Legislation and challenges of plastics for a more sustainable future: our virtual panel

On November 13th we held a virtual panel discussion talking about the challenges that the plastics industry faces. The panel discussed the legislative context in various countries and new environmental initiatives. We had external experts, as well as employees of Grupo Plastilene highlighting the innovation and cooperation amongst key stakeholders, as well as how education and sensibilization are key.

The panel was made up by: Stefano Pacini, president of Grupo Plastilene, Ricardo Estrada, VP of sustainability and global purchasing, Luisa Ribero, corporate sustainability director, Yohana García, leader of sustainable portfolio, and Fabián Forero, manufacturing director of Reciclene. They all shared valuable insights and knowledge on how we can address and get through current challenges in the plastics industry.

Our panel also focused on the emerging legislation that is associated with extended producer responsibility (EPR). These laws are pushing companies to reconsider their product’s design, and therefore the consequences of their life cycle analysis.

One of the most enriching aspects of the panel was the journey through the different regions we are in. We explored the key legislations and regulations coming out in each key country.

Highlights of each country

Colombia:

·       Colombia passed resolution 1407 of 2018, known also as the Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR. The resolution states that every company that puts products and packaging into the market must create a plan to manage the waste and meet certain recycling goals. This applies to any material, including plastic, paper, carton, glass, or metal.

·       The PUSU Law of 2024 (plásticos de uso único, or single use plastics in Spanish) outlines a list of products that must move towards more sustainable alternatives. This includes biodegradable products and products that use recycled materials.

“We see a plastics industry that after 10 years will be entirely circular. We see a plastics industry that doesn’t pollute the environment, but quite the contrary, we take advantage of all the benefits that plastic brings and the many uses it has. We are working towards that in Colombia, at Grupo Plastilene, and at Acoplásticos” said Daniel Mitchell, president of Acoplásticos.

Ecuador:

·       The Acuerdo Ministerial 021 (Ministerial agreement 021), calls for an integral waste management system for plastic waste used in agriculture through authorized waste managers. This allows companies to put preventative and corrective measures in place, as well as create environmental management plans that minimize risks and health risks, and above all support in protecting a healthy environment.

Guatemala:

·       Though there are no specific legislations yet that support or provide avenues for a well thought out, circular end of life. Business trends point towards integral and innovative solutions that have allowed them to take initial steps towards more sustainable products.

In Guatemala’s case, besides the support we’ve provided the operations of the country, we have also wanted to be educators. Jeanne Samoyoa, president of Crecer Foundation in Guatemala shares “if we are part of the problem, we have to be part of the solution too. Grupo Plastilene has taken steps and has experience with extended producer responsibility and other such policies, and best practices that can guide the Guatemalan plastics industry. We are not calling for an elimination of the whole industry, infighting, or polarization of one another, it’s about finding common ground, and for everyone to do their part. There is a lot to learn, and we’re really glad to have Grupo Plastilene close”.

United States:

·       In the US, policy is still evolving however, states like Colorado, California, and New York are taking their first steps with some Extended Producer Responsibility laws.

Innovation and business responsibility

The second part of the panel focused on challenges and opportunities that our companies have faced and face today. A recurring point was the constant need to innovate and develop more sustainable alternatives. However, we also highlighted that moving towards a more circular economy is not easy, and requires constant cooperation amongst private businesses, government, and society at large.

Another challenge that we focused on was that of education and sensibilization. Though legislations are advancing, there needs to be a shift in our perception of recycling and more responsible consumption worldwide. At Grupo Plastilene, as industry leaders, we have always accepted the importance of education around recycling, and working alongside consumers to promote a more conscious use of plastic.

Our panel Legislation and Challenges of plastics for a more sustainable future was a key platform for us to explore together how the plastic industry can adapt and anticipate new environmental and legal challenges. Our leaders agreed that there are great challenges, but there are equally great opportunities for innovation to achieve a more sustainable future. Active business engagement, and collaboration amongst all stakeholders in the value chain is fundamental. This ensures a real and important change in plastic waste management.

If you don’t want to miss a thing, and watch our panel, please click here.