Proper disposal of agrochemical packaging up 14% in Jan-Sep

Member companies of the Brazilian association for the processing of empty packaging, Inpev, properly disposed of 21,694t of agrochemical packaging in January-September, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year.

"Between 60% and 65% of the total amount collected is plastic packaging," Inpev executive president João Cesar Rando told BNamericas.

Approximately 95% of the processed packaging is recycled and the remainder is incinerated.

"The whole system has reached its maturity and roughly 94% of all agrochemicals packaging consumed in the country is correctly disposed of," Rando said.

In 2002-08, Inpev invested some 220mn reais (US$127mn) in the complete system, including the collection process, infrastructure and machinery. In 2009 alone, investments are expected to total 49.8mn reais.

Over the past six years, Inpev partnered with 10 recycling companies in five Brazilian states, seven of them plastic recyclers that process the packaging and transform it into other products, such as new agrochemicals packaging, tubing systems and garbage bags, among others.

Inpev has invested 12mn reais in its own company called Campo Limpo, located in Taubaté, São Paulo state, to process and recycle plastic. Campo Limpos production capacity is 5,000t/y.

For 2009, the institute forecasts that 28,000t of agrochemical packaging will be processed versus 24,400t in 2008.

"The growth is attributable to new investments in technology and the expansion of Brazils agriculture sector," Rando added.

Inpev was created in 2002 and currently has 79 member companies. The associations costs are financed by agrochemical producers operating in Brazil, distributors, cooperatives and a minor part by farmers.