Mexico Targets Plastic Waste Through Circular Economy Efforts

Plastic Recycling | 2026-08-19 00:15:31 | By Paul Ploumis

Global plastic production further underscores the scale of the challenge. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that more than 430Mt of plastic are produced annually worldwide, with more than half corresponding to single-use products. Approximately 11Mt enter bodies of water each year.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) recovered and recycled more than 644kg of single-use plastics during the second stage of its Goal for the Environment campaign, exceeding its target by more than 144kg.

The campaign, promoted by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) under the federal Social World Cup program, ran from June to August, with voluntary participation from government employees. Ten containers and collection sacks were installed, gathering mainly PET, as well as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

ECOCE and Rennueva supported the initiative by managing collected materials for recovery, recycling and reintegration into new production cycles. The collaboration enabled the recovered waste to be converted back into raw materials, avoiding final disposal.

The campaign also provided guidance on identifying and properly separating materials, while promoting waste reduction and the recovery of materials that can be returned to productive cycles. An internal activity called “Environmental Pool” encouraged employee participation and allowed workers to bring PET generated in their homes, extending the initiative to their families.

Following the results, PROFEPA recognized SEMARNAT through the Social World Cup program for its participation in biodiversity protection and the promotion of environmental practices.

Plastic Recycling Gap Highlights Need for Circular Business Models

The initiative comes as Mexico faces persistent challenges in managing plastic waste. According to Sistema B Mexico, the country generates 5.7Mt of plastic waste annually, of which less than 3% is recycled. Between 38% and 58% of this waste is estimated to be improperly managed, increasing the risk of plastic leakage into rivers, soils and coastal areas.

“The problem is not infrastructure. It is design. It is essential for companies to apply circularity principles to reduce waste and its impact on natural resources,” says Javier Herrero, General Director, Sistema B Mexico.

The organization says plastic pollution requires structural changes focused on product design and business models rather than relying exclusively on recycling infrastructure. The issue is also gaining international regulatory relevance as Mexico participates in negotiations for the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty, which is moving toward the principle of extended producer responsibility and could require companies to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their packaging.

At the consumer level, the Third 2025 Plastic Recycling Habits Survey by Vida Circular and Consulta Mitofsky identified potential demand for more sustainable packaging. Some 76.7% of Mexican consumers say they would be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, but only 19.4% currently choose a final product based on that factor, citing limited options in the market.

“Consumers are already ready. The lag is on the supply side. The plastic challenge is not solved solely through bans. It is solved through the complete redesign of production and consumption systems,” Herrero says.

Sistema B Mexico says companies should move toward reuse schemes, compostable materials and the elimination of single-use plastics ahead of the implementation of potentially mandatory international regulations.

Courtesy: www.mexicobusiness.news