The Coordination of Packaging Recycling Chain in Brazil

This paper analyses the coordination of the packaging recycling chain established by Company A. Company A developed a technical solution for coordinating the packaging recycling chain and provides a certificate of recycling for its clients (industry). The paper also highlights the initiatives raised by the private sector for addressing the problem of waste management and social inclusion. To understand and allow a broad view of the phenomenon, data was collected from Company A and members of the packaging recycling chain, as waste picker cooperatives, through a mix of desk research with qualitative methods, including interviews, observation research, and participatory workshop. The content of the transcripts and desk research was analysed based on themes identified in the literature and real terms used by the interviewees and by the lecturers. Theoretically, it contributes to the literature of waste management shedding light on the coordination of activities by a private company. The participation and sharing of responsibilities with local institutions are essential to increase the efficiency of waste management. As practical implications, the outcomes indicate the importance of links with waste picker cooperatives for increasing the formalization in the recycling packaging chain and promoting social inclusion.