Progress of the circular economy in Brazil: What are the main challenges in the packaging chain?

Abstract

The implementation of Circular Economy (CE) principles has the potential to make solid waste management more effective. In Brazil, packaging is a fraction of urban solid waste (dry and recyclable). Therefore, this paper analyses the challenges of implementing a CE in the post-consumption Brazilian packaging chain. This research conducted documentary analysis and in-depth interviews based on a semi-structured script. Fifty-three stakeholders from the sector were interviewed. The interviewees were from the public, private sector and non-governmental organizations. Agents from the executive, legislative and judiciary represented public power. Representatives from packaging manufacturing companies, logistics operators, the recycling industry, startups and waste pickers attended the sample, covering several players in the chain. The results were divided into three categories of operationalization of the circular economy (micro, meso and macro), contributing to academia by demonstrating this division in an empirical study. The main managerial contribution is to list the challenges, including the lack of consumer awareness, the low level of logistics infrastructure, double taxation of recycling and greenwashing. Additionally, is the need for more supervision of actors who misbehave and the lack of political will to change to a circular model. Finally, we highlight the limitations and suggest future researchers in the area.