Circular Economy, Environmental Challenges in Mexico

The Senate will promote internal environmental education and circular economy practices. Meanwhile, only 10% of used tires in Mexico are being recycled, posing severe environmental and public health risks.

This is the Week in ESG!

Senate, ECOCE Join Forces for Circular Economy in Mexico

The Senate and ECOCE signed a collaboration agreement to promote environmental education and circular economy initiatives within the legislative precinct, reinforcing government-civil society partnerships for sustainability. The program will focus on waste separation, recycling, awareness campaigns, and performance evaluation, building on ECOCE’s efforts that have achieved a 63% PET recovery rate in Mexico. Senator Maki Ortiz emphasized the urgency of addressing mismanaged waste through legislative action and local government initiatives, as Mexico currently recycles only a fraction of its annual waste production.

Mexico Aims to Tackle Used Tire Pollution

Mexico faces significant environmental and public health challenges due to the improper disposal of used tires, with over 300 million accumulating in illegal dumps and water bodies, contributing to soil contamination and microplastic pollution. While private industry has implemented recycling methods like mechanical processing and pyrolysis, experts argue that a Circular Economy Law is necessary to establish regulations and improve waste management. Cement companies have begun incorporating tire-derived fuel to reduce emissions, but broader legislative and policy changes are needed to scale sustainable solutions nationwide.

State of Mexico Signs Environmental Agreements

The government of the State of Mexico signed 60 Environmental Coordination Framework Agreements with municipalities to improve conservation, waste management, and climate change mitigation. Led by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the initiative seeks to enhance local waste treatment infrastructure and promote environmental education as a key tool for sustainability. With the state generating 17,000t of urban waste daily and only 5% being recycled, officials emphasize the urgency of adopting Zero Waste strategies and strengthening municipal commitments to environmental responsibility.

Reckitt, WWF to Restore Forests in Mexico

Reckitt’s brand Finish partnered with WWF to launch a reforestation initiative in the Cutzamala Basin, aiming to improve water availability for millions in Mexico. Over three years, the project will produce 900,000 trees to restore 756ha, replenishing water sources and capturing nearly 3,000t of CO₂ annually. In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative will create jobs, support community education programs, and align with Finish’s global water conservation efforts.

Slow Decarbonization Progress Threatens Climate Goals

A new UNEP and GlobalABC report warns that slow progress and insufficient funding in the building sector threatens global climate goals, despite recent gains in energy efficiency and emissions stabilization. Buildings account for 32% of global energy consumption and 34% of CO₂ emissions, prompting calls for stricter energy codes, increased renewable energy use, and a doubling of investment in energy efficiency by 2030. With nearly half of 2050’s buildings yet to be constructed, the report urges major economies to adopt net-zero building codes by 2028 and highlights circular economy practices as key to reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.