Advancing Circular Economy Policies in Mexico

Last week, WRI and Fundación FEMSA presented the report Situation of Circular Economy Policies in Mexico. The virtual event, led by Adriana Lobo, Interim Executive Director, WRI Mexico, and Carlos Hurtado, Sustainable Development Manager, Fundación FEMSA, highlighted the document's key points and emphasized the importance of adopting a systemic approach to the circular economy in Mexico through collaborative efforts across government, civil society, and industry to drive sustainable development.

Lobo emphasized that the transition to a circular development model requires close collaboration between the government, civil society, businesses, and citizens. Meanwhile, Hurtado added that the study shows significant progress in this process. “This document offers a comprehensive look at the circular economy as an alternative and includes a specific case study of what has been developing in the country to build and transform scenarios,” he said.

Andrés Flores, Senior Advisor, Mexico Climate Initiative, highlighted that the circular economy seeks to maximize benefits for civil society while minimizing costs and negative social impacts. According to the UN, the circular economy is based on three principles: eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Furthermore, adopting this model promotes the creation of new jobs. According to the European Commission, the application of ambitious circular measures in Europe could generate around 700,000 jobs. “It is becoming an urgent issue. We want to contribute to better-informed decision-making at that level, adopting a circular approach,” said Flores.

The study highlights that decision-makers must strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the circular economy through the creation of laws, regulations, and public policies that incentivize the adoption of this economic model across all sectors. Additionally, it calls for promoting research and development in circular economy matters as well as conducting awareness and training campaigns for various social actors. Finally, the document underscores the need to foster collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and civil society.

Comments on the document were made by prominent panelists who provided valuable perspectives from their respective areas of expertise. José Ramón Ardavín, Director, Commission of Private Sector Studies for Sustainable Development (CESPEDES) underscored the private sector’s efforts toward achieving water efficiency in the industry.

Ardavín highlighted that Mexico has one of the world's most water-efficient beverage production plants. The Heineken brewery in Meoqui, Chihuahua, uses 1.83L of water per liter of beer produced. On average, Heineken uses 2.44L of water per liter of beer produced in its other plants in the country, positioning it as a leader in water efficiency worldwide, as the standard in other producing countries ranges from 4 to 6L.

The document emphasizes that changes in federal and local administrations represent a great opportunity to establish a paradigm shift in the linear production model that predominates in the country. “The profiles announced for several of those who will be responsible for public policy in Mexico are a positive and encouraging sign to systemically promote the circular economy in Mexico. These new leaders bring with them the possibility of establishing and strengthening innovative policies that promote sustainable and regenerative development,” reads the document.