Momentive maintains reverse logistics for adjuvant packaging

As part of its sustainability actions, Momentive decided to keep its Silwet* ECO super-spreading adjuvant in the Campo Limpo System, a reverse logistics program run by the National Institute for Empty Packaging Processing (inpEV), adopted in the agricultural pesticide production chain.

inpEV acts as the intelligence nucleus of the initiative, which is based on the principle of shared responsibilities between farmers, manufacturers and distribution channels, with support from public authorities to carry out the reverse logistics of empty agricultural pesticide packaging. Brazil is a global reference in the environmentally correct disposal of material, sending 94% of primary plastic packaging (which comes into direct contact with the product) for recycling or incineration.

In 2018, a change in Brazilian legislation reclassified agricultural adjuvants and, consequently, exempted companies that manufacture these products from adopting reverse logistics.

Despite the non-obligation, Momentive maintained its association with inpEV to ensure that empty packaging of the Silwet* ECO adjuvant, recently launched in Brazil, is properly discarded or recycled. “The company's stay in the Campo Limpo System demonstrates one of our main values, which is to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, protecting our employees, customers and the community”, says Marcos Belle, Agriculture Marketing Manager at Momentive in Latin America. 

Silwet* ECO superspreader, the only adjuvant currently approved by IBD for organic agriculture, enables farmers to reduce product waste, overall application costs and the amount of water by increasing spray coverage by up to 10 times more than than a conventional adjuvant. “For over 35 years, Silwet* adjuvants have improved the performance of spray applications and thus promoted the responsible use of natural resources. We will continue with this practice”, adds Belle.

For inpEV, the company's continuity in the Campo Limpo System, even with the change in legislation, is very relevant. “This initiative reveals the company's concern in promoting reverse logistics of empty packaging and taking care of the Environment and future generations”, assesses Maria Helena Z. Calado, Sustainability Manager at inpEV.

To demonstrate its environmental commitment, Momentive will also now adopt the InpEV seal on the Silwet* ECO superspreader packaging. “We want to promote awareness of the Campo Limpo System and the importance of properly handling empty pesticide packaging”, adds Belle.

Silwet* ECO is produced at Momentive's Brazilian plant, in Itatiba, in the interior of São Paulo. “In addition to local production, we are constantly investing in innovative solutions to increasingly meet the demands of the agricultural sector”, says executive Paulo Vianna, general manager of the company in Latin America.