The document seeks to promote re-use of containers apart from reducing waste in the country. In this sense, an exercise was carried out that estimated a reduction of 2,910,962 tons of containers over 10 years and net social savings equivalent to 8,610 million dollars in raw material use.
The marine conservation organization Oceana, the reusing company Algramo, and the national association of the recycling industry, Anir, gave the study “Tools to promote the reuse of containers in Chile and reduce waste generation” to the Ministry of the Environment, Which seeks to promote the reuse of containers and reduce waste generation, primarily containers and packaging used in cleaning products, personal care and food, among others.
These three entities decided to work together to prevent pollution of the natural environment, tackling the problem with actions focused on prevention and reuse, the first step in the waste management hierarchy.
The document includes a regulatory proposal based on three pillars: first, the establishment of targets for the reduction of containers and packaging in a stipulated time; Second, marketers need to implement the reuse model at points of sale; and third, the removal of unfair regulatory barriers that do not allow the reuse of packaging such as cosmetic products or pet food.
“We are facing a triple threat caused by pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss, and we believe that reducing disposable packaging and promoting re-use is an important contribution,” said Xaviera Callisto, Legal Director, Oceana. Is.”
For his part, José Manuel Möller, founder and CEO of Algramo, highlighted that “we have experience and evidence that reusing models has significant environmental, economic and social benefits, which is why we need to address the issue of waste.” Public policy needs to become our first priority in management”.
The study carried out an exercise that estimated a reduction of 2,910,962 tonnes of containers over 10 years and a net societal savings equivalent to $8,610 million in raw material use as well as changes to production, inventory and distribution processes.
Antonia Biggs said, “It is important and interesting to analyze alternatives that could promote higher steps in the hierarchy, such as reuse, collaboration and discussion, as is customary for our business association, both public and private.” with the actors.” , General Manager of Aneer
rising challenge
According to the latest report on global plastic pollution published by OECD in 2022, the use of this material could triple driven by economic and demographic growth, going from an annual manufacturing rate of 460 million tonnes of plastic to a global production of 1,231 million. ton per year in 2060.
Plastic leakage into the environment is projected to double, from about 22 million tonnes per year to 44 million tonnes by 2060, while plastic accumulation in aquatic environments, including lakes, rivers, streams and oceans, will triple and increase by 140 million tonnes. million tons to 493 million, increasing environmental and health impacts.
Specifically in the oceans, they report that the accumulation of this type of waste could reach a figure of 145 million tonnes by 2060, facing a scenario of inaction.
The study presented before the Authority highlights the reuse of containers as a practice which has several benefits. By reusing packaging multiple times instead of throwing it away after just one use, you reduce the need to create new packaging and therefore reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or in nature.
Additionally, it has a positive impact on the environment as the energy and resources required to manufacture, transport and store new containers are saved, which also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a recent study by the United Nations Environment Programme, which reviews a relevant number of life cycle analyzes for supermarket packaging, it is indicated that “almost always” reuse is more environmentally friendly than single-use alternatives. Visually better.
Finally, it was highlighted that, going forward, Chile can continue to strengthen the policies it has implemented to deal with plastic waste problems, including the Law of Extended Producer Responsibility, the Law of Plastic Bags and the law of single use. Plastic and plastic bottles, are currently in implementation.
