This was the first time the project was presented in the state that inspired its creation. In addition to the presentation, which was attended by artisans, businesspeople, and ApexBrasil’s president, Jorge Viana, a native of Acre, some of the biomaterials identified during the project in the Amazon forest were also exhibited. The project coordinator and consultant for Assintecal’s Design and Research Center, Marnei Carminatti, emphasized that Respira Acre is more than a creative project; “it is a strategy that unites the strength of the forest, the knowledge of traditional peoples, and design as a tool for development.” According to him, the project is a celebration of the strength of the Amazon forest, promoting bioeconomy and sustainable innovation in the region. “The world wants to breathe new air, and Acre has exactly that to offer,” he said.

In the project space, visitors interacted with biomaterials such as natural fibers from buriti, banana trees, and carrapicho, as well as a great diversity of applications with açai, jarina, and tucumã seeds, and products from the sustainable extraction of latex. Some materials were already being used in products, such as Arezzo sandals, bags, and accessories adorned with bio-jewelry from the Amazon forest.

“Opening the Doors of Acre”

On the occasion, ApexBrasil’s president, Jorge Viana, highlighted the impact of the initiative as an example of bioeconomy and the appreciation of the Amazonian identity. “We are throwing open the doors of Acre to Brazil and the world. Everyone talks about bioeconomy and valuing the forest, but Acre has been doing this for a long time. The Respira Acre project is living proof of that,” he said. Viana also noted the interest of major brands in local production.

ExpoAcre

Held between July 26 and August 3 at the Wildy Viana Exhibition Park in Rio Branco/AC, Expoacre is the main and most traditional multi-sector fair in the state of Acre. Celebrating the exhibition’s 50th anniversary, Expoacre 2025 is expected to bring together more than 400,000 people, combining business, culture, agribusiness, innovation, gastronomy, and entertainment. Organizers estimate that it will generate over R$ 500 million in business.

The Project

Created last year, Respira Acre is the result of an immersion in the Amazon forest with the goal of identifying materials and encouraging the sustainable use of the forest. In total, the team of researchers and designers from Assintecal identified 18 biomaterials that can be used in the fashion industry.

About Brazilian Materials

Brazilian manufacturers in the components sector who are interested in expanding their commercial relations with foreign markets have the opportunity to participate, along with 300 other companies, in the Brazilian Materials project, conducted by Assintecal, ApexBrasil, and Abrameq. The project aims to promote good export performance and, consequently, the sector. The project offers solutions tailored for each level of internationalization, providing companies with access to commercial promotion, intelligence, training, and other activities. For more information, please contact: relacionamento@assintecal.org.br

About ApexBrasil

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out diverse commercial promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and valuing Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and commercial missions, business rounds, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits by foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen the Brazil brand. The Agency also works in coordination with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on sectors that are strategic for the development of the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.