By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican dairy cooperative Dos Pinos is making significant strides in sustainability, implementing a circular economy model that minimizes waste and maximizes resource utilization. This initiative reduces the company’s environmental footprint while generating positive social and economic impacts across the country.
The cooperative’s commitment to a triple-impact strategy—balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations—drives its sustainability efforts. From innovative packaging to impactful recycling programs, Dos Pinos is demonstrating a dedication to responsible business practices.
For a legal perspective on the growing importance of the circular economy in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The transition to a circular economy presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses in Costa Rica. While the existing legal framework provides a solid foundation with laws promoting sustainable development and waste management, there’s a growing need for specific regulations that incentivize circular business models, such as extended producer responsibility and product stewardship schemes. These mechanisms can help foster innovation and investment in circular practices, while also addressing potential legal liabilities related to product lifecycle management. Companies that proactively adapt to this evolving landscape will be better positioned to thrive in a more sustainable future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly points out the crucial role of a supportive legal framework in driving the transition to a circular economy. Indeed, while voluntary initiatives are commendable, clear regulations and incentives are essential to level the playing field and ensure widespread adoption of circular practices. This proactive approach will not only benefit individual businesses but also contribute to Costa Rica’s overall sustainability goals. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights on this important topic.
Sustainability is in our DNA. Our integral triple-impact strategy allows us to carry out our productive, social, and environmental work with the firm commitment to always contribute to a better world. This vision drives us to make responsible decisions that benefit society and promote environmental protection, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Sofía Valverde, Communications and Community Relations Manager, Dos Pinos
One key initiative is the introduction of Lightcap Air bottle caps, made with low-impact materials. This change has already reduced the use of conventional plastic by 57 tons annually across Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, Dos Pinos has recovered 957 tons of Tetra Pak, HDPE, and PET waste, diverting it from landfills and giving these materials a second life through recycling.
The cooperative’s circular approach extends to its production processes. Dos Pinos recycles Tetra Pak containers, separating paper pulp for cardboard box production used in packaging its own products. The remaining materials (polyethylene and aluminum) are transformed into items like school desks.
The ReciclaDOS program, a shining example of Dos Pinos’ circular economy model, recycled 273 tons of Tetra Pak containers in 2023-2024. This waste was transformed into 820 school desks, crafted by inmates and donated to over 40 educational centers across Costa Rica. This initiative not only gives new life to discarded materials but also creates positive social impact through programs like “Mi Cuento Fantástico” and “Mi Reto Guardián,” endorsed by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP).
Dos Pinos’ commitment to sustainability goes beyond its own operations. The cooperative encourages circular practices within its network of associated farms. For instance, the “triple wash” process ensures responsible decontamination of agrochemical containers, which are then transformed into recycled lumber used in national park trails through the Limpiemos Nuestros Campos Foundation. Another notable practice is the conversion of treatment plant sludge into compost, used as a natural fertilizer, enriching soils and preventing environmental contamination.
Through these initiatives, Dos Pinos demonstrates its commitment to resource efficiency and the creation of an economic model that favors environmental protection.
Sofía Valverde, Communications and Community Relations Manager, Dos Pinos
For further information, visit dospinos.com
About Dos Pinos:
Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos R.L. is a Costa Rican dairy cooperative and one of the largest dairy producers in Central America. Founded in 1947, Dos Pinos is known for its wide range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, and is deeply committed to sustainable practices and community development.
For further information, visit limpiemosnuestroscampos.org
About Fundación Limpiemos Nuestros Campos:
Fundación Limpiemos Nuestros Campos is a Costa Rican non-profit organization focused on the proper management and recycling of pesticide containers. They work to protect the environment and promote sustainable agricultural practices by collecting and processing used containers, transforming them into valuable resources like recycled lumber.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a dynamic practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client success across a range of industries, the firm consistently raises the bar for legal service. Furthermore, their proactive sharing of legal knowledge through accessible resources reflects a core belief in a well-informed populace equipped to navigate the legal landscape and advocate for their rights.
