Greif's donated steel turns into metal arts in Haiti

Specials  |  2012-01-31 06:35:06   |   By

US' Greif, Inc. - maker of shipping and packaging products - as part of its working relationship with the Clinton Global Initiative supplied 40 tons of steel drum lids to the artisans of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti

OHIO (Scrap Monster): US’ Greif, Inc. - maker of shipping and packaging products - as part of its working relationship with the Clinton Global Initiative supplied 40 tons of steel drum lids to the artisans of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.

Their traditional supply of used steel drums was disrupted with the earthquake in January 2010, and has not yet been restored. With the donated steel, the artisans are able to continue supporting themselves through their work by selling to retailers, including Macy’s and West Elm.

The art is also available at www.haitimetalart.com and www.caribbeancraft.com.

One of the pieces was featured on the cover of Greif’s 2010 and 2011 Sustainability Reports.

“At Greif, we believe strongly in supporting sustainable development,” said Scott Griffin, chief sustainability officer for Greif. “These talented artisans turned used steel drums into uniquely intricate handcrafted metal art. By helping them maintain their livelihood through the creation and sale of their art, we are helping their country rebuild its economy so it can one day resume the import of products packaged in steel drums.”

Forty tons of steel provides enough raw material to support more than a hundred families within the artisan community. Oprah Winfrey visited the artists of Croix-des-Bouquets in December 2011. Her visit is scheduled to be included on a segment of her new primetime series, Oprah’s Next Chapter, on OWN TV.

Greif has been working with the Clinton Global Initiative and other non-government organizations in Haiti to improve environmental, health and economic conditions since 2009.