In an exciting step forward towards a more sustainable Latin America, on Friday, February 21st, 2025, Uruguay’s national packaging recovery initiative, Plan Vale, agreed to the terms with the consortium of CIEMSA, CSI, and Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) to implement the country’s first Deposit Return and Refund System (DRS) for single-use beverage containers. This pioneering project positions Uruguay as the first Latin American nation to adopt such a system, setting a precedent for efficient recycling and waste management in the region. The consortium has been entrusted with the system’s design, implementation, and operation under Plan Vale’s stewardship. The program, which is designed to incentivize the return of recyclable materials, will cover a wide array of packaging types, including PET plastics, aluminium cans, glass bottles, and carton beverages. Including these materials is expected to amplify the program’s environmental impact significantly.
To facilitate this ambitious effort, RLG has partnered with CIEMSA and CSI, two long-established and highly experienced local firms, to support operations in Uruguay, which include material collection and transportation, as well as the construction and operation of counting and sorting centres. This collaboration will allow the transfer of RLG’s extensive global experience to DRS, which will ensure the system’s efficiency and reliability. RLG will act as the project’s primary technology provider. The company will deploy an End-to-End DRS IT solution that integrates all system stakeholders and ensures the secure management of data and financial flows. Additionally, RLG’s operations and logistics management solution will support the Consortium in optimizing collection routes and tracking materials from collection to their final processing destinations.
The establishment of a local entity by RLG to manage the project underscores the company’s commitment to the success of the DRS in Uruguay. The local team, already in place, is expected to grow as the project progresses, further embedding RLG’s expertise within the country. RLG’s involvement in Uruguay’s DRS is a testament to the company’s leadership in environmental logistics solutions. With a strong track record of DRS implementations globally, RLG brings best practices and cutting-edge technology to support Uruguay in achieving its environmental goals. This partnership marks a milestone for Uruguay and serves as a model for other Latin American countries considering similar initiatives. This initiative advances Uruguay’s sustainability efforts and serves as a scalable model for Latin America.
Patrick Wiedemann, CEO of RLG and CEO of Comply Division at Reconomy, commented: “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.”