When the process was put into operation, it led to an evaluation of the potential of 240 different species for the Phytotherapy Program, reflecting the wealth of Klabin’s woods. The manipulation laboratory produces approximately 30 basic products which are prescribed by the company’s medical team, and which target five basic illnesses in the community of Telemaco Borba, Parana, representing 49.7% of all health problems: Colds and flu; Cuts and skin lesions; Dyspepsia; Diarrhoea; Slight arterial hypertension.
In 2005, phytotherapy was present in up to 70% of an average 40,000 clinical consultations, among a target population of 15,000 people.
When compared to industrialized products, natural health products (phytotherapeutical, phytocosmetics, aromas and condiments) have shown about 95% efficiency at an average cost 4 times lower and an acceptance rate of 97%.
As well as the Therapeutic Line, the company has the Phitosphera Line - Health & Beauty, with 31 products being manipulated, which combine the preventive/therapeutic actions of plants with cosmetic and hygienic substances adding value to the current activity, and opening up new perspectives for the use of Non-Wood products.
This activity has scored several other important successes:
- HKLABIN – The Herbarium was established on the 17th of October 2002, as a result of a partnership with the State University of Maringa, with the following targets in mind: to evaluate the diversity of botanical species occurring on the Monte Alegre Farm, to study the morpho-anatomical characteristics of certain species of interest and consequently become a source of botanical reference in the region. At present the files contain 2,432 registered and scientifically classified examples, a number that is progressively increasing together with the phytosociological study being held, the goal of which is to become internationally recognized.
- Agroforestal – The creation of a wide-reaching Agroforestal base is another important success of the current Program. The term AFS –Agroforestal System was conceived to designate the special use of land which involves the deliberate management of plants. By means of introducing and mixing trees, shrubs, or even grasses in the fields of agricultural, cattle and forestry production, benefits can be gained from the ecological and economic interactions which occur during the process.
The AFS’ target is to expand the cultivation of medicinal species gradually and to guarantee their viable medium and long term use. This practice makes it possible to use the raw material through the management of NWFP (Non-Wood Forest Products), which is of interest both today and tomorrow. Furthermore, it contributes to local biodiversity, by transforming areas of Monte Alegre Farm into a mosaic, in a search for equilibrium between herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees of non-wood interest, which are utilized in the Phytotherapy Program.
Besides these, there are some 30 biodiversity sub-projects in progress, which will bring innovative information on the potential uses of non-woods within the concept of rational use of natural, renewable resources.
The Phytotherapy Program was recognized internationally in 1999 as an innovative operation, the first undertaking in the world to be certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for the handling of medicinal plants.
In 2001 the project won chain of custody certification for NWFP’s (Non-Wood Forest Products) and, in 2006, the process was re-certified.
The receipt of this seal bears out the fact that forestry activity can diversify without losing sight of its primary objectives, and can generate social, ecological and financial benefits.
Certification by the FSC, which is held to be the most respected organization in the world in sustainability, recognizes that the forestry operations have been managed sustainably and in compliance with the highest environmental, economic and social principles, and the consumer may be assured that Klabin’s NWFP line is made using processes which respect and preserve nature.
In 2005, Klabin’s Phytotherapy Project won the 13th Expressão Ecology Prize – in the Cattle-farming category – Private Sector – and an honorable mention in the category of Environment in the III Bramex Environmental Prize , promoted by Bramex (Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Brazil-Mexico).