In 2023, Engraw took an important step towards sustainability and social responsibility with our "Back to School Project" campaign . Through this initiative, we transformed our plastic waste into school backpacks for young children, demonstrating that waste can be turned into something valuable.
This year, we continued with this spirit of innovation and sustainability, creating 140 unique mate holders. These are not just containers for mate; they were designed with our plastic waste, reaffirming our commitment to material revaluation and the circular economy.
Mate is more than just a drink in Uruguay; it is a companion for life that goes everywhere with us: in the car, to the beach, or to work. That’s why our new mate holders include a space to store your phone, adapting to the needs of everyday life while preserving the essence of a tradition that unites us as Uruguayans.
This project was made possible through our collaboration with Mare Sustentable maresustentable.uy , a company that shares our vision for a greener future. Their expertise in transforming recycled plastics made this initiative a reality, combining functionality, design, and sustainability.
Mare Sustentable works with women in vulnerable situations, providing them with the opportunity to access employment and generate their own income. These women, who typically lack access to formal job opportunities, find a space at Mare Sustentable where they can develop skills and contribute to projects that promote sustainability. In this way, they not only improve their quality of life but also become active agents of social and environmental change, supporting a circular economy that benefits the entire community.
Mate is a traditional drink from South America, particularly popular in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It has its roots in indigenous South American cultures. It is prepared by infusing dried leaves of yerba mate (a plant native to South America) in hot water and is consumed through a metal straw (called a bombilla) in a container, also called a mate. Beyond being a beverage, mate is a cultural and social symbol that accompanies conversations, work moments, and daily activities.
At Engraw, we are proud to combine tradition and environmental responsibility, showing that sustainable practices can be integrated into our daily lives. These mate holders not only celebrate mate but also the ingenuity and collective effort to care for our planet and our roots.