Expansion of food-grade PET recycling plant in Mexico
Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Mexico and other Coca-Cola bottlers and PetStar shareholders have inaugurated the expansion of PetStar’s food-grade PET recycling plant in Toluca, reported to be the largest facility of its kind in Mexico and worldwide. The project represents an investment of MXN 2.6 billion (approx. USD 142 million).
At the inauguration event, attended by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) under Secretary Alicia Bárcena, officials highlighted that the expansion brings PetStar’s total historical investment to MXN 5.1 billion (approx. USD 278 million), consolidating its position as a global benchmark in PET-bottle recycling and circular-economy efforts.
Driven by this expansion, the recycling capacity will rise from 50,000 to 86,000t/a of food-grade recycled resin. This increase is the result of processing more than 123,000 t/a of PET – equivalent to 5.5 billion bottles – which will be reincorporated into the value chain of the Coca-Cola bottlers and PetStar shareholders: Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Mexico, Bepensa, Corporación del Fuerte, Grupo RICA, Grupo Embotellador Nayar, and Embotelladora de Colima.
During the ceremony, Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted the project’s relevance for the country: “PetStar is exemplary in many ways because it has successfully integrated a value chain that includes everyone—from urban waste pickers to those responsible for collection and aggregation. This complete and inclusive value chain is precisely what we aim to promote. A circular economy is possible. I want to congratulate and recognise the extraordinary work carried out alongside Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Mexico, Bepensa, Corporación del Fuerte, Grupo RICA, Grupo Embotellador Nayar, and Embotelladora de Colima—companies that are all part of Mexico’s Coca-Cola System. Your industry has set a benchmark and will continue to do so”.
This investment will continue to generate direct economic and social impact by increasing the number of collection centers from eight to 32. This growth supports 2,200 formal jobs and 49,000 indirect jobs for urban reclaimers and waste pickers, who are a key component of the inclusive circular economy model promoted by the company.
Since 2020, PetStar has been a carbon-neutral company, operating with a human-rights perspective and a focus on the social mobility of urban waste pickers. Furthermore, in 2025, the company celebrated 30 years of positioning itself as a model and success story in the circular economy globally, boasting the highest recognition for safety in its recycled resin and social justice in PET recovery through its guiding sustainable business model.
The event was attended by local authorities, representatives from business chambers, academia, civil organisations, and over 400 guests.