Unique business partnership

Since 2002, Clariant has partnered with a social enterprise in Albuquerque, New Mexico that provides a win-win scenario for all. Southwest Creations is a social enterprise that offers dignified, living wage, year-round employment to more than 25 women from low-income communities. 

Southwest Creations Collaborative (SCC) further supports these employees to improve child well-being and prepare employees’ children for successful future careers. This not-for-profit social enterprise provides on-site daycare, leadership and employability programs, English language training, tutoring and other skill building to improve chances of ending the cycle of poverty. 

“Our model is based on the theory of change. If you give a woman a chance to earn an income, she will invest in her children. That is the most direct route to improve child well-being,” said Susan Matteucci, executive director of SCC.

In turn, Clariant was able to solve a manufacturing obstacle by partnering with Southwest Creations Collaborative. Clariant needed a vendor to provide industrial sewing for its Container Dri II Plus line of cargo desiccants. This cargo desiccant must be extraordinarily durable since it is used to protect food and other bulk cargoes during export shipments.

Due in part to the quality work and commitment of employees at Southwest Creations, Container Dri II Plus is used by Clariant’s customers to protect approximately 500,000 metric tons of exported agricultural products each year.

Learn more about this partnership: http://www.southwestcreations.com/partnership-with-clariant