Balance 2024: strategic partnerships for sustainable plastic management

At Grupo Plastilene we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation. Throughout 2024 we strengthened our strategic partnerships to avoid the plastic we produce ending up in landfill or the environment. With the support of our allies, make headway through certifications, product innovation, and supporting a transition into a circular economy in our regions of influence.

This summary is structured around the activities we carry out with our interested parties. Each one of them play a fundamental role in our sustainability strategy:

• Our employees drive our initiatives
• Waste Picker associations and waste managers are at the heart of the circular economy, strengthening the recycling ecosystem
• Third party certifiers verify and back the circularity of our products
• Our clients push the demand of sustainable solutions and invite us to challenge our ecodesign
• Academia helps bridge the gap between what is learned in class and the reality of the workforce
• Banks help facilitate the key resources for our initiatives 
• Media companies amplify our message to promote awareness

Together we make plastic circularity a reality.

1) Employees

Innovation fairs at Plastilene and Technofilms
This year we focused on strengthening the relationship between employees and the innovation we carry out at Grupo Plastilene. We carried out innovation fairs at Technofilms and Plastilene, where we showcased our advances in ecodesign, market trends, and the real impact of their work on plastic circularity. They also participated in waste sortation activities and legislation analysis. This allowed an integral understanding of sustainable plastic management. 

2) Waste Associations and Managers

Strengthening waste managers in Ecuador
We supported their work by providing help with technology and personal protection equipment. In 2024 some highlights were the delivery of a grinder for a waste manager at Sampedro, and construction materials for Emilio Sánchez’s cellar to improve traceability and efficiency. This is just the beginning of the continuous support that we will offer to strengthen the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in Ecuador.

Cayambé Nucleus talk on end of life management

As part of this opportunity we presented our model on end of life management at different farms, managers, and people in the municipality.

We shared Grupo Plastilene’s sustainability strategy and the circular economy model that we enact in Ecuador for greenhouse plastics. We also shared our success stories and the environmental and economic benefits of implementing these circular economy models in the flower industry.

Participation in the 1st Sustainable Development in Amatitlán
We were part of the event organized by ICAMA, where we shared our sustainable practices where we promote a circular economy and waste reduction.

Participation in the Plastics Pact Route
This initiative also began as a key strategy of the shift towards a circular economy where we looked over topics such as the plastic tax, existing and emerging legislation, ecodesign, the Golden Design Rules and recycling. You can find more information about the Plastics Pact and our participation in the event here.

3) Certifications

Reciclene and Altalene’s Icontec Certifications
One of the milestones achieved this year was the ICONTEC certification of our plastic resins and bags at Altalene. Because of this we ensure that these products are produced with 100% PCR and we are exempt from the single use plastic prohibition law as well as the plastic tax. Our CICLOLENE resins certification, based on the NTC 6632 allows them to be included in more products, promoting a circular economy, increasing trust in brand owners and manufacturers. Additionally, we carried out Life Cycle Analysis that proves that our certified plastic bags have a bigger impact environmentally, as well as on human health compared to other products.

4) Clients

Products with PCR: Postobón (shrinkwrap) and Colanta (secondary packaging)
The packaging industry is evolving towards more sustainable practices, and in 2024 we took steps towards this goal. With ExxonMobil we developed 100% PCR CICLOLENE resin shrinkwrap packaging for Postobón. This was our first product for a client with this specific focus, and just a bit after we developed packaging for Colanta with 25% certified CICLOLENE resins. These packages are technically recyclable and made with PCR, setting a new standard in the industry.

5) Academia

Bridging the gap: Meeting with Uniandes, Javeriana and Universidad Nacional

We bridge the gap between academia and industry strengthening the partnerships with universities. We ensure that students connect with the business world and apply their knowledge into real life scenarios. Click this link to learn more about our work with academic institutions and all the benefits that we connect to new generations.

6) Banks

Partnership with Banco de Bogotá for our recycling plant

In collaboration with the Banco de Bogotá we worked to mobilize resources to accelerate the circular economy. Learn more about this partnership.

7) Media

Expoflores Podcast “Let’s talk about flower farming” – Teaching about greenhouse plastic

We educated employees on the responsible use of greenhouse plastic in the flower industry and their role in the circular economy. Do you want to learn how plastic and flowers create synergy for crops? Listen to our podcast episode “Let’s talk about flower cultivation?” here.

Every one of these actions reflect our commitment with sustainability and plastic circularity. In 2025 we are steadfast on our dedication to collaboration and innovation as drivers of change. Together, we can leave a positive mark on the world for us and the future generations.

2025 awaits us with new opportunities to connect with our stakeholders, exchange knowledge, and continue contributing to a circular plastics economy in the Americas.