W
e usually divide the 21 years of activities of the Campo Limpo System and of inpEV into three phases. During the first, from 2002 to 2007, our main challenge was to structure the reverse logistics model for empty crop protection packaging, which relied on significant investments to install the receiving stations and to start the System operations. Already during this phase, we noticed that, in order to ensure the environmentallyfriendly disposal of this packaging, it would be important to rely on the active participation of all agricultural chain links, and this became one of our pillars.
The second phase, which started in 2008, was marked by the expansion of the Campo Limpo System and by showcasing our innovative nature. Precisely in 2008, we shifted paradigms when creating Campo Limpo Packaging and manufactured Ecoplástica®, a packaging produced using post-consumption resins from the System. We closed the life-cycle of these materials by putting into practice the circular economy concept and increased our revenue with Ecoplástica® sales. Also during this period, we increased our commitment towards social-environmental responsibility, going beyond the awareness of farmers and creating, for example, the Campo Limpo Environmental Educational Program (PEA), designed for 4th and 5th grade elementary school students.
In 2017, we kicked off the third and current phase, the maturity of the System and continuation of our innovation strategy. Many milestones have been achieved in these recent years. In 2019, we started to implement the Central Stations' Integrated Management Program, which transfers management of the units to inpEV, allowing retailers and cooperatives to further prioritize their main activity, the sales of crop protection products. During the four years of this program, we have standardized good management practices and have optimized resources, with savings already surpassing R$ 8 million. We also continued to innovate our processes and are gradually increasing the volume of packaging being recycled, which leverages our revenue and positively impacts the environment.
Among our achievements in 2022, the year in which we reached 700,000 tons of environmentally-friendly disposal of empty crop protection packaging, are the inclusion of more receiving stations in the Integrated Management Program, the System expansion to keep pace with the new agricultural frontiers, with new units already built and ongoing works, and the implementation of a new process that will allow us to recycle 100% of flexible crop protection packaging. Another achievement is related to intellectual property: the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) has approved our second green patent. Furthermore, we also expanded the scope of the first patent, obtained in 2021, which is now also valid in Argentina.
Under the social-environmental pillar, we continue to disseminate the principles of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)s. By means of PEA, we have impacted 243,900 students, 25% more than the preceding year, and have reached the mark of 2.3 million participants since 2009. We have also consolidated our e-learning for teachers across Brazil, by expanding the program outreach. On the National Clean Field Day (DNCL), a traditional celebration of the System results which summons all links of the chain, we organized a groundbreaking initiative to collect and plant 150,000 tree seedlings, which in 20 years will sequester 20,000 tons of carbon gas from the atmosphere. It is worth highlighting that the existence of the Campo Limpo System has already avoided 974,100 tons of CO2e since 2002.
We have also strengthened our people management practices. As a reflex of the Integrated Management Program, we currently are a team with nearly 400 workers and, to ensure development opportunities for all, we have formalized our internal recruitment program and are structuring our corporate university, uninpEV.
The technical cooperation agreement to transfer our know-how to CampoLimpio, in Argentina, was symbolic and reinforced our position as an international reference in reverse logistics. This recognition also became evident with our presence, for the second consecutive year, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), where we demonstrated how Brazilian agriculture, besides being one of the most technology-laden in the world, continues committed to managing solid waste by means of the interconnected and efficient operation of our System.
We can currently affirm that our overall strategic objectives have been addressed: we are a center of excellence and a world reference in managing solid waste and are very close to achieving self-sufficiency. If we only consider the disposal of empty crop protection packaging, the reason for the Campo Limpo System structure, we have practically already balanced our costs to our revenues.
It is with pride that I conclude my cycle as the inpEV leader and reinforce the importance of the partnership work during all these years with our members, the wholesale and cooperative associations, the farmers and the public power. I am certain that the Campo Limpo System will continue to fulfill its mission of supporting Brazilian agriculture, always in a collaborative, innovative, complete and responsible fashion towards people, communities and the planet.
João César M. Rando
inpEV presiding director
700,000 tons
of disposed packaging since 2002.
59 central
stations managed by inpEV (Integrated Management Program of the Central Stations).