After the historic floods of 2024, which devastated the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and also impacted our plant in the city of Esteio, Greif decided to turn challenges into an opportunity for solidarity. The tragedy severely affected several communities, and it was in the Vila Farrapos community of Porto Alegre that a reconstruction movement was born, bringing together companies, volunteers, and residents with the shared goal of restoring dignity and hope to the affected families.
The Coral Institute, an AkzoNobel initiative, leads this social project, which revitalized 130 homes in 2024 and aims to reach another 120 in 2025. More than just painting and repairs, the initiative provides training for residents and local painters, sharing knowledge on paint selection, surface preparation, and application techniques. This effort extends beyond aesthetics, strengthening self-esteem, employability, and the community’s sense of belonging.
“We are bringing transformation through color, erasing watermarks and emotional scars with the power of paint and community. Greif is more than a business partner — it is an ally in social actions like this. Together, we are strengthening social bonds and making a real difference in the communities we serve,” said Flavia Takeuchi, President Director of the Coral Institute.
At the invitation of AkzoNobel, Greif became a sponsor of the project, reinforcing its commitment to the communities where it operates. On September 20, 2025, we actively took part in a significant revitalization effort in Vila Farrapos. More than institutional support, we brought our essence of serving others directly into the community. Seventeen Greif colleague volunteers rolled up their sleeves, painted houses, and shared moments of solidarity and hope with local families. This participation demonstrates that Greif is committed to caring for people and supporting initiatives that transform lives.
As highlighted by Bruno Antunes, Plant Coordinator at Greif Esteio: “It was an immense joy to contribute. Knowing that our work restores dignity to families and helps our own community, which also suffered from the floods, is something we will carry with us forever. I want to sincerely thank all the Greif volunteers who participated in this effort and also Greif and AkzoNobel, for sponsoring projects that genuinely care for the communities where we operate.”
Taking part in this movement reinforces our commitment to sustainable development, solidarity, and reconstruction. More than just renewing walls, this project demonstrates how the union of partners, colleagues, and communities can paint a future that is more dignified, vibrant, and full of hope.
Greif embodies a clear and structured global policy, genuinely committed to promoting philanthropic and social initiatives in all regions where it operates, always responsibly and in close proximity to the communities. This commitment is part of our ‘Build to Last – Creating Thriving Communities’ strategy, which represents more than just a business pillar: it is the conviction that every step taken today must leave a positive legacy for people and the planet of tomorrow.
