Mare Sustentable's mission is clear: to repurpose waste from the agricultural industry, such as silo bags, to create practical, durable, and innovative products.
The startup stands out for its focus on the circular economy and its positive impact on both the environment and society.
This approach not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also creates job opportunities for women in vulnerable situations.
"We are a community, we make a positive impact, we are the circular economy" is the motto that guides this venture.
The goal is to become a national leader in the reuse of agricultural waste and the creation of inclusive jobs.
Behind Mare Sustentable, a project incubated at ORT’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), is Andrea Ramagli.
Ramagli is a passionate and resilient entrepreneur who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism from Universidad ORT Uruguay a Master’s degree in Marketing and Communication Management from the UOC in Barcelona, Spain.
One of the goals is to expand in Uruguay so that the model can be replicated in other Latin American countries.
In 2023, the project received the First National Sustainable Uruguay Environment Award, an honor presented by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries.
The Problem of Rural Waste
Improper management of rural waste, such as open-air burning or uncontrolled burial, causes serious environmental problems.
These methods release toxic substances and contaminate water resources and soil, affecting rural communities.
To address this issue, Mare Sustentable proposes an innovative and simple solution: washing and drying agricultural waste to turn it into useful products.
This process not only reduces pollution, but also promotes the circular economy and sustainable consumption.
Mare Sustentable's products are made in decentralized sewing workshops located in Curtina (Tacuarembó); Cerro Colorado (Flores); Florida; Sarandí de Navarro, Paso de los Mellizos, and Young (Río Negro); and Nueva Helvecia (Colonia).
"The idea is to scale up the project through additional workshops so that we can expand it."
These workshops, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, support women entrepreneurs in vulnerable situations by creating jobs and development opportunities.
Products and Retail Locations
Currently, Mare Sustentable produces bags, handbags, backpacks, tote bags, toiletry bags, fanny packs, pencil cases, covers, aprons, planters, and other products.
The main retail outlets are La Isla, Trotamundos, and BTU Store.
In addition, it designs custom sustainable products for businesses.
Mare Sustentable offers a service that transforms waste into products for events and merchandise.
Medium-term goals
Mare Sustentable has set ambitious goals for the future:
- Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, creating full and productive employment for all.
- Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns by promoting the reuse and recovery of waste.
- To have a positive environmental impact through comprehensive waste management.
- Promote job creation, especially for women in vulnerable situations.
One of Mare Sustentable’s goals is to become a regional export model and a national leader in the circular economy, by increasing the reuse of agricultural waste and expanding production capacity.
For more information about Mare Sustentable and its initiatives, visit their website.