While our commitment is first and foremost to our clients, we at Corozo Buttons understand that our social responsibility extends far beyond that of our business relationships. Some aspects of this commitment are readily apparent through our interactions with local clients and suppliers; providing them with new skillsets and access to what is often an entirely different source of income. Less apparent, but perhaps more important and far-reaching, is the effect that Corozo Buttons has on the rest of the local community.

Corozo, or Tagua – its indigenous name - grows most commonly in remote areas of higher elevation. The process required to gather and transform these seeds from their original form into raw material is relatively simple, however it involves many steps that require low-skill labor. These steps include gathering, preparing, drying, peeling, cutting, turning, selecting and transporting at the most basic level. All of these separate steps have an extensive multiplier effect as one job leads into another and then another, creating a domino type effect. Over five hundred thousand pounds of seeds are required every month for our process; such required volume generates over one thousand full time and part time low-skill labor jobs in depressed and impoverished communities, jobs which help the community prosper and grow conomically as well as to increase the average quality of life. 

In contrast to the raw material production process, manufacturing introduces an entirely different spectrum of skillsets and occupations for the community. Our manufacturing process requires dramatically more specialized jobs and professionals. Equipment ranges from mechanical turns to delicate, computer-controlled laser engraving machines. The plant boasts an integrated production system as well as WiFi communications throughout the facility. Our anufactuing facility employs around 100 workers, many of which are required to have a higher degree of education due to the more complex demands of their positions. Corozo Buttons provides career opportunities to young professionals as well as an important infusion of technology that helps drive progress within the local community.