Pioneering reverse logistics program completes 25 years

The Empty Pesticide Container Receipt Program, a landmark initiative for sustainability in the tobacco industry and recognized for its pioneering work, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Created on October 23, 2000, the program is developed by the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco) and its member companies, with support from the Brazilian Tobacco Growers Association (Afubra).

The program was one of the first reverse logistics initiatives in Brazilian agribusiness and emerged even before federal legislation that made the return of agricultural pesticide packaging mandatory – created in 2002. Today recognized as a reference for many sectors studying how to improve their reverse logistics, the tobacco sector program had its first action in 2000, in Santa Cruz do Sul (RS).

According to SindiTabaco president Valmor Thesing, in addition to ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, the Program generates benefits related to environmental protection by preventing improper packaging disposal and contamination. It is also a circular economy initiative, as it promotes the recycling of plastic containers.

The program currently reaches approximately 108 producers and 1.800 mobile collection points across 385 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. According to InPEV, a partner in the disposal of empty packaging, the tobacco sector accounts for almost half of all mobile collection routes nationwide. According to the Ministry of the Environment (MMA), 94% of pesticide packaging sold in Brazil is recycled.

How are packages returned?

Rigid packaging must be returned by producers clean, dry, perforated, and separated from their lids. To achieve this, triple washing is essential, consisting of completely emptying the contents three times, adding clean water, shaking, and pouring the liquid into the sprayer. Receiving teams verify that the returned containers are in compliance and provide proof of proper disposal.

After collection, the packaging is sent to the receiving units of the National Institute for Processing Empty Packaging (inpEV), responsible for managing the Campo Limpo System, and is sorted for recycling. Of the packaging received by the tobacco sector program, 100% of the rigid containers are recycled and transformed into new plastic products, especially construction materials. Packaging unsuitable for recycling is sent to controlled incineration in compliance with environmental regulations.

"The program's success lies in the partnership and commitment of all links in the production chain. It's an example of how the tobacco industry, despite being often misunderstood, operates responsibly and in line with sustainable practices," reinforces Thesing.

Upon completing 25 years, the Empty Pesticide Packaging Receipt Program reaffirms the tobacco sector's environmental commitment and its role as a national reference in reverse logistics in agribusiness.

Current itinerary – This Wednesday, October 22, the Empty Pesticide Container Collection Program begins its tour of the Serra-Planalto region of Rio Grande do Sul. The collection teams will visit collection points in 39 municipalities on itinerant routes that will continue until November 5.