In a significant advancement towards sustainable practices in Latin America, on Friday, February 21st, 2025, Uruguay’s national packaging recovery initiative, Plan Vale, finalized agreements with a consortium comprising CIEMSA, CSI, and Reverse Logistics Group (RLG). Together, they will implement the country’s inaugural Deposit Return and Refund System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers. This groundbreaking initiative firmly establishes Uruguay as the first nation in Latin America to adopt such a system, setting a benchmark for efficient recycling and waste management across the region. The consortium is tasked with the design, implementation, and operation of the system, all under the guidance of Plan Vale. By incentivizing the return of recyclable food and drink packaging, this program will encompass a variety of materials including PET plastics, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and carton beverages, thereby significantly enhancing its environmental impact.
To enable this ambitious initiative, RLG has joined forces with CIEMSA and CSI, two well-established local entities with extensive experience. Their collaboration will streamline operations in Uruguay, encompassing material collection, transportation, and the establishment of counting and sorting centers. This partnership allows for the infusion of RLG’s vast global expertise into the DRS, ensuring both efficiency and reliability. As the primary technology provider for the project, RLG will implement an End-to-End DRS IT solution that integrates all stakeholders while ensuring secure management of data and financial transactions. Furthermore, RLG’s operations and logistics management systems will assist the consortium in optimizing collection routes and tracking materials from their initial collection points to final processing destinations.
The creation of a local management entity by RLG illustrates the company’s commitment to ensuring the success of DRS in Uruguay. The local team, already operational, is expected to expand as the project develops, further embedding RLG’s expertise within the country. RLG’s engagement in Uruguay’s DRS underscores its leadership in sustainable logistics solutions. With a proven track record of successful DRS implementations around the globe, RLG introduces best practices and innovative technology designed to help Uruguay achieve its ambitious environmental goals. This partnership not only marks a pivotal moment for Uruguay but also serves as a blueprint for other Latin American nations contemplating similar initiatives. Ultimately, this effort propels Uruguay’s sustainability objectives and establishes a scalable model for food and drink sustainable packaging in the region.
Patrick Wiedemann, CEO of RLG and CEO of the Comply Division at Reconomy, stated: “RLG is proud to bring its global expertise in DRS to Uruguay, marking a significant step forward for sustainability in Latin America. By implementing a tailored, technology-driven solution, we enable efficient recycling and foster a circular economy that benefits businesses, consumers, and the environment. This initiative sets a strong precedent for scalable, effective regional management of beverage deposit returns. We would like to thank Plan Vale, CIEMSA, and CSI for their collaboration and commitment to making this project a success.”
