Virgin PET, lack of regulation, and the circular economy
In Mexico, progress toward a circular economy depends not only on the willingness of recycling companies, but also on the regulatory framework that promotes the use of recovered materials.
Plastixal, through its direct experience in PET recycling, warns that without legislation requiring the industry to incorporate recycled content, the country will continue to accumulate waste that could have a second life. This reflection stems from the company's daily operations, where it is observed how tons of usable material do not return to the production cycle because cheaper virgin alternatives with fewer restrictions are preferred.
Through the voice of Adrián Quintana, CEO of Plastixal, a problem is exposed that, if left unaddressed, will continue to deepen the waste crisis in Mexico: the absence of laws that stimulate sustained demand for recycled PET.
The environmental impact of excessive use of virgin PET
The production of virgin PET requires the extraction of petroleum and generates significant CO₂ emissions. But in addition to its environmental footprint, its use displaces interest in recycled materials, causing thousands of tons of usable PET to end up in landfills or natural spaces. From its operational perspective, Plastixal observes on a daily basis that the volume of recoverable PET exceeds actual market demand. It is not a question of lack of supply, but rather an economic structure that continues to favor virgin material. This creates an imbalance between production and recovery, preventing the country from moving toward more robust circularity models.The urgent need for laws mandating the use of recycled PET
Today, the use of recycled PET depends almost entirely on voluntary decisions by companies. Without a law establishing minimum percentages of recycled content, competition between virgin and recycled PET is uneven. Plastixal explains it clearly: virgin PET, being cheaper and less regulated, dominates the market. As a result, recycling companies, which invest in clean processes, technology, and training, face a structural barrier to growth and to the continuous placement of their materials. To correct this inequality, Plastixal proposes three immediate legislative actions:- Mandatory recycled content quotas, such as 25% by 2026 and 40% by 2030.
- Tax incentives for companies that use recycled PET.
- Traceability standards that guarantee quality, formal origin, and regulatory compliance.
Environmental consequences of not regulating the use of recycled PET
The lack of regulation creates a vicious cycle, with consequences such as:- More virgin PET is used.
- Less available PET is recycled.
- Landfills are becoming saturated.
- Pollution in rivers, soil, and natural areas is increasing.
The role of governments, businesses, and civil society
Plastixal emphasizes that the circular economy is not the responsibility of a single actor. Collaboration is essential:- Local governments: They can strengthen collection, modernize transfer stations, and ensure that recovered PET reaches formal recyclers.
- Private companies: They need to commit to circular value chains, incorporating recycled material in a consistent and transparent manner.
- Civil society: Plays a key role in separating waste correctly and demanding that brands use recovered materials.
Infrastructure and traceability
According to Plastixal, in order to strengthen the recycling system in Mexico, the following measures should be promoted:- Investments in technology that enable greater purity and efficiency in processing.
- Strategic collection centers that facilitate collection and reduce logistics costs.
- Municipal reinforcement programs, necessary to ensure a constant flow of material.
