Characteristics and Analyses of Strategic Factors in Reverse Channels of Açaí Pulp Production Waste in the Municipality of Castanhal/PA/ Caracterização e análise de fatores estratégicos nos canais reversos do resíduo da produção de polpa de açaí no município de Castanhal-PA
When disposed of inappropriately, waste from the production of açaí pulp, originating from the açaí production chain, is the cause of many environmental, economic, and social problems. In an attempt to minimize impact, Reverse Logistics is an instrument of economic, environmental, and social development characterized by actions aimed at the treatment and reuse of waste, which is managed and moved through Reverse Channels. Consulted bibliography defines Strategic Factors capable of promoting the structuring and organization of waste for environmentally appropriate destination by different production sectors. This research analyzed economic, environmental/ecological, technological, logistical, and legislative strategic factors of the reverse channels for açaí production waste in the city of Castanhal/PA, as this municipality’s açaí pulp production is nationally relevant. For this purpose, it was necessary first to characterize local reverse channels, since bibliographic and documentary research did not yield relevant information on the subject. Field research—consisting of in loco observation, structured interviews, and application of online questionnaires to agents directly and indirectly involved—was fundamental to characterize the object of this study. As a result, we achieved the characterization of reverse channels, as well as their logistical resources and the stakeholders involved, starting from the generation of waste through to transportation and final destination, ending our analysis with the main forms of waste revaluation. Our research also allowed the identification and analysis of strategic factors capable of influencing the structuring and maintenance of activities in this reverse chain.