APR and ANIPAC Partner to Strengthen Plastics Recycling and Circular Economy Development in Mexico

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the National Association of Plastics Industries in Mexico (ANIPAC) have signed a collaboration agreement aimed at advancing plastics recyclability, promoting international design-for-recycling standards and supporting the growth of Mexico’s circular economy.

The partnership establishes a framework for technical and strategic cooperation across the plastics value chain, covering packaging design, product development, material recovery, recycling and the reintegration of recycled materials into manufacturing markets.

Under the agreement, APR will provide technical expertise, recyclability assessment tools, training programs and design-for-recycling guidance developed to improve packaging recyclability and strengthen demand for post-consumer recycled content. As North America’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to plastics recycling, APR has played a leading role in developing recycling design standards used by packaging producers and brand owners.

ANIPAC, which has represented Mexico’s plastics industry since 1961, will leverage its extensive network across the plastics supply chain, including resin producers, recyclers, machinery manufacturers, distributors and converters. The association will also support the adoption of internationally recognized recyclability standards to improve industry competitiveness and sustainability.

APR President and CEO Steve Alexander emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, noting that harmonized technical standards and coordinated recycling infrastructure are critical to advancing plastics circularity across North America.

ANIPAC President Benjamín del Arco described the agreement as a strategic step toward enhancing both the competitiveness and environmental performance of Mexico’s plastics sector. He noted that adopting internationally aligned recyclability guidelines can help companies develop more efficient packaging solutions while responding to evolving regulatory and market expectations.

As part of the collaboration, the two organizations will facilitate exchanges of technical and regulatory knowledge, support joint projects, deliver specialized training and promote packaging design practices that improve recyclability within Mexico’s collection and recycling systems.

The partnership comes as governments, manufacturers and recyclers across the region face increasing pressure to improve waste management systems, increase recycled content usage and align with emerging sustainability regulations. Industry stakeholders increasingly view harmonized recyclability standards as essential for creating more efficient recycling systems and supporting international trade in recycled materials.

By strengthening cooperation between recycling and manufacturing sectors in both countries, APR and ANIPAC aim to accelerate the adoption of circular economy principles and support the development of more sustainable plastics markets throughout Mexico and North America.

Source: Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: APR and ANIPAC have launched a strategic partnership to align recyclability standards, strengthen recycling infrastructure and advance circular plastics solutions across Mexico and the broader North American market.