The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has embarked on a new phase of its campaign, aptly named “Crie Esse Hábito” (Create This Habit) to encourage conscious disposal of packaging materials consumed outside the home. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry and two key Brazilian associations: the Brazilian Association of Soft Drink Industries (Abir) and the Association of Recyclable Materials Collectors (Ancat).
Why Does It Matter?
Packaging waste is a significant environmental concern. As we go about our daily lives, we encounter countless disposable containers—plastic bottles, takeaway coffee cups, snack wrappers, and more. These items often end up in landfills or littering our streets, contributing to pollution and harming ecosystems. By fostering a habit of responsible packaging disposal, we can collectively make a positive impact on our environment.
The Partnership and Its Goals
The campaign was officially launched on April 9th at Anuga Brasil, the largest food and beverage fair in Latin America, held in São Paulo. Here’s what you need to know about this collaboration:
- Partnership: The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change joined forces with Abir and Ancat to create a unified front in tackling packaging waste.
- Educational Video: A compelling educational video produced through this partnership will be disseminated across the Ministry’s channels and the associations’ platforms. It aims to inform consumers about the importance of mindful packaging disposal and emphasizes the socio-productive inclusion of waste collectors.
- Integrated Approach: The federal government recognizes that coordinated efforts are essential for sustainable change. Secretary Adalberto Maluf emphasizes the need for a joint action plan to manage and effectively treat solid waste. The campaign exemplifies this unity, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Circular Economy and Design Improvements
In March, Abir and Ancat signed a new protocol of intentions aligned with the National Solid Waste Policy. Here are the key aspects of their commitment:
- Logistics Reversal: The partnership supports the development of a logistics reversal program between the associations. This program aims to facilitate the return and recycling of packaging materials.
- Design Enhancements: Companies will work on improving packaging design to reduce energy consumption and raw material usage during production. Additionally, they will gradually phase out low-recycling-rate beverage containers.
- Recycled Content: The campaign encourages the use of recycled content in packaging materials. By doing so, we can close the loop and minimize the environmental impact of single-use items.
- Empowering Collectors: The initiative also focuses on strengthening cooperatives and organizations of waste collectors. These individuals play a crucial role in the recycling chain and deserve recognition for their essential work.
Shared Responsibility
Victor Bicca, President of Abir, aptly states, “We are part of the solution, and this partnership speaks volumes about shared responsibilities.” The new educational video provides valuable information to the public, promoting conscious packaging disposal and highlighting the vital role of recyclable materials collectors.
Roberto Rocha, President of Ancat, emphasizes the inclusion of these workers in the campaign. Their involvement stems from a technical cooperation agreement between the Ministry and Abir. Collectors form the backbone of the recycling chain, whether working in organizations or as independent contributors.