Sustainable Projects Creating Green Jobs and Attracting Investment
In Mexico, the circular economy has evolved from a lofty concept to a strategy with tangible economic and environmental impact. Matilde Saldívar, Director of The Green Expo, highlighted that the country is at a turning point following the approval in 2023 of Mexico City’s Circular Economy Law and the implementation of programs like Ciudad Circular: Basura Cero.
“In Azcapotzalco, a plant for transfer and selection has been established, processing between 1,000 and 1,400 tons of daily waste while generating skilled jobs. This demonstrates that circularity is a real industry with the potential to scale,” Saldívar emphasized.
Well-being Poles: Innovation with Incentives
Starting in 2025, Well-being Poles have emerged as strategic nodes to attract private investment, recycling projects, clean energies, and waste valorization. These spaces offer tax benefits and governance aligned with environmental policies.
“These are points where public policies turn into scalable projects, bringing together businesses, academia, and government,” she explained.
International projections position Mexico as one of the countries with the greatest capacity to generate up to 4.8 million green jobs by 2030, primarily in waste management, material innovation, bioeconomy, and remanufacturing.
“These jobs involve new skills, opening opportunities for SMEs, communities, and large corporations. Mexico can become a regional reference if it supports financing and training,” Saldívar asserted.
Four Industries with the Greatest Impact
- Construction: Recycling construction debris into new concrete reduces costs and emissions.
- Packaging and Plastics: Mexico recovers 63% of post-consumer PET, positioning itself as a regional leader.
- Agroindustry: Sugarcane bagasse provides over 90% of the country’s bioenergy.
- Energy and Mobility: Recycling batteries and green hydrogen open new value chains.
Regional estimates suggest that circular processes could contribute up to $621 billion annually in savings and efficiencies. “Transforming waste into opportunities is not just an environmental issue, but also one of competitiveness,” Saldívar stressed.
Challenges to Overcome
Saldívar identified three main obstacles: uneven infrastructure in the country, lack of clear and verifiable rules, and a cultural challenge: “Companies still need to stop viewing circularity as an expense and embrace it as a strategy for competing in more demanding markets.”
Examples of progress include composting programs, recycling construction debris, and the expansion of Ecobici—which doubled its trips in a year and reduced emissions. “The circular economy in Mexico is advancing, but it requires scaling, coordination, and partnerships between the public, private, and citizen sectors to solidify its long-term economic and environmental role,” Saldívar concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Mexico’s shift towards a circular economy? The circular economy in Mexico has evolved from a concept to a strategy with real-world impact, creating green jobs and attracting investment.
- How are Well-being Poles contributing to the circular economy? These strategic nodes attract private investment in recycling projects, clean energies, and waste valorization while offering tax benefits and governance aligned with environmental policies.
- Which industries are most impacted by the circular economy in Mexico? Construction, packaging and plastics, agroindustry, and energy and mobility sectors are significantly impacted by circular processes.
- What are the projected benefits of a circular economy in Mexico? The circular economy could generate up to 4.8 million green jobs by 2030 and contribute $621 billion annually in savings and efficiencies.
- What challenges does Mexico face in implementing a circular economy? Mexico faces uneven infrastructure, lack of clear regulations, and a cultural shift needed to view circularity as a strategic advantage rather than an expense.
