BVRio supports global ambitions to accelerate plastic collection and support waste pickers

Concluding yesterday, BVRio participated in the fourth session of the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-4), contributing to critical discussions on crediting mechanisms and waste management practices. Our official statement submitted as one of the INC-4 observers highlighted BVRio’s ongoing commitment to combating plastic waste and promoting the inclusion of waste pickers in the circular economy. 

Circular Action Director, Thierry Sanders, and BVRio circular economy specialist, Maria Accioly, were instrumental in creating new Guidelines on Minimum Requirements for Plastic Waste Recovery & Crediting Standards launched by PREVENT Waste Alliance, at a networking event prior to the INC-4. This collaborative effort, involving 16 organisations, seeks to set a high standard for recovering and crediting plastic waste. The guidelines represent a significant stride towards fostering corporate responsibility and accelerating sustainable waste management practices.

Thierry Sanders spoke at one of the World Bank’s panel discussions, which marked a positive shift towards the mainstream adoption of credit schemes. The session showcased the latest findings from an analytical study on instruments to mobilise finance for tackling plastic pollution, which BVRio played a key role in shaping through its consultation. By pioneering the development and implementation of plastic credits, BVRio has attracted private capital to the recycling sector and emphasised the role of waste pickers in combating plastic pollution.

In this regard, we participated in the International Alliance of Waste Pickers event hosted by the Brazilian Government and Fundación Avina, underscoring the inclusion of waste pickers in the global effort to tackle plastic pollution. Maria Accioly emphasised that “including waste pickers in these discussions is crucial, as they are on the frontline of recycling and waste management”. The event built upon earlier efforts to include waste pickers’ voices in developing international environmental policies, setting the stage for greater inclusion in future treaty discussions.

BVRio’s comprehensive approach to tackling marine pollution, and our innovative waste management app, KOLEKT, were key topics of discussion with other stakeholders. The ‘Fishing for Litter‘ project in Brazil and Mozambique, which combines traditional and modern techniques to remove waste from coastal regions, was highlighted for its significant impact on addressing ocean pollution. The project’s manager, Pedro Succar, said “There was a great deal of interest in our approach to cleaning marine environments whilst also providing crucial financial support to artisanal fishing communities, as it is an innovative solution that could be easily scaled up to remove plastic waste from the ocean worldwide.”