Tetra Pak Expands Mexicali Plant With MX$1 Billion Investment

In an effort to increase production capacity and integrate new technologies focused on energy efficiency, digitization, and sustainability, Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, inaugurated an expansion of its Mexicali plant with an investment of MX$1 billion. 

In operation since 2001, the Mexicali facility is recognized for its high operational efficiency and ability to serve both domestic and international markets. Currently, 35% of its output is distributed in Mexico, 60% in the United States and 5% across Latin America.

The Mexicali site is Tetra Pak’s second-largest plant of its kind worldwide, employing over 200 people. Notably, 20% of its production uses plant-based bioresins derived from sugarcane. The facility manufactures more than 5 billion caps annually.

Producing locally allows Tetra Pak to stay closer to its customers, respond more quickly to market demands, reduce logistical risks and minimize its carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary interoceanic transport.

“The expansion we are inaugurating represents an investment of more than MX$1 billion, which will increase our capacity by 60% and bring more employment and development to Baja California,” said Ramiro Ortiz, managing director of Tetra Pak México. 

Ortis highlighted that these actions reaffirm the company`s confidence in local talent and government support to continue growing sustainably. “Mexico is one of the most strategic markets for Tetra Pak worldwide, and this success belongs to all of you—the heart of Tetra Pak Mexicali,” said Ortiz. 

Rodolfo Andrade, undersecretary of Investment Management at the Baja California Ministry of Economy and Innovation, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector. “We celebrate that Tetra Pak continues to invest in our state and our people, reaffirming the potential we have as a strategic hub for investment and industrial growth,” he said.

With this expansion, Tetra Pak reinforces its role as a global manufacturing benchmark while strengthening Mexico’s position as a key destination for sustainable and technologically advanced industrial investment.

Tetra Pak Recycles 55 Million t of Waste in Mexico During 2024

MBN reported that in its 2024 sustainability report, Tetra Pak highlights over 55 million t of recycled packaging, a 10% increase from 2023 levels. The Swedish multinational — recognized worldwide for its aseptic packaging technology — also achieved a 33% total recycling rate throughout its Mexico operations. 

”We want to drive the transformation of global food systems, ensuring that people have access to safe food everywhere, while at the same time protecting people and the planet,” says Adolfo Orive, President and CEO, Tetra Pak. 

The report also noted a number of achievements in spreading Tetra Pak recycling throughout Mexico. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the company has established over 820 recycling centers across the country, while also installing 198 unique containers specially designed to receive Tetra Pak material. Meanwhile, the company also worked to increase the number of recycling centers that accept Tetra Pak packaging, recording a 22% increase from 2023. 

According to the report, Tetra Pak invested over MX$100 million (US$5.36 million) into its Queretaro production facility, aiming to make the packaging facility more environmentally friendly. These investments, along with the presence of 1,000 solar panels, have helped reduce the plant’s emissions by 400t of CO2e per year. Meanwhile, the company’s Izcalli plant, which manufactures processing equipment previously imported from the European Union and Asia, reached a 98% water recovery rate during equipment testing phases.