3A Composites Core Materials is committed to the sustainable development of indigenous communities and responsible forestry

The Achuar Nationality of Ecuador as well as its ancestral territories is recognized and protected by the Ecuadorian Constitution as a non-profit organization with the primary goal of restoring, preservation and diffusion of its culture, language and traditions. 3A Composites Core Materials now signed a 2-year technical cooperation agreement with the Achuar Nationality of Ecuador to promote sustainable forestry practices and responsible growth, harvesting and processing of the balsa wood (Ochroma Pyramidale) for indigenous communities.

The scope of the technical cooperation agreement is to provide the Achuar Nationality with the knowledge transfer regarding forestry and silviculture best practices. This includes the establishment of balsa plantations in the territory of Achuar (i.e. training in selection of suitable land, seed selection, land preparation and nursery), the maintenance of balsa wood plantation using silviculture best practices (i.e. thinning, clean up, plague and disease control procedures aligned with sustainable forestry guidelines, forestry inventory) and harvesting (i.e. quality criteria and usable volume estimations, sawmilling techniques, environmental and legal regulations for wood harvesting).

Achuar Nationality will be in charge of the entire operation with 3A Composites Core Materials as the provider of technical and legal assistance not involved in any commercial transaction of the wood resulting from their plantations. With more than 80 years of experience in mastering the industrial production of balsa wood, 3A Composites Core Materials is truly committed to ensure that neighboring communities as well as indigenous and native people can secure sustainable and responsible income for generations to come.

As a global leader in sustainable and reliable forestry management, the company is able to support preserving their territories as well as the biodiversity observing the use of land is not changed to agriculture or urban expansion. Due to unparalleled weight to mechanical properties ratio and incredible stiffness and lightweight, balsa wood is widely used in the renewable energy, marine, aerospace, automotive and building and construction industries. The company therefore owns and manages several hectares of FSC^®-certified plantations in Ecuador and Papua New Guinea and ensures this way the sustainable, responsible and reliable balsa supply to the industrial markets globally.

About 3A Composites Core Materials

3A Composites Core Materials is a global organizational unit within the 3A Composites Group, a part of Schweiter Technologies (SIX Swiss Exchange: SWTQ), with operations in Europe, North and South America, China and Papua New Guinea.

Stronger, lighter, greener future

3A Composites Core Materials is a global leader with the broadest portfolio of high-performing and sustainable core materials with main focus on PET foam and balsa wood. We are the pioneers in sandwich technology with more than 75 years of experience.

Since the very beginning our focus has been developing strong and solid, yet lightweight core materials, which allow manufacturing more durable, sustainable and energy-efficient end products for our customers. Our products have also the purpose: to create a stronger, lighter and greener future.

We have innovation deeply planted in our core

Each of our products is a result of profound expertise and advanced thinking of our engineers, working in partnership with our customers and leading experts and research institutes. We shape the industry trends and keep our offer at the cutting edge of technology.

We want to make the industry greener

Our commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in all aspects of our business, from developing sustainable products to protecting the natural environment and cultural heritage of the communities we work in.

For further information please contact:

www.3ACcorematerials.com