Polystyrene Recycling Alliance Backs R3vira to Scale Community Recycling in Mexico City

The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance has entered a strategic collaboration with Mexico City-based recycler R3vira to expand collection and recycling of polystyrene and expanded polystyrene across the capital, aiming to demonstrate scalable, community-driven solutions for materials long considered difficult to recycle, the organizations said in a joint announcement.

The partnership aligns with the alliance’s broader effort to strengthen circular economy pathways for polystyrene in North America by pairing collection systems with reliable end markets. Observers note that while demand for recycled content is rising, gaps in local infrastructure have continued to limit recovery rates for polystyrene, particularly in dense urban centers.

Under the agreement, R3vira will double the capacity of its “peque-ruta” micro-route collection network from 12 to 24 active routes by 2026. The expansion is expected to increase recovery of high-impact polystyrene and expanded polystyrene across Mexico City, which spans 16 boroughs and is the largest metropolitan area in North America.

Polystyrene recycling has historically lagged behind other plastics due to low density, contamination challenges and inconsistent end markets. Industry groups argue that targeted investments in densification, logistics and workforce development can overcome those barriers when paired with closed-loop processing. Analysts say Mexico City’s scale makes it a critical test case for whether localized collection models can deliver commercially viable volumes.

Funding from the alliance will support new densification equipment, expanded warehouse space and workforce training, strengthening R3vira’s operations citywide. Through an existing partnership with resin producer Resirene, recovered material will be processed into FDA-approved recycled polystyrene resin for use in new packaging, creating what the partners describe as a fully closed-loop system.

Justin Riney, chair of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance, said the collaboration reflects a focus on practical infrastructure that meets communities where they are. Industry observers note that such approaches are gaining traction as brands and policymakers seek measurable recycling outcomes rather than pilot-scale demonstrations.

R3vira founder Martha Melesio said the investment builds on collection systems developed over the past five years and will enable higher recovery volumes while supporting stable local employment. Analysts add that linking recycling expansion with job creation has become an important factor in securing long-term community participation.

The initiative underscores a growing industry view that polystyrene circularity depends less on material substitution and more on aligning collection, processing and end-market demand. If successful, the model could inform similar efforts across other major cities in North America and Latin America.

Source: Plastics Industry Association

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The PSRA–R3vira partnership aims to prove that with targeted infrastructure and end markets, polystyrene recycling can scale effectively in large urban communities.