Reybanpac and Plasticforts, united for a sustainable and responsible value chain

Guayaquil, Ecuador.- On November 14, the Value Chain Sustainability Panel was held at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL). The event was the result of the commitment made weeks ago by the companies Reybanpac, Veolia Ecuador, Unilever, DP World, Grupo Difare and Wong Foundation, with the purpose of generating forums and actions that promote sustainability. The event explored the keys to a responsible value chain, addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.

Arturo del Campo, general manager of Plasticforts, explained how the company, in alliance with Reybanpac, has been able to take advantage of the plastic waste generated in banana production to manufacture new products, such as corner pieces used in banana export pallets.

"Our machinery is designed to recover, recycle and reuse the plastic waste. This means we are closing the loop, actively contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental footprint of our products."

The initiative was not limited to internal management but was extended to the community: this plastic waste has also been reused to create children's playgrounds for the Wong Foundation's educational units, located in rural communities in the province of Los Ríos.

"We turned a waste into a plastic wooden figure to make children's playgrounds that are already in place in the schools. The next step will be to install them in the foundation's child development centers," said Del Campo. “This not only contributes to the environment in a creative way, but also promotes environmental awareness from an early age.”

Currently, 100% of the plastic waste from Reybanpac's 43 farms is integrated into the circular economy program, thus complying with SDG #8: responsible production and consumption.

"We want to be part of the solution so that the plastic we consume does not end up in rivers or blocking canals. With an awareness of good collection, waste management, being responsible and not standing still, we will be able to achieve this," concluded Del Campo.

The strategic alliance between Reybanpac and Plasticforts is a clear demonstration that sustainable development objectives are not achieved through isolated actions, but rather through committed and joint work among the actors in the value chain.