Mexico Advances in PET Recycling: 63% of Bottles Recycled

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In 2023, Mexico achieved a PET bottle recovery rate of 63%, marking a 3% increase from the previous year, according to the nonprofit organization ECOCE. This progress reflects the country's commitment to enhancing its recycling efforts and minimizing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

The National Association of Plastic Industries (ANIPAC) estimates that Mexico's recycling market has the potential to reach an annual value of $3 billion, with a projected annual growth rate of 10%. This growth is driven by increasing demand for products containing recycled materials and a concerted effort to improve recycling infrastructure and processes.

In line with these developments, major initiatives are underway to expand Mexico's recycling capabilities. PetStar, a leading PET recycler in Mexico, is investing $167 million to increase its collection centers and recycling plants from eight to 40 by 2027. This expansion includes enhancing the capacity of its Toluca plant from 58,000 to 110,000 tons per year by 2027, aiming to recycle every PET bottle sold by Coca-Cola in Mexico.

Additionally, the Planeta recycling plant in Tabasco, a joint venture between Coca-Cola and Alpla, is set to process 50,000 tons of post-consumer PET bottles annually, producing 35,000 tons of recycled PET flakes. This facility is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs and strengthen the region's circular economy.

These initiatives underscore Mexico's role as a leader in PET recycling, offering a robust and sustainable supply chain for businesses seeking high-quality, recycled packaging solutions.