Food-grade PET recycling – Mexico Celebrates Significant Progress as PetStar Expands Food-Grade PET Recycling Plant to Boost Circular Economy, Create Jobs, and Accelerate Sustainable Bottle Recovery Nationwide Today 28-11-2025
Food-grade PET recycling
Mexico Advances Circular Economy With Expansion of PetStar Food-Grade PET Recycling Plant
Mexico has taken another significant step in strengthening its circular economy strategy with the expansion of the PetStar facility, now recognized as one of the largest food-grade PET recycling plants globally. Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Mexico, and several other Coca-Cola bottlers came together to celebrate this new phase at the Toluca plant, marking a major milestone in the country’s sustainability and recycling infrastructure. food-grade PET recycling
The newly inaugurated expansion represents an investment of MXN 2.6 billion, equivalent to about USD 142 million. The commitment reinforces Mexico’s leadership within Latin America and beyond, as PetStar continues to serve as a reference point for companies seeking to build responsible and inclusive recycling systems.
A Global Benchmark in PET-Bottle Recovery
During the inauguration, Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), represented by Secretary Alicia Bárcena, highlighted the long-term vision behind the project. With this new investment, PetStar’s cumulative investment has now reached MXN 5.1 billion, confirming the company’s role as a global benchmark for PET-bottle recovery and circularity.
The expansion injects new life into Mexico’s recycling ecosystem. With increased operational capability, the plant strengthens the country’s position as a center for advanced recycling, innovation, and sustainability, all underpinned by a collaborative model involving private companies, government support, and social inclusion. food-grade PET recycling
Capacity Boost to 86,000 Tons of Recycled Resin Annually
The expansion substantially increases the facility’s food-grade PET recycling capacity. PetStar will now be able to produce 86,000 tons of recycled resin each year, up from its previous 50,000-ton capacity. This improvement is made possible by processing more than 123,000 tons of PET annually, equivalent to approximately 5.5 billion plastic bottles.
All recovered and processed material will be reintegrated into the Coca-Cola value chain. The participating companies include Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Mexico, Bepensa, Corporación del Fuerte, Grupo RICA, Grupo Embotellador Nayar, and Embotelladora de Colima. Their joint effort ensures a consistent supply of high-quality recycled resin for beverage packaging, reducing the need for virgin plastics and cutting environmental impact.
A Model of Inclusive Circular Economy
Secretary Alicia Bárcena emphasized the social dimension of the project. She noted the unique structure of PetStar’s value chain, which integrates waste pickers, collection centers, and suppliers in a truly inclusive recycling ecosystem. The model demonstrates how food-grade PET recycling can be both environmentally responsible and socially just.
The investment’s impact extends beyond recycling. PetStar will increase its network of collection centers from eight to thirty-two, dramatically improving PET recovery while generating formal economic opportunities. This growth will support 2,200 direct jobs and an estimated 49,000 indirect jobs for urban reclaimers and waste pickers—individuals who form the backbone of Mexico’s recycling movement.
Long-Term Commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice
PetStar’s achievements reflect more than operational capacity; they represent a long-standing commitment to sustainability, social mobility, and safety. Since 2020, the company has operated as a carbon-neutral organization with a strong human-rights perspective. This approach prioritizes workers who often operate at the margins of the waste recovery sector.
In 2025, PetStar also celebrates 30 years as a global success story in circular economy practices. Its model continues to earn recognition for the safety of its recycled resin and its leadership in promoting social justice throughout the PET recovery process. This anniversary highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to a cleaner, fairer, and more circular economic future.
A National Celebration of Progress
The expansion event attracted more than 400 attendees, including local authorities, business leaders, academics, civil organizations, and representatives from Mexico’s Coca-Cola System. Their presence underscored the national significance of strengthening food-grade PET recycling capabilities in support of environmental goals and economic growth.
As Mexico continues its path toward a more circular and inclusive future, PetStar’s expanded plant stands as one of the continent’s most important facilities in the transformation of plastic waste into valuable, reusable material.
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