Mitigating our impacts on the planet is one of the four central pillars of BENEO’s Healthy Planet Plan, our sustainability strategy. Our team in Chile recently set an inspiring example of how we can work towards this by launching BENEO’s reforestation project in Chile. They inaugurated a new forest reserve, the Fundo San Pedro BENEO Chile. Keep reading to learn how it connects people with nature in a wholesome way and get inspired!

From mandatory reforestation to reconnecting with nature

It is not a secret that business operations have an impact on the environment around us – and BENEO is no exception. In fact, expanding our chicory root fibre production plant in Pemuco (Chile) to increase capacity of our prebiotic ingredients required us to cut down trees. While it was mandatory to plant new trees (reforestation), the BENEO reforestation project in Chile went beyond compliance. It transformed the area into a conservation space that fosters biodiversity and human connection to nature.

How? The team used a cluster reforestation method that offers protection to each new plant. In addition, the 1,500 new trees were integrated into an existing native forest. This created a biological corridor rather than an isolated reforested sector. In this forest, iconic tree species like the peumo, maitén, arrayán, and quillay coexist. These resilient species, adapted to the local climate, allow life to flourish, providing shelter and nesting grounds for birds such as sparrows, hawks and owls.

Bringing environmental and social initiatives together

Another special addition is that the forest is home to bees that produce high-quality native forest honey and help with pollination, creating a more complete and sustainable ecosystem. The bees belong to entrepreneurs that were part of “Orafti Emprende”, BENEO’s social program in Chile, and are therefore a great example of connecting environmental and social ambitions. For several years, “Orafti Emprende” has supported small business founders in the commune of Pemuco. The start-up initiative helps people from the local community to implement their business ideas mainly by providing education and training.

Next to being a conservation space for nature, BENEO turned the area into a unique educational trail that fosters environmental awareness and deepens people’s connection to nature. Walking on the trails allows visitors to experience what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, an ancient practice with proven benefits for body and mind such as stress reduction, improved concentration, and a strengthened immune system. As the forest is located in walking distance from the production site in Pemuco, the local BENEO colleagues can go there in their breaks to relax or simply when they need a quiet moment to clear their head or organize their thoughts in fresh air.

The inauguration: A deeply symbolic event of connection, inspiration, and a shared commitment to sustainability

In fall of 2024, employees from the Pemuco site, along with members of BENEO’s Executive Board and government representatives from the Chilean Ministry of Environment, came together to inaugurate the conservation area and trails. The event began with a speech from Camila Figueroa Aguilar, Environmental Engineer at BENEO which was followed by a government representative who thanked BENEO for its contribution to the region.

The inauguration ceremony, with an inspiring speech from Camila Figueroa Aguilar, Environmental Engineer at BENEO in Chile, brought together colleagues from the Pemuco plant, BENEO Executive Board Members and government representatives.

Then the participants were able to explore the trail which features information on the local flora and fauna, as well as spaces designed for “forest bathing.” There are also areas for grounding, a meeting room set amidst the forest to spark creativity, contemplation zones, and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the plant and agronomy sector, accompanied by introspective messages that invite reflection.

This forest is a living reminder that what we plant today
transcends our present and builds a better future for generations to come.

Camila Figueroa Aguilar,
Environmental Engineer at BENEO in Chile

After the tour everyone had the opportunity to plant their own tree and to become a small part of this project. The ceremony ended with an outdoor lunch, surrounded by nature.

The BENEO reforestation project in Chile stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and community engagement. Congrats to the colleagues in Chile for bringing such an inspiring initiative to life!