45 sites, one goal – wherever LANXESS is represented, the company is keen to help shape sustainable development. LANXESS makes specific use of its expertise as a specialty chemicals group to help solve the most pressing local problems in nations such as Brazil.  The South American country has some catching up to do, in particular in the fields of environmental protection and education. LANXESS can prove effective in this area with its special know-how. LANXESS Brazil’s local e3 (ecology, education and economy) program aims to cover ecological, economic and social concerns.

Schoolchildren promote environmental protection
In Cabo in the municipality of Sapucaia north of Rio de Janeiro, for example, the aim is to improve residents’ environmental awareness. Until recently, refuse was simply thrown out into the streets and sewers. This is set to change for good thanks to the “Educar para Preservar” environmental education program supported by LANXESS. A team of 20 schoolchildren have been trained as environmental agents. Their task is to spot instances of irresponsible dumping and mobilize local residents to take part in the project. By starting a waste recycling program, LANXESS and the municipal environmental protection network have already achieved a key initial success.

Getting young people interested in reading
Reading skills are key to young people’s personal and professional development. In some areas of Brazil, however, there is no basic school education. Poorer sections of the population in particular often find this blocks their path to a successful future. Under the “Reading Room Initiative”, LANXESS provides free reading rooms and books and prepares reading guides for teachers to help improve the reading, writing and comprehension skills of children and young people.