Hispamex Forum Strengthens Mexico-Spain Sustainability Ties

The 5th Hispamex Sustainability Forum, which brought together representatives from Mexico and Spain, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to promote effective climate strategies, a circular economy, and social actions that address current global challenges.

The event, organized by Cabal Consulting and Empresability in collaboration with BBVA Mexico, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID), and Corporate Social Action, gathered business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from Mexico and Spain to share perspectives and advances in sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Francisco Suárez, Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Relations, FEMSA, emphasized the importance of the circular economy as a driver of innovation and profitability in companies. He noted that adopting the circular economy as a strategy for achieving sustainability represents a key decision, as this model seeks to reduce environmental pressure and promote more efficient use of resources.

Suárez highlighted that by reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing, the need to extract raw materials is reduced. This, in turn, implies lower energy consumption and, consequently, fewer pollutant emissions. He also emphasized that within the private sector, it is essential to develop new business models that prioritize efficiency, resource optimization, and regeneration.

In line with the circular economy, Jesús Meza, Senior Global Sustainability Manager, Alsea, noted that a tangible example of this approach is the recovery of more than 1.7 million L of used oil from the company’s restaurants worldwide in 2024. The collected oil was sent for recycling to produce biodiesel and other products. “This action transforms waste into an energy resource, generating benefits such as reduced emissions, compliance with food safety standards, creation of green jobs, and professionalization of the industry,” he said.

Raúl Martín Calvo, CEO, Familia Martínez, a corporate division integrating four Spanish food companies: Embutidos Martínez, Platos Tradicionales, Cinco Tenedores, and La Pila Food, stressed that the circular economy plays a central role at all stages of their productive chain.

In an interview with Corresponsables, Calvo highlighted the importance for the organization that good practices reach the very start of the product life cycle. Therefore, in terms of sustainability, quality, and food safety, they ensure that their suppliers share these values. He explained that Familia Martínez has a certification system to this end, evaluating variables such as water consumption, energy use, and environmental impact. “Non-compliance can result in a supplier not being certified, and in that case, the supplier would not be able to provide us with products,” he said.

Meanwhile, Miguel Montesino, General Director, Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification (AENOR) Mexico & LATAM North, shared recommendations from the perspective of certification and management systems for those beginning their circular economy journey. AENOR offers various training programs focused on sustainability and resource efficiency. “Training in this field is taking on one of the greatest challenges facing the business and industrial sectors today and becoming one of the most in-demand profiles in the market,” reads a statement on AENOR’s website.

The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the importance of joint climate action and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), since 2015, the trend of global warming relative to pre-industrial levels for 2100 has slowed, representing a significant achievement. However, much remains to be done to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

The forum succeeded in strengthening alliances and bilateral cooperation in sustainable projects, leveraging the deep economic relationship between Mexico and Spain. It is worth noting that in 2024, Mexico became the third-largest destination for Spanish Foreign Direct Investment, attracting US$3.5 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 69%. Regionally, Mexico City, Nuevo Leon, State of Mexico, Queretaro, and Jalisco are the main destinations for this investment. In terms of sectors, professional services, information and communications, construction, and manufacturing stand out as the most attractive areas for Spanish capital in 2025.