Green Taxes, Recycling Triumphs, and Net Zero Standards

Experts highlighted the need for wider adoption of green taxes to drive sustainability and reduce emissions in Mexico. Meanwhile, WEF and KPMG highlighted ECOCE’s key role in boosting Mexico's recycling industry. 

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Specialists Advocate for Broader Green Tax Adoption

In 2023, green taxes in Mexico totaled MX$2.5 billion (US$144.2 million), comprising 3.5% of national tax income. Énestas, specializing in raw materials and fuels, advocates for wider adoption of these taxes to bolster sustainability efforts nationwide. The company highlighted disparities among states in implementing green taxes, emphasizing their role in incentivizing eco-friendly practices and funding environmental projects crucial for Mexico's future.

Report Highlights ECOCE's Impact on Mexico’s Recycling Industry

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and KPMG released a report showcasing global success stories to inspire UN member states in their efforts to establish an international treaty to combat plastic pollution. ECOCE, a key player in Mexico's recycling sector, was notably recognized for its role in advancing PET packaging recovery, achieving a 60% recycling rate with plans to reach 70% by 2025. The report emphasizes the need for region-specific targets within the global plastics treaty to address diverse socio-economic and environmental contexts, setting the stage for the upcoming final negotiations in Busan, Korea in November 2024.

ISO to Develop First International Net Zero Standard by COP30

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is developing its inaugural international standard on net zero emissions, slated for release at COP30 in November 2025. Led by ISO's Head of Sustainability, Noelia Garcia, the standard aims to offer clear guidelines and requirements for organizations worldwide to achieve credible net zero targets, building on the ISO Net Zero Guidelines introduced at COP27. Engaging experts across 170 countries, the initiative seeks to ensure robust climate action aligned with the latest science, with a public consultation planned for 2025 to gather global input and enhance transparency and accountability in emissions reduction efforts.

Mexico City's Canal Nacional Wins DNA Paris Design Award 2024

Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA) celebrated the Canal Nacional project’s recognition with the DNA Paris Design Award 2024, highlighting its achievements in Landscape Design and Sustainable Development on a global scale. The project revitalized an 8.6km stretch of the historic waterway, enhancing urban connectivity and quality of life for 363,000 residents through green and blue infrastructure solutions. Recognized for its integration of ecological resilience and community engagement, the Canal Nacional serves as a model for sustainable urban development, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship in Mexico City.

SEDEMA, Holcim Implement Tire Waste Management Strategy

Mexico City's Ministry of the Environment (SEDEMA) launched a new Strategy for Tire Waste Management in collaboration with Geocycle Mexico, aiming to address the environmental impact of tire dumping in public areas and sensitive ecosystems. Since its inception three months ago, the initiative has processed over 5,600 tires as alternative fuel for cement production, focusing initially on areas like Xochimilco and Gustavo A. Madero with plans to expand further. This effort, part of Mexico City's Zero Waste principles, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with improper tire disposal while promoting sustainable waste management practices through SEDEMA's Reciclatrón Program.