INALDE MBA students propose solutions for challenges in the Colombian plastics industry

On July 21st we were invited to a Circular Economy class at La Sabana University, in the INALDE Business School’s MBA program. This class, led by professor Santiago Salazar began with the class reading the Plastilene Case Study (link al caso escrito por Ricardo). Grupo Plastilene has in the past presented their circular economy model in a practical-theory presentation in classrooms.

Our Corporate Sustainability Director, Luisa Ribero, alongside Óscar Vesga and Jennifer Garrido, shared how we work on recovery and transformation of residential, commercial, and industrial plastics. These materials, that would otherwise end in a landfill, are processed and turned into Ciclolene® recycled resins. The resins are then turned into secondary packaging and other applications for different industries.

The reality of the recycling process

Through a dynamic and interactive presentation, students were able to step into the shoes of waste pickers, who must go through bags mixed with all kinds of waste to recover recyclable materials. This exercise is a space to reflect on the correct separation of waste from the source, with the objective of not only lessening the burden on waste pickers, but ensuring that materials can reenter the supply chain.

After this activity, participants split up into three groups and were given challenges inspired by the real experience in the industry:

• Sourcing: How to source the best quality material to recycle?
• End Markets: What new markets could use recycled pellets in their products?
• Consumer Education: How do we reach people to convince them to separate their waste properly and support a circular economy?

The proposed solution ranged from labeling strategies, to educational campaigns, and new applications for recycled plastic in different markets. Our sustainability team will evaluate the viability of these proposals to turn them into concrete actions that can strengthen our positive impact.

Having the opportunity to come to academic spaces like these is essential for the industry’s future. Classrooms become an incubator for fresh ideas, that help us see the industry from a different perspective. By sharing our real life experiences and opening up the conversation to future business leaders, we kickstart an interest in a circular economy and find strategic partners to design solutions that respond to current and future challenges for plastics.

A shared learning experience

For students, this experience represented the opportunity to get close to the industry’s challenges, understand the complexities of the recycling supply chain, and apply the acquired knowledge in class to propose tangible solutions. For us, this was an enriching experience that allowed us to share our perspective, and add voices to the conversation on circular economy.

At Grupo Plastilene we believe that a circular economy is possible, but it requires everyone to be committed: consumers, waste pickers, recyclers, industry, academic institutions, and government.