Chile and recycling plastics: The long road ahead

Although plastics represent a large part of the waste generated worldwide, in Chile only 7.8% of it was recycled during 2022, according to local plastics manufacturers’ association Asipla.

While the country has taken steps to limit the use of plastic, the implementation of new regulations has been delayed, as in the case of the single-use plastics law approved in 2021, whose application was postponed until 2026.

In this scenario, startups have emerged that look to help achieve the goals set out in these regulations, such as Maihue, which focuses on the installation of purified water dispensers directly in the supply network, in order to discourage the use of bottled water.

BNamericas spoke with the CEO of this startup, Claudio Brinkmann, about the current state of the regulatory framework for plastics in Chile, as well as the role of the State and large companies in supporting the circular economy.

BNamericas: What gaps do you see in the current regulatory framework for plastics in Chile?

Brinkmann: The main gap we face today is the lack of detailed regulations that clearly explain which alternative materials can be used and how to monitor compliance. In addition, there are no uniform guidelines for municipalities, which leads to differences in the application of the regulations.

Finally, we need official processes and certifications that validate compostability and biodegradability, so that plastic replacements are truly sustainable.

The postponement of the single-use plastics law until February 2026 means a new delay while the authorities define more precise regulations and for the different economic sectors to adapt in a phased manner. However, this postponement also brings with it the challenge of not losing the environmental momentum that gave rise to the law, while maintaining the ultimate goal: drastically reducing pollution from disposable plastics and promoting the circular economy and sustainability.

BNamericas: What successes have been achieved in this regard?

Brinkmann: In terms of progress, the first bans on plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery laid a fundamental foundation for reducing pollution and, above all, taking a big step towards raising public awareness.

There has also been a strong commitment from the gastronomic sector to seek alternatives to single-use plastics. Finally, this initiative proposes direct incentives for innovation and the circular economy.

BNamericas: You recently received 1bn pesos [about US$1mn] in funding from Belat to boost your activities and avoid the use of some 50mn plastic bottles. What responsibility do you think larger companies should have in promoting solutions like yours?

Brinkmann: Maihue is the type of company that needs to be supported and developed in partnership, as its business model includes the vision of “hacking” the logic of the polluting industry, offering a solution that cares for the environment and improves people’s quality of life.

Ideally, large firms with higher margins should take responsibility, but if this doesn’t happen, we must look for alternatives and promote innovation.

BNamericas: To what extent can startups help fight plastic pollution? When should larger efforts come in?

Brinkmann: Large companies, governments and national and international legislation are essential for these innovations to have a massive impact. At the end of the day, clear public policies, large-scale investments and the will of established actors are required so that the solutions that emerge in the world of startups can become accessible and effective for the entire production chain and society.

Once this ecosystem is in place, startups can provide innovative solutions and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to replace or minimize the use of single-use plastics.

With agile teams that are open to experimentation, they have the ability to quickly test prototypes, find new formulas for compostable or biodegradable packaging, and collaborate with traditional sectors to scale them up. All of this in search of greater efficiency, innovation and new standards of the circular economy and sustainability.