Positive Environmental Impact in Salvador with Glass Recycling
In 2023, the partnership between ESG Tech so+ma and the HEINEKEN Group achieved a significant environmental milestone in Salvador, recycling over 477 tons of glass. This initiative resulted in the prevention of approximately 147,520 kilograms of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the load of 34 large trucks. This achievement contributes to HEINEKEN’s global goals to become a net zero company by 2040 and reflects a remarkable advancement in sustainable waste management.
Efficient Reinsertion of Glass in the Production Chain
The reuse of glass in the production of new packaging is a process that requires less energy and consequently emits less CO2. However, the recycling rate for this material still hovers around 25%. Claudia Pires, CEO of so+ma, emphasizes the awakening of environmental awareness in Bahia and the challenges of establishing a glass recycling chain in the region, a daunting task in the past.
Ornella Vilardo, Director of Sustainability at the HEINEKEN Group, highlights the importance of the five-year partnership with so+ma, emphasizing the positive impact of the circular economy and the behavioral change encouraged by the startup. The collaboration not only preserves valuable resources but also engages society in favor of a more sustainable lifestyle.
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Engagement Strategies and Social Impact
so+ma plays a crucial role in the communities where it operates, working intensively to close the glass loop and reduce waste disposal costs for municipalities. This effort ensures the circularity of the product, connecting public authorities, recyclers, cooperatives, and citizens.
The success of these initiatives is evident in the company’s incentive campaigns, which mobilize the population to register on the app and deliver materials at collection points. With support from the HEINEKEN Group, over eight campaigns were conducted in 2023, culminating in a high engagement rate, especially during the “Glass is Worth Triple” campaign, which attracted over 3,700 participants.
Users of the so+ma units and app receive an individualized environmental statement, providing clarity about their impact and positive contribution to the environment. This technological and innovative approach, which promotes environmental practices among users, has already been exported to Jakarta, Indonesia.
Rewards and Awareness through the so+ma Campaign
The recent so+ma campaign aims to raise awareness among tourists and residents during the summer. For every 30 kilograms of material delivered to so+ma locations, participants receive a raffle ticket for prizes such as electric bicycles, recycled-material sneakers, and coupons for digital services like Netflix and Play Store. With this strategy, so+ma recognizes and rewards the top contributors to sustainability goals.
The campaign, active until January 2024, features weekly raffles and aims to collect over 500 tons of recyclables at its units distributed across Salvador, Camaçari, Curitiba, and Campo Largo (PR).
This initiative from HEINEKEN and so+ma exemplifies how recycling actions, combined with social engagement strategies and rewards, can generate a significant impact on sustainability and environmental awareness. The innovative approach of these organizations not only contributes to environmental preservation but also fosters a cultural shift towards more sustainable and responsible practices.
Source:
| Press so+ma |

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