Reverse logistics for footwear and components packaging was the topic of the second meeting of the Sustainability group at the Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal). The online event, held on the 24th, featured environmental lawyer Rafaga Fontoura and environmental engineer Jéssica van Enck from Pegada Neutra.

Focusing on legal issues in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, based on Federal Decree 10.936/2022, Fontoura stressed the importance of following national legislation, even in states without specific laws within the National Solid Waste Plan (PNRS). Among the legal problems faced, given the need to collect or compensate for a minimum of 22% of the packaging placed on the market, the lawyer highlighted the application of disproportionate fines, a lack of clarity in adaptation deadlines, and requirements applied to companies from outside the state imposing the fine. “We have seen fines of R$ 20 million in Mato Grosso do Sul,” he recalled. According to him, in cases of inconsistencies, the notified company has up to 20 days to appeal. “The recommendation is to do this through a lawyer specializing in Environmental Law,” he added, noting that some fines have already been significantly reduced.

Compensation

Representing Pegada Neutra, a company that offers solutions for compensating the carbon footprint generated by packaging, Jéssica highlighted the legal uncertainty caused by the 18 current legislations (the national one, plus those of 17 states and the Federal District). With a document issued as a managing entity, Pegada Neutra proves the return to the productive cycle of an equivalent mass of products or packaging subject to reverse logistics, ensuring full compliance with the law. “We connect companies that want to compensate for the impact of their packaging with recycling operators who provide the credits for that compensation. In a simplified way, we intermediate the buying and selling of recycling credits,” Jéssica explained, noting that this verification generates credits that are then sold by the managing entity to companies that need to meet Reverse Logistics targets.

The Group

The Assintecal Sustainability group is specifically for companies certified in the Origem Sustentável program. The group addresses topics related to the program’s indicators, aiming to stimulate continuous improvement and advancement across the four certification levels. For more information, please contact: relacionamento@assintecal.org.br.