Heineken invests R$1.5 million to promote glass recycling

To expand the reuse of glass packaging in Minas Gerais, the Heineken Group, in partnership with Verallia, Massfix, Fundação Avina and Rede Sul-MG, created an ecosystem to strengthen the recycling chain. With investments of R$1.5 million, the expectation is that around 6 thousand tons of glass will return to the industry. More than 30 cities in Minas Gerais will be impacted by 2026.

Called the Glass Circuit, in reference to the State’s tourist and cultural routes, such as the Circuito das Águas and Estrada Real, the idea is to guarantee the circularity of the material, which is recyclable, but faces territorial challenges in terms of recycling.

“This is a big step towards the necessary changes in relation to the disposal of post-consumer packaging in Brazil. We believe in the potential for collaboration between different actors, as we understand that only together will it be possible to guarantee the positive impacts we desire from end to end in the packaging chain”, comments the Sustainability Director of the Heineken Group, Ligia Camargo.

The director explains that even though glass is a noble material, with great recyclable potential and no losses in the process, only 25% of the material that goes to the discarded market is returned to the chain.

Hence the idea of ​​the project to increase the circulation, accumulation and commercialization of the input, aiming at the expansion, purchase and sale of fragments. The objective is that, in addition, there is the promotion of socioeconomic development for waste pickers, reinforcing productive inclusion by offering income generation opportunities, technical support and training.

The responsibilities of the companies involved are shared between investment activities for implementation, operationalization and execution of the plan, as well as collaboration with other partners.

Check out the base cities for purchasing and collecting glass:

• St. Lawrence
• Caxambu
• Poços de Caldas
• Happy landing
• Three Points
• Juruaia
• Cachoeira de Minas – in addition to 27 others that will be impacted by the project

“This initiative benefits all actors in the recycling chain, in addition to reducing environmental impact, saving energy and natural resources, and generating income for collectors,” argues the executive.

Project aims to strengthen waste picker associations

The president of the Network of Recyclable Material Collectors of the South and Southwest of Minas Gerais, Luênia Maria Silva de Oliveira, celebrates the investment and bets on strengthening 13 associations located in the region, benefiting around 150 collectors through the reverse logistics of the glass.

“We embraced this project because we believe that together we are stronger in defending the environment and generating income for those who need it most. With his support, the Network will be able to strengthen itself and continue to be a key player in building a more sustainable and fair society,” he says.