What value can recyclable plastic create beyond the recycling bin? At Plastianguis 2026 in Mexico City, recyclable plastic was exchanged for grocery supplies, demonstrating how recycling can generate both environmental and social benefits.
On 16 May 2026, the initiative was organized by the National Association of the Chemical Industry (ANIQ) and the Plastics Industry Commission for Responsibility and Sustainable Development (CIPRES). Through a simple exchange program, communities were encouraged to separate and recycle plastic waste in return for essential groceries.
Indorama Ventures supported the initiative through 12 employee volunteers who helped with plastic sorting, material weighing, the grocery exchange process, and educational activities throughout the event. The team also introduced visitors to the company's Waste Hero education program, promoting proper waste management and demonstrating how recyclable materials, particularly PET, can be kept in circulation through the circular economy.
The event generated strong community participation, with 567 attendees completing 292 exchanges and collecting more than 2.1 tons of recyclable materials. PET represented the highest recovery volume at 697.335 kg, followed by PP at 455.477 kg and HDPE (PEAD) at 374.685 kg. Together, these materials accounted for nearly 70% of the total collected, highlighting their importance in advancing recycling and supporting a circular economy.
By supporting initiatives like Plastianguis, it reflects the company’s continued commitment to circular economy efforts, environmental education,, strengthen community engagement, and promote circular economy solutions that help keep valuable materials in use and out of landfill.
