Packaging of the Future® is present at scientific conferences with studies on Reverse Vending Machines
Between June and November 2024, the Packaging of the Future® – PPS08 Recovery of Residues with a High Degree of Purity project, part of the wider initiative to develop sustainable packaging solutions, was represented at two important scientific events. One of the aims of the project is to recover highly pure waste through the pilot installation of Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) in the municipalities of the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region (CIMRL). The papers presented at the scientific events reflect some of the results achieved during the preparatory work for PPS08.
The scientific papers were presented at the 31st APDR Congress, dedicated to the theme “Regional Innovation Ecosystems and Sustainable Development”, which took place from June 26 to 28, 2024, at the School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic of Leiria and at the VI International Congress “Education, Environment and Development”, which took place in Leiria, Portugal, between November 13 and 16, 2024, organized by Oikos.
The papers presented focused on the role of Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) in promoting the circular economy and sustainable urban waste management. One of the presentations (3) presents the results of a bibliometric analysis that assessed scientific production over the last 20 years on VMR and deposit and refund systems (DRS) in the context of the circular economy. The results revealed that, despite the growing academic interest in the circularity of waste, research into the contribution of VMR to the circular economy remains scarce.
The other two papers (1 and 2) focused on the choice of where to locate MRVs in the CIMRL region, based on three integrated perspectives: social (equitable access for the population), environmental (maximizing selective collection) and economic (minimizing costs). Using mathematical programming models and spatial simulation techniques, it was possible to demonstrate how location decisions have a direct impact on the efficiency and fairness of the system, and that the need to make choices and compromises between the defined criteria is inevitable. In addition, the inclusion of territorial restrictions (one RVM per municipality) leads to efficiency losses, reducing the maximum amount of packaging that can be collected. This highlights the conflict between policy objectives and the need to clearly define and communicate policy priorities for sustainable land management.
1- Carlos Gomes da Silva, Maria Eduarda Fernandes, João Maurício Costa (2024). “On The Location of Reverse Vending Machines: An Application to the Region of Leiria”. 31st APDR Congress – 26th to 28th of June, 2024. Polytechnic University of Leiria (School of Technology and Management), Leiria, Portugal.
2- Carlos Gomes da Silva, Maria Eduarda Fernandes, João Maurício Costa (2024). “Abordagens Sustentáveis para a Localização de RVM: Um Caso de Estudo na região de Leiria”. VI International Congress on Education, Environment and Development, November 13-16, 2024. School of Education and Social Sciences of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.
3- Maria Eduarda Fernandes, João Maurício Costa (2024). “The role of reverse vending machines in sustainable waste management – Insights from bibliometric analysis”. 31st APDR Congress – 26th to 28th of June, 2024. Polytechnic University of Leiria (School of Technology and Management), Leiria, Portugal.