The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse and ecologically vital regions on Earth, often referred to as the planet’s lungs. Yet, deforestation and unsustainable practices continue to threaten this natural wonder, compromising not only the ecosystems within it but also global climate stability. The question is no longer whether businesses should act, rather how they can be part of a meaningful solution. The answer has always been clear: sustainability must be embedded in the foundation of company operations, not as an afterthought or marketing angle, but as a driving force for long-term success and environmental protection.
Since launching in 2000, we have adhered to a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ – a business model that balances people, planet and profit. This approach is not about making compromises but about proving that a for-profit company can operate responsibly while driving meaningful change. Our Impact Report highlights the tangible ways in which conscious business practices can protect the Amazon, empower local communities and set a precedent for sustainability-driven growth in the food industry.
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to fair trade and organic certification – not just as labels, but as mechanisms for real impact. We pioneered the first Fair Trade Standard for Açaí, ensuring our harvesting communities in the Amazon benefit directly from global demand for this superfood. In 2023 alone, we certified 48,115 hectares (118,895 acres) of land in the Amazon under Fair Trade guidelines. This is nearly the size of New York City, safeguarded from destructive practices and preserved for future generations. Sustainable harvesting methods, combined with economic incentives, have allowed us to protect biodiversity, support local farmers and store an estimated 5.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent to about 1.3 million passenger vehicles driven for one year*!
Our commitment extends beyond conservation to actively improving the quality of life for the communities we work with. To date, Sambazon has invested US$1,836,031 in Fair Trade projects supporting education, healthcare, and infrastructure[WR1] among its grower communities in the Amazon rainforest These initiatives are not charity; they are investments in the long-term stability of our supply chain and the well-being of the stewards of the rainforest.
The urgency of addressing deforestation and biodiversity loss in the Amazon cannot be overstated. Every minute, an area of rainforest roughly the size of a football field is cleared, often for industries prioritizing short-term profits over long-term sustainability.
I believe businesses have the power – and the responsibility – to offer an alternative. Sustainable sourcing, ethical trade, and supply chain transparency should not be seen as obstacles, but as opportunities to reshape industries from within.
Transparency is at the core of what we do. We know real sustainability means holding ourselves accountable, which is why we measure and report on our progress. From reducing our carbon footprint to transitioning to post-consumer recycled and plant-based packaging, our sustainability journey is one of continuous improvement. We divert 98% of our waste from landfills, repurposing it into energy, compost, or recyclable materials. We also continued our work in packaging innovation, reducing plastic use by 43% per ounce of product with the introduction of our Açaí Smoothie Cubes. These are not incremental changes; they are part of a larger strategy to redefine how companies operate in harmony with the planet.
Looking ahead, we recognize that no single company can solve the climate crisis or halt biodiversity loss alone. Collaboration is essential. We work with organizations like the Rainforest Trust, One Step Closer (OSC), and the Sustainable Food Trade Action Council (SFTAC) to drive systemic change across industries. We also encourage other companies to adopt Fair Trade Certification in the açaí market to ensure that ethical sourcing becomes the norm, not the exception.
For too long, business and environmental responsibility have been framed as opposing forces, but this is a false choice. The future of conscious commerce is one where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, where businesses not only mitigate harm but actively regenerate the ecosystems they depend on. The Amazon is one of the world’s greatest natural treasures, and its protection is a shared responsibility – one that companies, governments and consumers must take seriously.
At Sambazon, we remain committed to proving that a better way is possible. Every açaí product we bring to market is not just a product; it is a vote for conservation, fair wages and a healthier planet. In a world where consumers increasingly demand accountability from the brands they support, companies that fail to align their values with their actions will be left behind.
The path forward is clear: sustainability is not an option; it is the foundation of the future of business.
By Ryan Black, Co-Founder & CEO, Sambazon