Plastic: A Misunderstood Ally in the Circular Economy Era

Imagine a world without plastic: there would be no sterile syringes in hospitals, no packaging keeping your food fresh, no lightweight vehicles saving fuel. Plastic, often singled out as the environmental villain, has been key to human progress. This versatile material has transformed food preservation, revolutionized medicine with vital equipment, optimized transportation, and powered technological innovation, from electronics to construction. But what if the problem isn't plastic, but what we do with it after we use it?

The real challenge lies in managing its life cycle. Instead of demonizing plastic, we need to use it only when essential and, crucially, create efficient systems for its reuse and recycling. The key is to integrate solutions that not only reduce waste but also generate economic and social value.

Data That Reveals Opportunity

Plastic is omnipresent, but the numbers show both the challenge and the potential for better management:

In Mexico, the plastic bottle market is projected to reach US$164.37 million by 2025. The country produces 425,000 tons of PET bottles annually, with a collection rate of 53%. While this figure is comparable to the European average in some aspects, there's enormous potential to improve recovery and recycling.

In the European Union, in 2022, each inhabitant generated 186.5kg of packaging waste, with plastic accounting for 16.1 million tons, a 29.4% increase since 2011. Although plastic packaging recycling reached 40.7%, millions of tons of valuable material are still lost.

These figures underscore the urgent need for more robust management systems, such as Deposit-Refund Systems (DRS), which are transforming the circular economy.

Deposit-Refund Systems (DRS): Closing the Loop

DRS are a powerful solution for managing plastic waste. These systems incentivize consumers to return empty containers (like plastic bottles, glass, or cans) in exchange for a small deposit paid at the time of purchase. Their benefits are clear:

• Less pollution: They significantly reduce litter in public spaces and landfills.

• Higher recycling rates: Countries like Germany (98%) and Norway (97%) achieve exceptional collection rates thanks to DRS.

• Resource savings: Using recycled materials reduces the need for virgin raw material extraction and lowers CO2 ​emissions associated with production.

• Economy and employment: They create jobs in the collection, sorting, and recycling sectors, in addition to fostering a culture of responsibility.

However, implementing DRS is not without its challenges. Initial investment and cultural resistance can be obstacles, but the long-term benefits, such as reduced environmental costs and job creation, far outweigh them. The EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, for example, mandates a 90% separate collection rate for plastic bottles by 2029, a goal that heavily relies on such systems.

Innovation in Post-Consumption: The Case of Lealtad Verde

In Mexico, initiatives like Lealtad Verde are making a difference. Their app, "Leales al Planeta," allows users to scan, separate, and return recyclable materials through biorecycling machines, receiving economic incentives for their containers. This model not only facilitates recycling but also empowers consumers, integrating them into a circular economy where post-consumption generates value.

Since its launch, Lealtad Verde has collected thousands of tons of recyclable materials, engaging communities, businesses, and governments in a sustainable ecosystem. This approach demonstrates that efficient post-consumption not only mitigates the waste problem but also drives a more robust economy.

A Circular Future Is Possible

Plastic is not the enemy, the key lies in how we manage it. Solutions like DRS and platforms such as "Leales al Planeta" show that it's possible to turn challenges into opportunities. But change doesn't solely depend on systems or technology, it starts with you. Download apps like "Leales al Planeta," support recycling policies in your community, or demand more efficient management systems from your authorities. Together, we can stop blaming plastic and build a future where its use is synonymous with sustainability.