The Recycling Leaders Forum 2026 established Mexico as a key player in the transition towards the circular economy in Latin America.
Representatives from ECOCE, PETSTAR, Arca Continental, and Tecnológico de Monterrey agreed that recycling has evolved from an environmental trend to a structural strategy for competitiveness, investment, and economic development.
The new General Law of Circular Economy was highlighted as the regulatory framework driving this transformation, aligning industry, academia, government, and society in an integrated ecosystem.
From Waste to Value
From ECOCE, Montserrat Ramírez highlighted the system’s evolution: from promoting recycling in an emerging market to building an articulated ecosystem of management and environmental education.
The director emphasized that the new legislation opens a stage of broader coordination, where citizen co-responsibility will be key.
PETSTAR: Infrastructure and Traceability
The bottle-to-bottle model of PETSTAR was recognized as one of the most advanced in the world. Carlos Mendieta explained that the system has required:
- Investments exceeding 280 million dollars.
- A national network for container recovery.
- Social inclusion of recyclers and their families.
- A traceability system that certifies recycled resin globally.
This approach combines environmental sustainability with human rights, ensuring dignified conditions for those participating in the recycling chain.
Arca Continental: Circularity as a Strategy
David Moreno, corporate sustainability manager at Arca Continental, stated that circularity is integrated into the business model, especially in packaging design.
In 2025, the company reached an average of 36% recycled resin in its containers, demonstrating that the circular economy is a value enabler and not a restriction.
Academia and Innovation
Tecnológico de Monterrey emphasized the role of research in the transition towards circularity. Jorge Membrillo explained that Mexico has moved from mitigating waste to a regulated model with extended producer responsibility.
The Tec is developing sandboxes to test technologies, public policies, and strategies with artificial intelligence, including bioplastics and chemical recycling.
Main Challenges
The forum identified challenges that need to be addressed to consolidate the model:
- Separation at Source: strengthening citizen co-responsibility from households.
- Social Awareness: integrating recyclers into the formal system.
- Technological Innovation: promoting bioplastics, chemical recycling, and test labs.
- Environmental Education: fostering responsible and sustainable consumption habits.
Social and Human Impact
Inclusive recycling was highlighted as a central axis. It’s not just about recovering materials, but recognizing who participates in the process and ensuring they receive social and economic benefits. This approach turns recycling into a tool for human development in addition to environmental.
The Forum concluded that Mexico is advancing towards a solid circular economy ecosystem based on investment, innovation, social inclusion, and progressive regulation.
The country is consolidating as a regional leader in PET recycling and industrial circularity models, with an approach that combines economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility.
