Latin American Studies | Legal News and Updates from Major Latin American Regions, January–early February 2026 (Bilingual Chinese–English)

Practical Implications ・Compliance Planning: Enterprises operating or investing in Mexico should anticipate new obligations—once secondary regulations are issued—regarding disclosure, product design, and waste management. ・Supply Chain Impact: Manufacturing, packaging, and import-intensive industries may need to adjust contractual arrangements, logistics operations, and product designs to comply with circular economy requirements. ・Investment Opportunities: This legal framework creates medium-term investment opportunities in recycling, remanufacturing, circular logistics, and environmental services, aligning with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. New General Law on Circular Economy and Environmental Reforms (Published in the Official Gazette: January 19, 2026) On January 19, 2026, Mexico enacted the General Law on Circular Economy (LGEC), together with amendments to the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) and the General Law for the Prevention and Comprehensive Management of Waste (LGPGIR). This new framework establishes Mexico’s first comprehensive national regime promoting circular production and consumption models, replacing traditional linear approaches. The law integrates sustainability, resource efficiency, waste valorization and extended producer responsibility (EPR) into Mexico’s environmental and economic policy, with direct relevance for manufacturing, import, logistics and industrial projects.

Does Mexico have waste recycling?

Mexico has a large number of informal waste collectors (scavengers), with approximately 300,000 households engaged in waste collection—forming the backbone of the country’s recycling system. They collect recyclables door-to-door and then sell them to recycling centers or related enterprises. Urban areas feature neighborhood-level centralized waste processing stations; collected waste is transported to large-scale recycling centers for sorting, and subsequently delivered to enterprises such as paper mills as raw material. Some enterprises operate their own recycling systems, signing regular contracts with chain retailers and major shopping malls to collect various types of waste. Certain companies even maintain purchasing points abroad. Industry associations—such as the National Council of the Wood Fiber and Paper Industry—play a significant role in waste recycling. The Council comprises over 50 major paper mills and maintains a Raw Materials Committee that coordinates recycling activities, facilitates inter-enterprise resource allocation, provides information, and collaborates with large recycling centers to ensure stable raw material supply. The Mexican government places strong emphasis on waste recycling and the development of a circular economy.

Mexico plastics sector awaits circular economy law rules as government pledges dialogue

1 day ago

Mexico’s plastics industry awaits Circular Economy Law regulations while the government pledges dialogue to support growth. ANIPAC highlighted significant recycling achievements and infrastructure investment during the Plastimagen trade fair.

icis

2026-11-11

Mexico plastics sector awaits circular economy law rules as government pledges dialogue

Mexico plastics sector awaits circular economy law rules as government pledges dialogue

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