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WHAT IS IT
Polyurethane technologies are among the main solutions produced by Dow and are used in applications such as mattresses, furniture, upholstery, refrigeration systems, and others. However, the improper disposal of this furniture and appliances can overload landfills and cause negative impacts on the environment, the economy, and society. To address this problem, Dow, together with collaborative partners, developed the campaign "Reuse – Proper disposal is just the beginning".
The campaign provides the opportunity to to establish a model for the reuse of polyurethane (PU) foams at the end of their useful life, preventing them from being disposed of in landfills or incinerated. During the separation of materials, other components of mattresses, sofas, refrigerators, and freezers are also directed for recycling. The initiative works to Integrating value chains in the search for circularity solutions for materials.. With the support of the Akatu Institute, the campaign also works on educational initiatives with educators and students from public schools to provide knowledge about the proper management of waste and its impacts on society and the environment.
RESULTS AND OBJECTIVES
In its first phase, launched in 2021, the campaign focused on recycling mattresses and sofas in the city of Hortolândia, in the interior of São Paulo state, and had the support of the city hall. In this phase, Reuse collected and sent more than 3,500 items for recycling., ...including wood, polyurethane foam, fabrics, rubber, springs, and other materials. As part of the initiative, other activities were also carried out. educational activities in approximately 30 schools from the municipal education network of the region to raise awareness and mobilize students and communities for the proper disposal of materials.
With the success of the first phase, the project was expanded to include the reuse of refrigerators and freezers, in partnership with Fox Industry. At the beginning of 2022, Reuse expanded geographically to other cities in the metropolitan region and interior of São Paulo. At the end of the campaign, in May 2023, 462 items were collected, including refrigerators and freezers., and 47 teachers from 21 schools developed activities with their student classes..
In 2024, Dow launched the third phase of the "Reuse – proper disposal is just the beginning" campaign, now in partnership with Panasonic. With national coverage, The campaign continues with the goal of raising awareness and encouraging the proper disposal and recycling of used refrigerators throughout the country. To facilitate disposal by consumers, the campaign offers free collection of refrigerators of any brand for recycling, in addition to up to 20% discount on the purchase of new Panasonic models, which save up to 43% of energy. To dispose of your refrigerator and schedule a collection anywhere in Brazil, simply visit [website address - please insert here]. this site.
By March 2025, the initiative already sent more than 460 refrigerators for recycling. and about 63% of consumers opted for use of the coupon discount for the acquisition of more efficient refrigerators. With the support of partner education departments, the educational actions, promoted by the Akatu Institute, They reached more than 150 educators and approximately 4,500 students from 38 public schools in the cities of Candeias (BA) and Extrema (MG)..
SDGs
International Commitments
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
National Commitments
National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS)
