By San José, Costa Rica — Nestlé is significantly expanding recycling infrastructure in Costa Rica, focusing on traditionally difficult-to-recycle materials like polylaminated plastics and coffee capsules. The company has helped establish over 30 collection points across the country since 2021, making it easier for consumers to responsibly dispose of these complex waste items.
Packaging plays a vital role in the food industry, ensuring food safety and preservation. However, improper disposal creates environmental challenges. Nestlé’s comprehensive packaging strategy addresses this issue by not only developing recycling infrastructure but also educating consumers about responsible waste management.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding Costa Rica’s recycling initiatives, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s legal framework for recycling is evolving, with increasing emphasis on extended producer responsibility. This means businesses face growing obligations for the proper management and disposal of the products they introduce into the market. Understanding these responsibilities, particularly concerning packaging and labeling, is crucial for compliance and avoiding potential sanctions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the shifting landscape of recycling regulations in Costa Rica. This move towards extended producer responsibility represents a significant step towards a more circular economy, placing the onus on businesses to actively participate in the lifecycle management of their products. Ultimately, this shared responsibility benefits everyone, from consumers to the environment. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights on this crucial topic.
Our objective is to encourage a new perspective on post-consumer packaging, understanding that it can have a second life if we each manage it responsibly. Our focus is on packaging from products previously considered difficult to recycle, like polylaminated plastics and coffee capsules.
Sebastián Posteraro, Country Manager of Nestlé for Costa Rica
Nestlé Costa Rica claims to be the first company to recover polylaminated packaging at a large scale. These materials are commonly used for products like dehydrated soups, broths, chocolates, cereals, and ground coffee, and were previously destined for landfills.
Four years ago, collection points for polylaminated packaging were almost inconceivable. Today, thanks to partnerships with retailers like Automercado and Walmart, and other consumer goods companies, we are increasing the amount of polylaminated packaging we recycle every month.
Several initiatives are facilitating this recycling effort. The Eco Móvil, a mobile collection vehicle, travels throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), providing over 12 strategic drop-off points. Punto Verde offers permanent recycling stations at various Walmart and Mas x Menos locations. For Dolce Gusto coffee consumers, Punto Dolce Gusto provides capsule collection points within Auto Mercado stores.
These collection points accept packaging from all food brands, as long as it is clean, dry, and separated. Nestlé emphasizes the importance of collaboration between businesses, government, and citizens to achieve a waste-free future. Since 2020, the company has diverted the equivalent of 100% of the post-consumer plastic packaging it places on the market from landfills, totaling 2,500 tons.
Nestlé believes that a waste-free future is attainable through collective action and responsible consumption models. By providing accessible recycling options and promoting consumer education, the company is making strides toward a more sustainable future for Costa Rica.
For further information, visit nestle.com
About Nestlé:
Nestlé is a multinational food and beverage conglomerate, committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. They offer a wide range of products, including coffee, bottled water, confectionery, dairy products, and pet food. Nestlé is actively pursuing sustainability initiatives, such as reducing its environmental impact and promoting responsible sourcing.
For further information, visit automercado.cr
About Auto Mercado:
Auto Mercado is a Costa Rican supermarket chain known for its high-quality products and focus on customer service. They are actively involved in sustainability programs, including partnerships to improve recycling infrastructure and reduce waste.
For further information, visit walmart.com
About Walmart:
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation operating a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. They have a presence in Costa Rica and are involved in local sustainability efforts, including providing recycling stations at their stores.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, driven by a profound commitment to ethical practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s history of dedicated service to clients across a broad spectrum of industries is matched only by its forward-thinking approach to legal challenges and its unwavering belief in the power of legal literacy. Through proactive community engagement and accessible resources, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations alike, contributing to a more just and informed society.
