Sonora Train Defense, Plastic Waste, Walmart Local Sourcing

SEMARNAT defends the Sonora Train, stating it complies with regulations and benefits trade, in response to complaints from environmental organizations. Meanwhile, the food delivery industry has fueled a surge in single-use plastic waste.

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Mexico Defends Sonora Train Amid Environmental Controversy

The Mexican government has rejected a complaint filed with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) regarding alleged environmental violations in the construction of the Sonora Train, asserting that the project complies with regulations and includes mitigation measures. Environmental groups argue that the train was built without a proper environmental impact assessment, causing deforestation and threatening endangered species in Rancho El Aribabi. While SEMARNAT defends the project’s transparency and economic benefits, the CEC will review the government’s response to decide whether further investigation is warranted.

Food Delivery Boom in Mexico Drives Plastic Waste Surge

Mexico’s food delivery market, valued at US$2.5 billion in 2024, has driven a sharp increase in single-use plastic waste, with over 300,000t generated annually. In response, regulatory measures, such as Mexico City's ban on disposable plastics, and corporate initiatives, including biodegradable packaging, returnable containers, and recycling programs, are addressing the issue. Companies like Uber Eats, Rappi, and Vytal are leading efforts to promote sustainability through app-based features, reusable packaging systems, and partnerships focused on waste reduction.

Walmart Joins the Hecho en Mexico Campaign

Walmart has joined the Hecho en Mexico campaign to promote locally made products across its 3,200 stores and digital platforms, aligning with the government’s strategy to boost domestic production. With 91% of its products already sourced from Mexico, the retailer is evaluating further import substitutions amid trade uncertainties, though experts warn of challenges in scaling local supply chains. Despite recent controversy surrounding its diversity policies in the United States, Walmart remains focused on strengthening its corporate social responsibility in Mexico through initiatives like Mexico te Abraza, which supports job opportunities for repatriated citizens.

CDMX to Strengthen Waste Management Strategies

Mexico City’s government hosted a consultation forum under the Zero Waste City framework to gather proposals for its 2025-2030 waste management strategy, emphasizing sustainability and interinstitutional collaboration. A key outcome was the announcement of the Integrated Waste Management Agency (AGIR), which will coordinate urban and construction waste policies to transition from a linear to a circular economy. Officials highlighted Mexico City's daily waste generation of 14,000t and stressed the need for innovative strategies, financial sustainability, and metropolitan coordination to achieve a zero-waste model.

Cali Fund to Support Global Biodiversity Initiatives

The UN has established guidelines for the Cali Fund, a financing mechanism launched at COP16 to support biodiversity conservation and equitable benefit-sharing from Digital Sequence Information (DSI). Funded by private sector contributions from industries using DSI, it will allocate half of its resources to Indigenous communities while also supporting national biodiversity strategies and scientific research. Hosted by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, the initiative marks the first global mechanism under the CBD to receive private sector funding linked to DSI-based commercial activities.