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Brasil
PackTrends
2020
197
sustainability & ethics
PICTURE 7.23
Productive and post-consumer aseptic package
recycling flowchart organized by Tetra Pak
Source: Adapted from ORSATO et at., 2007
The creation of this chain, exemplified in FIGURE
7.23, was strongly encouraged by Tetra Pak, which
searched for nearly two decades for technology and
partners that could make the reuse of aseptic packaging
environmentally and economically viable.
The creation of these products increased the price
paid for the collected post-consumer packaging by 79%
between 2004 and 2007, which reached EUR 120 per
ton and became to be segregated from the household
waste (Orsato et al., 2007).
Symbology for post-consumer package identification
Among many actions needed for the establishment
of the reverse logistics, it is important to emphasize the
initiative by various national entities that contributed
for the growth of recycling in Brazil, with press releasing
and implementation of symbologies for the correct
package materials identification for orientation to the
selective disposal and recycling programs. Technical
Standard - ABNT NBR 13230 (2008) shows the
identification symbols of plastic materials (Picture
7.24) and the Brazilian Packaging Association – ABRE
have the constant concern of taking information about
material identification for recycling (Picture 7.25).
The package is an important communication tool
and should be used as an instrument for environmental
education. Technical symbology used for recycling
has been created to facilitate packaging materials
identification and separation, strengthen the recycling
chain and materials revalorization. Symbology absence
or its incorrect use may prejudice the recycling process
of other materials and the waste of recyclable materials