go to the conservation of the national flower. If you are a designer, you can join this experience and participate in all the categories you want, the new call is about to start.
Any ecological movement that represents a change needs the support of many in order to grow and spread these new trends that are completely necessary to give the Earth a breath of fresh air. As individuals we can approach Gronn to recycle our bottles, make a small purchase or purchase their cutting, polishing and printing services. These small gestures represent a big boost to the company and its sustainability status. Visit their facilities and follow them on their social networks. Making a significant change in our country is everyone’s job, and the more hands that collaborate, the better the construction of a new future will be.
