A Custody Center, the first Brazilian company authorized by the Ministry of the Environment as a results verifier for the reverse logistics system, has established a strategic partnership with ABREE – Brazilian Association for the Recycling of Electronics and Appliances. The objective is to elevate standards of traceability, credibility, and combat against greenwashing in the sector, in line with the latest government guidelines.
The introduction of reverse logistics results verification in Brazil emerged in 2022, updated by Federal Decree No. 11.413/2023, becoming the first country in the world to adopt independent verification as a governmental standard. The measure establishes standards for traceability through accredited entities, ensuring transparency, impartiality, and combatting misleading environmental advertising practices.
The Custody Center holds the largest reverse logistics traceability data system in the country and is the pioneer with a system developed for electronics. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to the traceability of the entire reverse logistics chain and the veracity of data. Combating greenwashing requires robust and independent tools, and Brazil is ahead by regulating this unprecedented verification model worldwide,” says Fernando Bernardes, CEO of the Custody Center.
ABREE has 52 members representing 173 brands and operates in partnership with approximately 3,500 collection points spread across the national territory. Despite progress, the sector still faces significant challenges, such as engaging consumers in environmentally appropriate disposal at collection points and combating informal waste processing. In this context, traceability and independent verification emerge as key elements to ensure operational integrity.
“Transparency and traceability are fundamental pillars for advancing reverse logistics in Brazil. The partnership with the Custody Center strengthens this commitment by providing a solid foundation of verified data that ensures the credibility of results. With this technical support, we expand our capacity to measure impacts, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure that each correctly disposed device effectively contributes to an environmentally responsible cycle,” highlights Robson Esteves, President of ABREE.
According to data from the United Nations (UN), in 2022, a total of 62 million tons of electronic waste were produced.However, only about 22.3% of the annual mass of electronic waste was properly collected and recycled. Brazil, as the main waste generator in South America, contributed 2.4 million tons to the global total.
The partnership between the institutions will ensure that reverse logistics data is audited in compliance with the criteria established by the Ministry of the Environment. This also provides legal security to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers who participate in ABREE’s collective reverse logistics system.
