SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES: USE OF PINE ACICLES SPP. IN HANDMADE PAPER PRODUCTION

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.97341524211111

• Palavras-chave: Forest waste; Environmental education; Craft production; Social empowerment; Craft workshop.

• Keywords: Forest waste; Environmental education; Craft production; Social empowerment; Craft workshop.

• Abstract:

  The introduction of exotic species of the genus Pinus spp. is widely practiced due to their rapid growth rate, adaptation to different climatic conditions and favorable qualities for wood production. However, the management of these plantations generates large volumes of waste, such as acicles (pine leaves). This study, conducted in the municipality of Canela, RS, used an action-research approach to evaluate the potential of acicles in handmade paper production, promoting empowerment and sustainable development in the Santa Marta community. The research involved collecting the material in the rural area of Tubiana and holding workshops with 250 participants, including women, teenagers and children, at the Padre Franco - Dom Luiz Guanella Social Center. The objectives included testing the viability of acicles as a raw material, analyzing discourses to understand participants' perceptions, evaluating possibilities for expanding the activity and developing technical products to disseminate the results. The methodology included discourse analysis and environmental education practices. The results indicated that the inclusion of acicles is feasible, resulting in good quality handmade paper. Opportunities were identified to exploit the physical characteristics of acicles in the paper industry, although further studies on their chemical properties are needed.