We learned a lesson not found in books with Students from Uniades

Three years ago professor Julia Romero, Master in Supply Chain Management at the Universidad de los Andes, learned about Grupo Plastilene’s EFMD awarded case study, published on Harvard’s portal.

Since then we have been contacted to demonstrate the change we’ve enacted and how learning can be outside the classroom. Because of this we invited students to learn about our sustainable supply chain model based on circular economy practices at Grupo Plastilene.

During the first portion of this event we had students read and analyze Grupo Plastilene’s Case Study, after which we took them on the circular economy tour at Recitoc and Reciclene. 

We wanted to make this a transformative experience for them in 2025. This time we decided to go above and beyond, and showed them real life challenges. This was an enriching experience, for them and for us.

Our starting point: academic challenges

As part of the challenge, we gave them three supply chain problems that they had to try and solve. Before they visited Recitoc and saw the other side of the equation: waste pickers’ work and the complexities of having a sustainable and efficient material flow. They later arrived at Reciclene to experience first hand our supply chain, our processes, and the impact we have on the recycling ecosystem.

This was the moment that theory stopped being just theory. In seeing the realities of recycling, supplier challenges, and the importance of a circular economy model, their perspective shifted. Transforming, from students trying to solve an educational challenge to citizens, committed to apply real solutions. One of our participants shared:

“Initially I was skeptical of the work done by waste pickers, but through seeing it close up, it completely changed my mind. Now I see them with admiration, understanding the work they do every day. When I told other people about this experience, they had the same reaction ‘It’s incredible to be able to contribute!’. I realized that change starts with smaller actions, and that by adding all of them up we can achieve incredible things.”.

Changing how they see recycling is one of the reasons that Grupo Plastilene believes in empirical learning. Seeing the impact of a circular economy in real life shifts people’s perspective of these processes.

Discoveries that change you

During their investigation and analysis, students identified several key aspects to strengthen the supply chain of recycled plastic:

• Adapting to environmental laws: our suppliers must meet very strict regulations, which means changes in your process and operational models.
• Innovation in the circular economy: beyond recycling, it is necessary to design products and processes that facilitate reuse.
• Operational capacity and storage: without the adequate spaces, recyclers cannot increase their collection volume.
• Digitalization and technology: bringing advanced technologies can improve the supply chain efficiency.

Formalizing employment: guaranteeing better work conditions for recyclers is key for stability and growth.

From learning to action

At the end of the challenge, students had not only completed academic work, but had shifted their perception of recycling. Some of them started thinking harder about where their waste goes, while others got involved in circular economy initiatives, but they all agreed: trash is not just trash, it is a raw material

This collaboration proves our theory that change happens when theory leaves the classroom and enters the real world. At Grupo Plastilene we continue trying to make these learning experiences a reality, making an impact and creating a more sustainable world.

Thanks to Universidad de los Andes for this collaboration! We appreciate them constantly challenging, inspiring, and pushing us to keep moving forward.