It is with a lot of effort and commitment that Brazil has been moving forward towards the circular transition.

2023 has been a landmark year with major milestones – from a technical perspective to a government level. The last round of discussion to publish a  dedicated ISO to circular economy has gathered experts from all over the world  in São Paulo this year. We have also seen the announcement of the Ministry of Finance about the National Ecological Transformation Plan, which has included Circular Economy as one of the 6 priority areas. Moreover, Circular Economy has been incorporated into the Neo-industrialization Policy for the period 2024 – 2027 indicating that it should be an important part of the Brazilian’s Global Warming Mitigation Strategy. A National Circular Economy Strategy is being discussed, which will establish requirements and goals for different stakeholders in the value chain and a bill focused on the plastic sector is under debate emphasizing the importance of a systemic approach to the design, use and post-use phases of products and packaging.

Therefore, Brazilian government, both in a regional and in a national level, are becoming aware of the important role they play in laying the foundations to a favorable ecosystem defining new policies, influencing new financial instruments and educating the market towards circularity.

However, this comprehensive legal framework and technical movement shall divide Brazilian industries into two groups: the proactive ones who see circular economy principles as an opportunity to gain competitive advantage and reach the international market and the reactive ones who prefer to keep the status quo and will go against new legislation.

But there is no way back now. The National Confederation of Industry, which has been playing a significant role on the ISO debate, has already presented the circular economy as one of the 4 priority areas for the country’s decarbonization strategy.

In a context where supply chains are globalized and integrated, natural resources are becoming scarce, inadequate waste disposal is causing diseases, natural disasters, and pollution, we must change business mindset and redefine roles and responsibilities along the value chain.

Brazil is now part of the Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean, which brings together 17 Latin countries committed to a shared vision that a new economic model can take the region to a next era of development in balance with nature and society.

If we want to move towards a global and inclusive circular economy, create international guidelines for resources management and understand the impact of critical minerals demand and materials flow, leaders from the North and South Global must sit side by side to ensure that different realities are evaluated A system level transformation can be created,  but this must be done in a way that supports a prosperous economy that works with and for people, is good for the climate and enhances biodiversity.

Therefore, Brazil with all its biodiversity, mineral reserves and creative mindset shall play a key role in the discussion and we are ready for that!

Beatriz Luz

CEO of Exchange 4 Change Brasil and leader of the Brazilian Circular Economy Hub

insider@circulareconomyforum.at or me at karin.huber-heim@circulareconomyforum.at