Brazil committed during COP29 to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035. In a scenario where the country disposes of 2.4 billion kilograms of electronic waste annually, according to the E-Waste Monitor, implementing reverse logistics will be a key strategy to achieve these goals.
The reuse of materials, combined with reducing waste sent to landfills, directly contributes to decreasing the extraction of natural resources and emissions, aligning the country with global climate targets.
An environmental and economic challenge
The telecommunications sector is among the largest generators of electronic waste in Brazil. Used modems, routers, and decoders, for example, amount to tons of discarded materials annually. Reverse logistics offers an alternative. Through processes of collection, sorting, refurbishment, and recycling, these devices re-enter the production chain, promoting a circular economy.
Carlos Tanaka, founder of PostalGow, explains: “Refurbishment extends the lifespan of equipment, reducing the need to manufacture new products and, consequently, the environmental impact associated with raw material extraction.”
Technological integration for greater efficiency
PostalGow is one of the companies leading reverse logistics initiatives in the telecommunications sector. With over 9,000 collection points across Brazil, the company uses technology to track each step of the process.
The DevolvaFácil platform, created by PostalGow, integrates ERP systems of client companies, enabling efficient management and real-time monitoring.
“Technology is a crucial ally in reverse logistics. Integrated systems ensure traceability, efficiency, and transparency, from collection to disposal or reuse of materials,” details Tanaka.
At PostalGow’s Distribution Centers, equipment undergoes automated sorting that identifies items suitable for refurbishment or recycling. This reduces losses and increases material reuse, helping cut emissions linked to disposal and new product production.
Contribution to climate goals
Reverse logistics also helps Brazil meet the targets set at COP29 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions at various stages. Refurbishing electronic equipment, for example, requires less energy than manufacturing new devices. Recycling allows metals and plastics to be reused, reducing reliance on natural resource extraction.
According to studies by the University of São Paulo (USP), material reuse can save up to 20% in production costs and significantly reduce industrial emissions. Additionally, efficient collection practices prevent waste from being sent to landfills, where they generate gases like methane, which has a high global warming impact.
The future of reverse logistics in Brazil
With stricter regulations and ambitious climate targets, reverse logistics will become even more relevant in the coming years. PostalGow is expanding its operations, investing in new technologies, and increasing its network of collection points and Distribution Centers.
“We are ready to help Brazil meet its climate goals by promoting a more circular and sustainable economy. Our commitment is to transform electronic waste into opportunities for the market and the planet,” concludes Tanaka.
