Portuguese 
Spanish 
A Revolution in Data and Sustainability
Reverse packaging logistics in Brazil has shown remarkable progress, marked by a significant increase in the participation of municipalities, managing entities, and the amount of recovered material. This advancement represents an important milestone in the sustainability and recycling landscape in Latin America, especially regarding the management of post-consumer packaging.
Growth and Impact
Since 2021, the Custody Center, a leading platform in reverse logistics data, has recorded impressive numbers. Over 1.8 million tons of post-consumer packaging have been reintegrated into the productive cycle. This growth is evident when comparing annual data: in 2021, about 156 thousand tons were recovered, followed by more than 600 thousand in 2022, and surprisingly, over 1 million in 2023.
Moreover, there has been an increase in the number of managing entities involved. In 2021, only 5 entities were active, while in 2023, this number jumped to 38, totaling 46 registered entities. This growing involvement demonstrates a greater commitment to reverse logistics and environmental management.
-
New Smart Radar Begins Issuing Fines to Solo Drivers in Carpool Lanes, Uses Cameras to Count Occupants, Changing Traffic Enforcement Rules on Busy European Roads
-
Why can the crane operator only obey the correct signalman on the construction site: among dozens of workers, a hand raised by the wrong person can confuse the maneuver and turn a load of tons into an immediate risk.
-
What changes with the new public transportation rules that can reduce pressure on fares and pave the way for zero fare in Brazil?
-
Argentina confirms Belgian giant to lead strategic Paraná River waterway and promises to reduce logistical costs on one of South America’s most important routes
Municipal Expansion and Regulation
The geographical expansion is also notable. The platform currently covers 569 municipalities across all 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District, a significant increase from the 189 municipalities registered in 2021. This growth reflects broader adherence to sustainability practices at the municipal level.
Fernando Bernardes, Operations Director of the Custody Center, highlights the evolution in the traceability of information and the crucial role of Federal Decree No. 11,413 of 2023, along with various State Decrees, in regulating the independent results verifier. These measures strengthen the reverse packaging logistics system in Brazil, positioning the country as an example on the global stage.
Significant Results in Recovered Materials
Regarding specific materials, the quantity of recovered material is impressive: 787 thousand tons of paper, 464 thousand tons of plastic, 236 thousand tons of metal, and 232 thousand tons of glass. These materials, when reintegrated into the productive cycle, prevent contamination of seas and oceans, highlighting the positive impact of reverse logistics on environmental preservation.
The efficiency of the system is corroborated by the analysis of 152,724 invoices in 2023, evidencing significant cost savings and validation of processes according to industry standards. The participation of 1,329 reverse logistics operators, including 693 cooperatives and associations of waste pickers, and 5,624 post-consumer packaging receivers, illustrates a robust and diversified recycling chain.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future
The advancement of reverse packaging logistics in Brazil is not merely a matter of numbers. It represents a movement towards a more sustainable future, where recycling and efficient resource management become fundamental pillars for development. The Brazilian example, with its innovative and regulated approach, offers a valuable model for other countries on the global journey towards sustainability.
Source: Felipe Rariz – Press à Porter Image Management.
