Mexico Plastic Recyclables

Mexico imports of recycled plastic waste  

Mexico generates a considerable amount of plastic waste material, including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), among others.  Despite being an exporter of plastic waste, Mexico still imports some plastic waste from the U.S.  This has grown in importance since China banned 24 types of solid waste in January 2018.  Mexican recyclers have expanded their recycling capacities to process other types of plastic waste; however, sustained supply of recyclable waste for their operations has become the greatest challenge.  Mexican recyclers are looking north for suppliers of plastic recyclables.  

Although Mexico’s recycling industry has focused its efforts on recycling of food-grade containers (PET), there are other recyclers working with synthetic fibers, thermoformed laminates, and packaging materials.  All these companies collect waste from industries including packaging (bag wrapping film, rigid packing bottles, and containers), agriculture (fibers, irrigation products), construction (roof insulators), furniture (wooden-like plastics, outdoor decking), manufacturing (thermoformed parts), and material handling products (totes, bins, reservoirs).   

Potential for U.S. Exports 

Mexico’s demand for recyclable plastic waste is substantial and that provides sales opportunities for U.S. small or medium-sized exporters (SMEs).   Although this demand does not include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), as it is supplied domestically, an export market currently worth USD 19 million could be a niche market for U.S. plastic exporters.   

Potential Buyers 

According to Mexico’s National Statistics and Geography Institute (INEGI), the supply chain of Mexico’s recycling industry is composed of 2,800 companies, approximately 95% of which are considered SMEs.  Small companies are mainly devoted to waste collection to resell.  Medium-sized companies are producers of significant volumes of near-prime/off-grade recycled resins and are the main importers of recyclable plastic waste.  

U. S. exporters seeking to access this market, connect with industry associations, or participate in the best industry trade shows are persuaded to connect with our Commercial Specialist in the U.S. Commercial Service.

For more information, contact: 

Mario Vidaña 
Commercial Specialist 
Ph. +52 81 8047 3118 
Mario.vidana@trade.gov  

The information provided in this report is intended to be of assistance to U.S. exporters. While we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, neither the United States government nor any of its employees make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of information in this or any other United States government document. Readers are advised to independently verify any information prior to reliance thereon. The information provided in this report does not constitute legal advice. The Commercial Service reference to or inclusion of material by a non-U.S. Government entity in this document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the Commercial Service of the entity, its materials, or its products or services.