Reverse logistics systems for post-consumer packaging in Brazil: obstacles and current panorama

This article describes the current panorama of reverse logistics applied to post-consumption packaging at the federal level in Brazil, the current reverse logistics systems and the main obstacles and gaps that hinder their implementation are discussed. The study was limited to paper packaging (including boxboard and cardboard), glass, plastic, and metal. The span of the research was from 2010 (when the Brazilian Federal Law that established the National Solid Waste Policy was introduced) up to 2020. The results showed that paper is the material with the highest amount marketed by waste pickers organisations (52%), followed by plastic (22%), glass (17%), other metals (8%), and aluminium (1%). However, when considering the sales of materials, plastic has a greater representation than paper and other metals. Since the responsibility is shared, the RLSs work in a confusing manner, and there are conflicting interests, especially in the case of post-consumer packaging.