Conscious Consumption: Shared Responsibility and the Challenges of Sustainability in Brazil

Today, on National Conscious Consumption Day, established in 2009 by the Ministry of the Environment, we invite you to reflect on the impact of our choices - both personal and corporate - and the shared responsibility of consumers, companies and governments.

Currently, companies are under increasing pressure to implement reverse logistics policies, waste management and responsibility for the entire production chain. However, even with this pressure, the reality of recycling in Brazil faces challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles to national recycling progress is the growing import of waste from other countries. Between 2019 and 2022, the purchase of waste such as paper (109.4%), glass (73.3%) and plastic (7.2%) increased substantially, even after the current government raised import duties to 18%. Paradoxically, importing waste is still cheaper for many companies than recycling the material generated internally. This makes the work of waste pickers even more precarious, as they see the value of the material they collect fall and their working conditions deteriorate.

This distortion has profound impacts. Brazil generates more than 80 million tons of waste a year, but only recycles 4%. By importing waste - often without proper traceability and contaminated with toxic elements - we fail to strengthen our recycling chain and promote a more sustainable economy. In addition, dependence on imported waste weakens the competitiveness of the domestic market and exacerbates environmental and social problems, such as the proliferation of dumps and the marginalization of waste pickers.

Companies that commit to reverse logistics practices and prioritize the use of domestic waste are not only contributing to sustainability, but also creating added value for their customers and investors. Today, national and international markets - especially investors who follow ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) criteria - are increasingly looking for brands that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. Lack of clarity about the destination of investments or involvement in unsustainable practices can put these investors off.

Investing in sustainability is not only a social responsibility, but also a financial opportunity.

Companies that adapt and implement sustainable practices can reduce costs in the long term, improve their reputation and avoid litigation. In addition, regulatory compliance strengthens credibility and protects companies against potential legal claims.

Collaboration with the productive sector and public authorities is essential for reverse logistics to be viable. Sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry have already implemented these practices, ensuring the proper disposal of expired medicines, protecting both the environment and public health.

Environmental licensing is also a crucial tool to ensure that projects such as sanitary landfills are implemented properly, avoiding the damage caused by poorly managed dumps. In this context, waste pickers play a key role, but still face challenges such as a lack of adequate incentives and unfair competition with imported waste.

Ultimately, we are all responsible for what we consume and discard. And if we are to move forward in a sustainable way, it is essential that companies, governments and consumers come together to promote a fairer and more circular economy. If your company is looking for solutions to implement sustainability and reverse logistics practices, get in touch with us - we're ready to help.