World Recycling Convention 2024: Colombia, a leader in the plastics circular economy

We were represented by our Sustainability & Global Procurement VP, Ricardo Estrada, at the second edition of the World Recycling Convention 2024 “Recycling Week 2024”. The event gathered recycling experts and professionals to discuss waste management innovations, challenges, and solutions in Rome at the end of October.

In order to be a part of the event participants had to bring a topical theme to share during one of the days of academic presentations and case studies. In 2023 Ricardo was part of two conferences. The first focused on mechanical recycling campaigns in the Global South, and the second on Grupo Plastilene’s sustainability strategy.

Our main objective this year was to strengthen the transition into a circular economy in different regions, as well as networking with important leaders and experts.

Ricardo gave a conference titled “How Developing Strong Regulations Impacts Countries’ Support of Circular Economy Models”. It analyzed how Colombia’s increase in regulations starting in 2015 and how this impacted the evolution of recycling campaigns. Additionally, he focused on the opportunities that mechanical recycling provides, and how companies create a relationship with waste pickers. He considered how these synergies improve the waste picker’s income and support sustainability.

Colombia as a reference

The country has been a prominent reference given their regulations on plastics and developing sustainable and circular alternatives. This includes plastic mechanical recycling. Legislation enacted since 2015 has been key to increasing recycling campaigns increasing new supply, production, and sales methods. The following are some of these legislations:

• 2015: 

The PGIRS – Integral Waste Management Plan- addresses ways that waste can be exploited, benefits for waste pickers, and more

• 2016: 

Taxes the use or delivery of plastic bags

Regulates the use of plastic bags

Transitory system to regulate and organize informal waste pickers

• 2017: 

Reform that taxes plastic bags

• 2018: 

National Circular Economy Strategy

Environmental waste management regulations for packaging

• 2019: 

National plan for a sustainable management for single use plastics

Prohibition of single use plastics in national parks

• 2020:

First management plan for producers – Extended Producer Responsibility

• 2022: Achievements

San Andrés became the first city with EPR enforcement

A gradual reduction of some single use plastic products

National tax on single use plastics used in packaging

• 2024:

First 6 prohibited single use plastics products

Taxes on single use plastics (PUSU in Spanish) begin

These undertakings and regulations show Colombia’s journey into developing a circular plastics economy is an example of commitment and long term vision. This is how Colombia has become a regional reference.

Correctly implementing public policies leads to a significant shift within industry, in the life of waste pickers, and the wellbeing of the community.

To conclude, we see 3 avenues for regulatory development on a global scale:

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
2. Prohibition, or rationalizing when plastic is not the best choice
3. Taxes to decentivize the use of plastic when there is no added value

There are avenues for development that focus on promoting a circular economy where producers can address legislation and take advantage of new opportunities:

• Use of PCR in new products
• Verify compostable and bio alternatives through Bio and ASTM standards
• Optimize the use and performance of plastic materials
• Designing for circularity

Ricardo showed leadership at the World Recycling Convention 2024 through sharing with global experts how Colombia’s regulatory landscape has evolved in the last decade. His participation proved how local regulations have pushed a shift into a more circular economy, as well as a reference for how solid and future focused legislation can be implemented to meet environmental challenges.