Challenge of Socio-environmental Solutions

ESEG holds launch lecture for the 4th ESEG Challenge of Socio-environmental Solutions

In 2018, students must create reverse logistics solutions for the proper disposal of medications.

The launch of the 4th ESEG Challenge for Socio-environmental Solutions, with the theme Reverse Logistics – solutions for the disposal of medicines, featured lectures by Pharmacist and Consultant, Tatiana Ribeiro, and the president of the Scientific Council of the Institute for Research and Postgraduate Studies for the Pharmaceutical Market, Dirceu Raposo de Mello.

With 12 years of experience in regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical field, Tatiana Ribeiro began the meeting by discussing the disposal of medications after consumption. According to her, in Brazil it is estimated that between 10,300 and 13,800 tons of household pharmaceutical waste are generated, linking the issue to both social and environmental problems: "The most recent research indicates that incorrect disposal by the end consumer, generally in regular trash, results in more contamination than the waste generated by the pharmaceutical industry," she explained.

Another interesting point raised by Tatiana Ribeiro was the appropriate destinations for expired medicines, which include sanitary landfills, incineration, and "co-processing"—a technique in which some types of medicines are eligible to become fuel in the cement industry.

The speaker also raised a question to help students think about the Challenge: "Why is there so much leftover medicine in people's homes, pharmacies, and distributors?", she asked. She then suggested some hypotheses, such as problems in the Brazilian logistics sector and the indiscriminate purchase of medicines without a prescription.

The former CEO of Anvisa and current president of the Scientific Council of the Institute for Research and Graduate Studies for the Pharmaceutical Market, Dirceu Raposo de Mello, discussed the relationship between regulated entities and regulators in Brazil.

Mello spoke about the workings of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which is the largest regulatory body on the subject in the country, but which does not operate as the sole responsible authority. "There is strong legislation in place that regulates the pharmaceutical sector in various aspects, and state and municipal health surveillance agencies also play an active role," he explained.

For those who will participate in the challenge, Mello suggested: “You have to study the legislation and keep the innovation suggestions within the law so that they are viable and accepted,” he stated. Another point to consider when proposing innovations is to strive for a balance between integrity, transparency, and meeting goals, so that the commercial aspect does not prevail and that the defense of social interests does not impede profit.  

About the ESEG Challenge for Socio-environmental Solutions

Under the coordination of Professor Marcos Dornelles, the 4th edition of the ESEG Socio-environmental Solutions Challenge arrives with the theme Reverse Logistics – solutions for the disposal of medicines. The aim is for students to create innovative solutions for the disposal of discarded medicines, seeking social and environmental responsibility, and also taking into account the economic viability for the industry.

The Challenge launch event was presented by Production Engineering students Carine Alcântara and Renato Magno, who participated in the competition in 2017.

For Renato, participating in the competition is enriching for both his academic and professional career. “Creating this project is a moment to test knowledge and skills, with the security of being able to make mistakes or get things right, and also receive guidance from professors. We also have a first opportunity to sell an idea to different people, something we will certainly do at work,” he stated. Carine also mentioned positive aspects of competing in the Challenge: “Everyone should participate. It’s a great opportunity to experience solving a real problem in practice and to apply many concepts learned in the classroom,” she concluded.