Eco-Packaging Key to Reducing Carbon Footprint Across Mexico

Bioelements develops and produces biodegradable packaging, leading the packaging revolution in Latin America and the United States.
 

Q: What differentiates Bioelements from other packaging solutions?

A: Bioelements aims to solve the persistent problem posed by traditional packaging materials like plastics, paper, cardboard, and glass. Over the past 50 to 60 years, there has been little innovation in this space. Most packaging still relies on the same conventional materials, and as consumption increases — along with poor waste management and over-packaging — these materials become a growing environmental burden.

Our approach is to tackle the problem at its root: the materials themselves. We need to rethink what materials we use to package products. Instead of defaulting to plastic or paper, we focus on developing new materials that are biodegradable in the real world, not just in laboratory conditions.

Q: Beyond the retail and food industries, what other sectors does Bioelements target?

A: We started strong in the retail sector, not only because it is a fast-moving industry, but also because many regulations in Latin America and the United States target single-use plastics and packaging. However, retail represents just the tip of the iceberg in terms of total packaging used across industries. There are many forms of packaging that consumers do not see.

We have since expanded into food packaging, developing materials suitable for direct contact with products like salmon, beef, ham, and more. We have also moved into high-consumption sectors like tissue and hygiene products. We are working on a major project with Kimberly-Clark in Mexico and others in the United States to replace conventional packaging in consumer goods. Everyone uses hygiene products daily, and there is a huge opportunity to reduce environmental impact in their packaging.

Q: How do Bioelements’ solutions compare with traditional packaging?

A: In many cases, we have achieved up to a 60% reduction in carbon footprint. This is largely due to our formulations, which often include up to 100% renewable materials as opposed to conventional plastics, which are fossil-fuel-based and carbon-intensive. We also focus on reducing the plastic footprint. For example, if a mass-consumption company uses 1,000 t of plastic packaging monthly and switches half of its operations to us, that is an instant 50% reduction in plastic usage.

While carbon reduction can be difficult to translate into financial terms, the reduction of conventional plastic is tangible and relevant to companies aiming to meet sustainability commitments.

Q: In 2023, Bioelements raised capital from BTG Pactual. How were those funds used and how did they help create value for clients?

A: The capital we raised was crucial for product development and business growth, especially in Mexico, where we have expanded our team with talented professionals in engineering, commercial strategy, and science. Over the last two and a half years, we have more than doubled company revenue. A significant portion of that growth came from scaling operations in Mexico, which now serves as a key hub for innovation and expansion, especially as we gain traction in the US market.

Some of our technologies, developed and validated in collaboration with UNAM, are now being commercialized in the United States. We are proud to say that we are exporting Mexican-designed technology to one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Q: What have been the biggest challenges in building client trust, and what concerns did they initially have?

A: Clients are at the core of any company. Without strong, consistent clients, it is very hard for any business to be sustainable. The biggest challenge has been convincing clients to trust a company doing something different, especially when it involves changing long-established packaging practices. That is why we position ourselves more as partners than suppliers. 

We are not selling a commodity. If someone wants to buy traditional plastic, they will not come to Bioelements. Our clients are those who want to disrupt the status quo and collaborate on something new. That mindset has helped us build long-term relationships. We are in a pivotal moment as a company. We are no longer a small startup, but compared to the major players north of Mexico, we are still growing and we aim to become much bigger.

Q: What role does the Mexican market play in your regional expansion plans?

A: Mexico is incredibly important to us, not only because it is a large market on its own, but also because it has become a strategic gateway to the United States. Many of our Mexican clients are working with us on projects in the United States, which builds credibility. Mexico also stands out due to its advanced regulatory framework. The country is 10–15 years ahead of the United States when it comes to single-use plastic bans and environmental regulations. That makes it a vital market for us, both in terms of production capabilities and certifications.

Q: What are Bioelement’s key objectives for Mexico and the broader region for the latter half of 2025?

A: For 2025, our main goal is to grow our sales in Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, we are working hard to stay ahead on certifications, particularly in relation to the upcoming circular economy bill, which we believe will help better organize packaging standards and prioritize environmental responsibility. We recently renewed certifications with NICE and CEMA, signed a partnership with UNAM, and continue working with high-impact clients.

In the United States, we are replicating our Mexican academic collaboration model with Michigan State University and Clemson University, both leaders in packaging research. As a result, we have secured certifications in Washington, Idaho, and Colorado, and are in compliance with California and Massachusetts regulations as well.

We aim to continue this momentum in 2026 by launching new products, expanding our team, and attracting more talent. The next five years will be transformative for Bioelements.