Partnerships Foster Recycling and Circular Economy
- Maria Luiza Martins
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
In the context of a climate emergency that directly affects life and the global economy, sustainability is consolidating itself as a central trend and a powerful driver for transforming production models. In this scenario, the Federation of Industries of the State of Pará (FIEPA) is redefining the role of the productive sector in building a more balanced future, through initiatives in partnership with companies and institutions. These projects include knowledge exchange, environmental education, circular economy, proper waste disposal, and recycling, among other actions.
The Federation combines strategic efforts with various institutions, including the State Secretariat for Environment, Climate, and Sustainability (Semas), the State Secretariat for Economic Development, Mining and Energy (Sedeme), the Economic Development Company of Pará (Codec), the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), and third-sector organizations active in bioeconomy, circular economy, forest, and biodiversity, among others, as well as the wider network of industrial federations.
An example of this network action is the partnership with Instituto Rever, a non-profit management entity created by industry to structure reverse logistics for packaging, and the Pará Industry Center (CIP). A memorandum of understanding was signed among them to boost sustainability actions in the Amazon region.
According to Ricardo Pazzianotto, Executive Director of the Institute, the collaboration with FIEPA is strategic to directly connect the initiative to the industrial sector of Pará. “FIEPA has the role of engaging its unions and companies, opening institutional pathways, and supporting the creation of a sustainable ecosystem. In this way, we can transform a challenge — the proper disposal of waste — into an opportunity for social inclusion, income generation, and strengthening the circular economy in the state,” explains Pazzianotto.
Ricardo highlights the importance of this alliance, especially in the Amazon. “Industry is co-responsible for managing the packaging it puts on the market. By joining forces, we mobilize resources, structure recycling chains, and create positive social impact, giving prominence to waste pickers’ cooperatives,” he says.
Waste Turns into Discounts on Electricity Bills
Another area of practical action is the partnership with Equatorial Pará in the E+ Recycling Project, which transforms waste into discounts on electricity bills and supports charities. The initiative works as follows: customers bring clean, sorted recyclable materials to a collection point and receive a bonus deducted directly from their bill, or they may choose to donate the value to registered organizations. Currently, collection points are located in cities such as Belém, Ananindeua, Castanhal, Altamira, and Santarém. One of the collection points in Belém is located at FIEPA’s headquarters.
For Pricila Hinvaitt, energy efficiency analyst at Equatorial and responsible for the project, the partnership with the Federation amplifies awareness. “With this support, we can expand the reach of actions, involving more companies, workers, and communities. This strengthens engagement and turns recycling into a habit,” she says.
The benefits go beyond financial savings. The project promotes environmental education, strengthens selective collection, and ensures the proper disposal of materials through partner cooperatives and industries, fostering the circular economy. An important social highlight is the campaign to collect glass jars for the Breast Milk Bank of Santa Casa Hospital, which, although it does not generate discounts, unites solidarity and sustainability by ensuring the safe storage of breast milk for newborns.
Since its beginning, E+ Recycling has collected more than 30,000 tons of materials, resulting in savings of more than 140,000 MWh of energy and reducing more than 105,000 tons of CO₂, proving the initiative’s positive impact.
The Environmental Thematic Council of FIEPA also plays a key role in this network, providing support to industries in Pará by disseminating best practices, institutional coordination, and technical assistance for compliance with environmental standards. This support is essential to overcome challenges such as the high initial costs of sustainable actions and logistical barriers to recycling and renewable energy sourcing in northern Brazil. “Industry has a fundamental role in promoting sustainability, as it concentrates significant resources and technological capacity to positively impact the environment and communities,” says Deryck Martins, President of FIEPA’s Environmental Thematic Council.
Discover FIEPA’s pillars of sustainability:
ESG
Environmental Management and Combating Illegal Deforestation
Circular Economy
Decarbonization
Environmental Advocacy
Efficiency and Innovation in Industrial Management
Environmental Education and Awareness
“These pillars position FIEPA as a strategic agent of transition toward a sustainable economy. The sustainability strategy is guided by a modern and integrated vision, addressing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) aspects with the ultimate goal of promoting a low-carbon economy.”
— Deryck Martins, President of FIEPA’s Environmental Thematic Council
