COPAVIC

The Recycled Glass Cooperative of Cantel (COPAVIC) was formed in 1976 by the former employees of an Italian-run recycled glass factory in the village of Cantel, near Quetzaltenango. The cooperative members applied for a loan, purchased land on the Pacific coast highway, built the factory themselves, constructed the heavy-duty kiln needed to melt glass, and began production.

Glass from Pepsi-cola, Coca-cola, and beer bottles is melted down, tinted, and used to produce a variety of products. The cooperative now has 33 members and has received both technical and financial assistance from development organizations in the U.S. and Germany. COPAVIC, which melts its glass in diesel-powered kilns, has struggled in recent years with rising fuel prices and has lost some large export customers as a result.

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I feel great to think that I am a working woman today. This opportunity has enabled me to stand on my feet - taught me to speak and inspired me to look ahead towards a better future. Kalpana Palma - YWCA - Bangladesh.

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