Slow but Steady: The New “Plastic Decree” and its Impacts on Reverse Logistics

Fifteen years after the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS, 2010) was implemented, the so-called “plastic decree” (Decree No. 12,688/2025) was approved in October 2025, establishing the Reverse Logistics System (SLR) for plastic packaging in Brazil.

Helena Oliveira

The new decree involves all agents in the chain (manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers) and covers primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, as well as disposable plastic items found in the dry fraction of municipal solid waste. Mixed packaging containing paper or cardboard in its composition is excluded from the scope, as well as packaging for medicines, pesticides, lubricants, and oils, which already have their own reverse logistics systems.

The regulation brings more transparency and standardization to the system, establishing clearer rules for monitoring compliance with targets. Among the main advances are the definition of national targets for the collection, reuse, and recycling of plastic packaging, as well as the creation of formal verification mechanisms, such as the Reverse Logistics Recycling Credit Certificate (CCRLR).

The decree also establishes progressive targets to increase packaging recovery in the country. The recovery rate starts at 32% nationally and grows gradually, with an expected target of 47% by 2038. In addition, starting in 2026, 22% of the material used in packaging must be recycled. Moreover, the system also reinforces important principles, such as prioritizing selective collection with the participation of cooperatives and waste picker associations and incorporating circular economy concepts into packaging development, considering criteria such as recyclability and durability.

Many parties believe these measures contribute to greater equity among companies and strengthen the recycling chain in the country. However, ABIPET (Brazilian PET Industry Association) points to a possible asymmetry of responsibilities. According to the entity, the industry now assumes responsibilities such as collection, transportation, recycling, environmentally appropriate final disposal, as well as investments in environmental education and communication. Part of these responsibilities, related to public selective collection, had originally been assigned to the government by the PNRS, but had not been fully implemented in the last 15 years.

Finally, a study conducted by eureciclo in partnership with Planton points out that replacing one ton of virgin material with recycled material can prevent the emission of 2.059 tCO₂e. These figures reinforce the relevance of the new regulation. Still, more than creating laws and goals, it will be essential to strengthen the recycling sector, making it more structured, transparent, and supported by consistent public policies.

^Sources

^{-Brasil. (2010). *Lei nº 12.305, de 2 de agosto de 2010: Institui a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos*. Presidência da República.(https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2007-2010/2010/lei/l12305.htm) ([planalto.gov.br][1])}

^{-Brasil. (2025). *Decreto nº 12.688, de 21 de outubro de 2025: Regulamenta o sistema de logística reversa de embalagens plásticas*. Presidência da República. (https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2023-2026/2025/decreto/D12688.htm) ([amec Positive Industry][2])}

^{-Salomão, C. (2025, October 27). *Novo decreto do plástico: Entenda o que muda para a indústria brasileira*. Integridade ESG.(https://integridadeesg.insightnet.com.br/novo-decreto-do-plastico-entenda-o-que-muda-para-a-industria-brasileira/) ([Integridade ESG][3])}

^{-eureciclo. (2025, August 28). *Reciclagem e mudanças climáticas: Qual a relação desses dois temas?* (https://eureciclo.com.br/blog/estudo-inedito-eureciclo-planton) ([Eureciclo Blog][4])}

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