Brazil is currently facing significant challenges in waste and recycling management. One of the key issues is the large amount of waste generated due to rapid urbanization and population growth. This has resulted in inadequate waste collection and disposal infrastructure, leading to illegal dumping and uncontrolled landfills that cause environmental and health threats. Another problematic factor is the lack of proper recycling infrastructure and technology, resulting in low recycling rates. Brazil has difficulties in managing and processing various types of waste, including plastics, electronic waste and hazardous waste, which further contributes to environmental pollution.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from government, businesses, communities and individuals to develop effective waste management strategies, invest in proper infrastructure and technology and raise awareness about waste reduction and recycling. Switzerland, known for its advanced waste management and recycling practices, could offer valuable support to Brazil in addressing its waste and recycling challenges. To initiate and promote this cooperation, the Brazilian company LAVORO, in collaboration with Swissenviro, organized a fact-finding mission through Switzerland for a Brazilian delegation of environmental experts who are driving environmental technology development in Brazil. As part of the program, several Swiss companies were visited to share their knowledge of waste collection, sorting and processing, as well as best practices for building an efficient recycling infrastructure. This included systems such as automated sorting and recycling facilities, composting and anaerobic digestion plants and waste-to-energy facilities. 

In addition, Brazil and Switzerland shared insights into their waste management policies and regulations, including waste management targets as part of a "Waste Exchange" seminar at MUT Basel. Part of this exchange was the Swiss Federation Office for Environment with Daniel Zürcher and Hanspeter Fahrni welcoming the Brazilian delegation and providing an overview of the waste management in Switzerland. Following this, José Penido from Web-resol, the Institute for Democratization of Information on Waste Management and the Environment, and Rubens Aebi from the Brazilian Association for Energy Recovery from Waste ABREN shared insights into the current waste management in Brazil. Other speakers included Robin Quartier from VBSA, the Association of Swiss Waste Treatment Plant Operators, who gave an overview of waste treatment plants in Switzerland, Bruno Aloi and Philip Morger, Switzerland Global Enterprise S-GE, who offered support solutions for Swiss companies interested in doing business in Brazil and shared thoughts on the topic "Rethinking Infrastructure Sustainable". The closing words of Urs Heutschi from Swissenviro showed practical first steps that Swiss companies need to take towards Brazil.

Collaborative efforts between Switzerland and Brazil could contribute to more sustainable waste management practices and reduced environmental pollution. On behalf of Swissenviro, we would like to thank the entire Brazilian delegation for their interest and visit, as well as all the companies contributing to the program:

Are you interested in participating in future fact-finding missions or bringing your environmental technologies to Brazil? Then contact us at info@swissenviro.ch or get more information about your opportunities to join the SWISS Pavilion at Waste Expo Brasil & Fenasan 2023 here.

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