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Research reveals why Brazilians still resist recycled products and how this impacts the circular economy, sustainable consumption, and the Brazilian industry.
Sustainability is increasingly present in public debate and business strategies. However, a groundbreaking survey by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) shows that there is still a significant gap between discourse and practice. Although most Brazilians support sustainable initiatives, many remain reluctant to purchase recycled products, which hinders the advancement of the circular economy in the country.
The survey, conducted by Nexus and released by the Industry News Agency on June 1, with 2,019 respondents between February 11 and 13, reveals that 72% of the population views companies that invest in sustainability positively. Despite this, 43% say they resist buying recycled products, regardless of the price. The scenario worries experts because it can impact investments, the creation of green jobs, and the strengthening of the Brazilian industry in the coming years.
Circular economy gains ground, but consumption habits still lag behind
The research was presented during the event “Business Leadership for the Future of Climate | COP31”, held at the FIRJAN headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The meeting is part of the preparatory discussions for the 31st United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP31), scheduled for November.
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The results show that the circular economy is increasingly viewed favorably by consumers. The concept proposes the reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, and recovery of materials to extend the life of products and reduce waste.
In practice, however, many consumers still show resistance when they need to choose between a conventional product and an alternative produced with reused materials.
Why do Brazilians still avoid recycled products?
The survey numbers help to understand this contradiction. Among the respondents who say they avoid recycled products, the main reasons were:
- Preference for new products: 34%;
- Doubts about the durability of recycled items: 30%;
- Lack of trust in reused materials;
- Little knowledge about recycling processes.
This behavior shows that some Brazilians still associate sustainability with possible losses in quality or performance, even when there is no evidence to support this perception.
An example cited by the research itself is the consumer who supports recycling but prefers to buy a conventional sneaker instead of a model produced with reused tire rubber or recycled fibers.
Lack of information limits the advancement of the circular economy
The study also revealed an important fact: only 13% of Brazilians claim to deeply understand the concept of circular economy.
This percentage helps explain why many consumers support sustainable practices in theory but cannot relate their purchasing decisions to the environmental impacts generated.
Another noteworthy fact: 56% of the population does not perceive a direct relationship between their consumption habits and greenhouse gas emissions.
The combination of these factors creates a barrier to the expansion of sustainable consumption, as everyday decisions continue to be made without fully considering their environmental effects.
Sustainable consumption is growing, but is still driven by financial savings
Despite the challenges, the research identified habits aligned with the principles of the circular economy that are already part of the population’s daily life.
According to the survey, 58% of Brazilians say they repair products before replacing them. This practice reduces the premature disposal of items and helps extend their lifespan.
However, the reasons behind this behavior show that there is still room to increase environmental awareness.
Among those who carry out repairs:
- About half point to financial savings as the main motivation;
- Only 10% associate the decision with environmental concern.
This demonstrates that sustainable consumption is advancing, but often driven by economic issues and not necessarily by ecological awareness.
Reverse logistics remains distant from the reality of most Brazilians
Another point analyzed by the research was reverse logistics, considered an essential tool for the functioning of the circular economy.
The survey indicates that 84% of Brazilians do not usually return products such as batteries, accumulators, and electronic equipment to appropriate disposal or recycling locations.
Among the most cited justifications are:
- Lack of information on where to deliver the materials: 33%;
- Distance from collection points: 24%;
- Little familiarity with return systems.
These numbers show that the country still faces structural challenges to expand waste recycling and strengthen sustainable consumption.
Who is responsible for the environmental impacts of products?
The research also investigated how the population distributes responsibility for environmental preservation.
According to the data:
- 60% believe that municipalities should ensure that products do not contaminate the environment;
- 14% point to industries as the main responsible parties;
- 12% attribute this role to the federal government.
The results indicate that many consumers still see sustainability as an institutional responsibility, rather than a shared task among companies, governments, and citizens.
This perception can hinder the advancement of the circular economy, which depends on the participation of the entire production chain and also on the choices made by consumers.
How the Brazilian industry can accelerate this transformation
According to industry experts, the change depends on a combination of information, infrastructure, and economic incentives.
Davi Bomtempo, superintendent of Environment and Sustainability at CNI, highlighted during the presentation of the results that there is societal interest in sustainable practices, but obstacles related to access to information, perception of quality, and availability of these solutions in the market still persist.
In this context, the Brazilian industry plays a fundamental role. Companies are investing in innovation, material recycling, and the development of more efficient production models.
However, resistance to recycled products can slow down these investments and limit the growth potential of segments linked to sustainability.
Circular economy can strengthen investments and generate green jobs
The expansion of the circular economy not only benefits the environment. The model is also seen as a strategic economic opportunity.
Among the possible positive impacts are:
- Expansion of sustainable investments;
- Generation of green jobs;
- Reduction of dependence on virgin raw materials;
- Greater competitiveness of the Brazilian industry;
- Encouragement of technological innovation;
- Reduction of waste generation.
With global markets increasingly attentive to environmental practices, the Brazilian industry can gain ground by adopting production models aligned with the principles of circularity.
Bill can boost Brazilian industry and sustainable consumption
The CNI advocates for the approval of Bill 1874/2022, which proposes the creation of the National Circular Economy Policy (PNEC).
According to the entity, the measure can create a more favorable environment for investments, stimulate sustainable practices, and increase the competitiveness of the Brazilian industry.
Furthermore, the proposal seeks to encourage models of production and sustainable consumption, strengthening mechanisms for material reuse and reducing waste throughout the production chain.
The challenge now is to transform intention into behavior
The research results show that Brazilians increasingly value sustainability and demonstrate growing support for the circular economy. However, resistance to recycled products, the low level of knowledge on the subject, and the difficulties related to reverse logistics still limit the advancement of this economic model.
The data reveal that there is significant potential to expand sustainable consumption in the country, but this will depend on a joint transformation involving consumers, companies, and the public sector. The greater the confidence in recycled products and the understanding of the benefits of circularity, the greater the opportunities to strengthen the Brazilian industry, attract investments, and accelerate the transition to a more efficient and sustainable economy.
With information from Industry News Agency.
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