Some 39% of Brazilian consumers are unaware of the circular economy, while just 12% claim to be well informed about it, according to a new study by Movimento Plástico Transforma, in partnership with Instituto QualiBest.
As the study found, interest in the circular economy and recycling is on the increase, despite relatively low public knowledge.
Some 45% of respondents said that they had heard of the circular economy, while 28% said that they have sent packaging to be recycled at some point in the past. 14% of respondents said that they recycle products ‘frequently’, while 30% said that they had never participated in recycling programmes but have expressed interest in doing so.
‘People’s reality’
“The results show that recycling is already part of the daily lives and perceptions of Brazilians, but the circular economy is still a concept that needs to be translated into people’s reality,” commented Beatriz Geraldes, a member of the technical group at Movimento Plástico Transforma.
“When the population understands that packaging can return to the production chain and generate new products, they will begin to see recycling not only as an environmental action, but as part of a system capable of reducing waste and generating value for society. The challenge now is to broaden access to information and bring this debate closer to the daily lives of consumers.”
Confidence in Brazil’s current recycling infrastructure is relatively high, the study found, with 54% believing that separated waste is ‘effectively recycled’ and close to a third (31%) believing at least part of it is processed correctly. Just 6% said that they have no trust in the recycling process.
Infrastructure challenges
The study also highlighted infrastructure challenges when it comes to recycling, with 55% of respondents saying that selective waste collection is available in their neighbourhood, and two fifths (40%) saying that no such service was available.
Around a third (31%) of respondents identified the lack of collection services as the main barrier to engaging in recycling, followed by insufficient space to store recyclable materials at home (25%) and limited information about which materials can be recycled (20%).
Elsewhere, some 78% of respondents said that the public should play a central role in increasing recycling rates, with the proportion attributing responsibility to the government standing at 63%, and business at 55%.
‘Important stage of maturity’
“The results show that the Brazilian consumer is at an important stage of maturity regarding environmental issues,” added Marlene Treuk, research manager, Instituto QualiBest. “There is a clear perception of the importance of recycling and a growing willingness to adopt more sustainable behaviours.
“On the other hand, the lack of knowledge about the circular economy indicates that there is still a significant opportunity for education and communication, especially on topics that will be increasingly relevant to consumption and waste management in the coming years.”
The survey was based on responses from 834 internet users aged 18 and over from all regions and social groups in Brazil. Read more here.
