While 72% of Brazilians have a positive view of companies that invest in circular economy practices, more than two fifths (43%) say that they are hesitant about purchasing recycled products, a new report by Brazil’s National Confederation of Industry (CNI) has found.
Among the reasons cited by respondents for such apprehension are a preference for new products (34%) and doubts about the durability of recycled items (30%).
The report was presented at the ‘Business Leadership for the Future of Climate | COP31’ event at the at the headquarters of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FIRJAN), which forms part of the Rio Nature and Climate Week programme, ahead of COP31 this November.
The report surveyed more than 2,000 people across all regions of Brazil in February.
Public confidence
According to Davi Bomtempo, superintendent of Environment and Sustainability at CNI, the results indicate that the transition to a circular economy is dependent not only on the availability of sustainable products, but also on improving public confidence.
“There is societal interest in more sustainable practices, but there are still barriers related to information, perception of quality, and access,” he said. “This reinforces the need to broaden the debate on the circular economy and create conditions for more sustainable choices to become part of the daily lives of Brazilians.”
Other findings
Other findings from the study include that just 13% of Brazilians claim to have sufficient knowledge about the circular economy, while three fifths (60%) state that it is the responsibility of local government and city halls to ensure the environment is protected.
Some 14% believe that industries should be responsible for environmental protection, while 12% said that responsibility should fall on the federal government.
“We have room to raise societal awareness about circularity and strengthen public policies capable of encouraging more sustainable models of production and consumption,” Bontempo added. “The circular economy depends on a systemic transformation, which involves information, infrastructure, the regulatory environment, and the engagement of the entire production chain.” Read more here.
