Recycling that transforms
ABOUT IT
With the objective of Strengthening the circular economy in Brazil, a Down, a global leader in materials science, established in 2024 a partnership with Ambipar, a Brazilian multinational company providing environmental solutions, and Gaia Social, an organization specializing in local development.
The program “"Recycling that Transforms"” it focuses on Professionalization of recycling cooperatives, working in Jundiaí region and interior of São Paulo and in Recife (PE).
The initiative promotes Structuring cooperatives as social enterprises, focusing on productive inclusion, diversity, income generation e efficient solid waste management. Among the innovations is the Plastic Protocol, a pioneering methodology that standardizes and improves the recyclability of plastic waste..
All actions are supported by technical assistance, training and continuous management methodology, reinforcing the project's role as a vector of social and environmental transformation.
The program was presented at Dow's Pack Studio Innovation Center, in Jundiaí (SP), and is part of Dow's global goals of decarbonization and circular economy, aligned with the company's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Results and Objectives
Project Objectives:
Social:
Professionalizing cooperatives of waste pickers, strengthening their administrative and operational structure.
Generating decent income and productive inclusion., especially for women (64% participation).
Promoting diversity and equity, with workshops and exchanges of experiences focused on collaborative management.
Environmental:
Reduce the volume of solid waste destined for landfills., promoting the diversion and recycling of plastics.
Increase the number of categories of recyclable plastics., expanding from 15 to up to 25 types of materials.
Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through the substitution of virgin raw materials and reverse logistics.
Economic:
Structuring cooperatives as sustainable businesses, with an increase in gross revenue and greater competitiveness.
Prepare the sector for future requirements of Reverse logistics and recycled resins (PCR).
Results Achieved and Expected:
Stage 1 – São Paulo (completed):
Social: average increase of 68% in the income of cooperative members; 64% of female participation; Strengthening governance.
Environmental: more than 2,500 tons of recyclables diverted from landfills; Structured selective waste collection in 6 municipalities.
Economic: +48.3% growth based on the average gross revenue of cooperatives.
Climate impact: reduction of emissions associated with 1,900 tons/year of recyclables not destined for landfills.
Phase 2 – Recife (ongoing, 2024–2025):
Social: income increase of up to 110% among cooperative members; expanded formalization and training.
Environmental: 1,900 tons of recyclables diverted from landfills..
Economic: R$ 200 thousand/month gross revenue; generating decent work for over 100 professionals.
Consolidated indicators (project):
Average income increase: +76%
Families impacted: 211
Training sessions held: 139
Workshops and experience sharing: 51
Recyclable materials diverted from landfills: ~3,500 tons/year
Indirect reduction of CO₂ emissions: proportional to the replacement of virgin materials for recycled materials
SDGs
External Certification
No
International Commitments
National Commitments
National Circular Economy Policy
More info
EN