Food Delivery Boom in Mexico Drives Plastic Waste Surge

Mexico’s booming food delivery industry has fueled a surge in single-use plastic waste. In response, regulations, corporate initiatives, and reusable packaging solutions are emerging to curb environmental impact.

Mexico’s food delivery and takeout industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by digitization, changing consumer habits, and the expansion of delivery platforms. In 2024, the food delivery market in Mexico reached US$2.5 billion, making it the second-largest market for this service in Latin America, trailing only Brazil, which generated US$8.4 billion last year, as reported by MBN. However, this has had a significant environmental impact due to the widespread use of single-use plastics in packaging and disposable utensils. It is estimated that over 300,000t of plastic waste are generated annually in Mexico solely from food packaging and containers, with less than 10% being effectively recycled, according to official data from the Mexico City government.

To address this issue, some states have implemented regulations to restrict the use of single-use plastics. Mexico City, for instance, enforced a ban on the sale and distribution of products such as forks, knives, spoons, straws, plates, and Styrofoam containers on Jan. 1, 2021. According to regulations, businesses that fail to comply may face warnings, fines, and, ultimately, closure. As of July 2023, more than 70,000 fines had been issued for violating the ban.

More recently, on Feb. 12, 2025, lawmakers in the State of Mexico unanimously approved new restrictions on single-use plastics. However, the restaurant industry noted that a significant portion of its members were already complying with the regulation. Cristian Muñoz, Local President, National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC), stated that over 70% of restaurant owners in the region already use biodegradable materials. However, he emphasized the need for more initiatives focused on recycling, waste separation, and awareness campaigns to strengthen the positive environmental impact.

Several restaurant and delivery companies have also begun adopting innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution. For example, Starbucks has eliminated plastic straws and lids in many of its locations, introduced biodegradable packaging, and implemented waste separation programs for proper disposal.

Delivery companies have also taken steps toward sustainability. In 2023, Uber Eats launched an app feature allowing users to choose whether to receive disposable cutlery with their orders, reducing unnecessary consumption. Meanwhile, DiDi Food and Rappi have begun piloting programs that allow customers to opt for returnable containers, which can be dropped off at collection points for reuse.

Additionally, as part of its sustainability strategy, Rappi partnered with Coca-Cola and Arca Continental for the Aliados por el Reciclaje (Recycling Allies) project. Through this initiative, delivery drivers collect PET bottles from customers free of charge and take them for recycling. Since its launch in 2022, the service, available in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, has collected over 20,000t of plastic. In 2024, the project was recognized at the United Nations Global Compact’s LOGRA Awards for its positive social impact.

At the local level, some restaurants have introduced incentives for customers who choose sustainable options. Notable strategies include offering discounts for those who bring their own reusable containers, refundable deposits for returnable packaging, and exchange programs where customers receive new orders in the same containers they previously returned.

Companies like Germany-based Vytal, are leading the shift toward reusable packaging. Vytal offers a digital returnable container system, providing consumers, restaurants, supermarkets, and delivery services with an economical and sustainable alternative to disposable packaging. Through its free mobile app, users can order takeout in reusable containers, which can be returned to any partner establishment within 14 days. Vytal launched its services in Mexico in 2022 and has since expanded across various states. The service has gained popularity among local food and beverage establishments in cities like Guadalajara, Cancun, and Mexico City.