Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler globally by sales volume, has reiterated its dedication to sustainability and the circular economy with a focus on recycling initiatives. The company is promoting SUSTENTAPET, a platform aimed at transforming PET recycling in Latin America.
Julio César Sánchez, Collection Director at Coca-Cola FEMSA, stated: “At Coca-Cola FEMSA, we create the future by reaffirming our commitment to contribute to the circular economy through innovation, with a focus on sustainable design, reuse, and recycling of our packaging.”
SUSTENTAPET aspires to be the largest PET collection network in Latin America. It currently operates across countries where Coca-Cola FEMSA is active and includes 43 strategically located PET collection centers. This infrastructure supports local markets alongside 38 collaborative projects and employs 550 direct employees.
In 2024 alone, SUSTENTAPET collected over 118,500 tons of PET throughout the region. Julio César Sánchez noted that their PET collection rate was 34% during this period. He emphasized that “the bottle’s journey doesn’t end with collection; it gains a new life through recycling.”
The initiative collaborates with partners like IMER and PLANETA to convert used bottles into high-quality recycled PET resin for manufacturing new bottles. Over 100,000 tons of recycled PET resin were incorporated into bottle production in 2024.
SUSTENTAPET also focuses on collaboration with collectors. In Colombia’s “Reciclaje Motocargueros” program, motorized cargo vehicles were provided to 240 collectors to enhance their operational conditions.
Since 2002, Coca-Cola FEMSA has worked with Mexican NGO ECOCE to build a robust PET market in Mexico, achieving a collection rate of 64%.
On World Recycling Day, Coca-Cola FEMSA encourages society to engage in waste management practices such as separation at home and work for a sustainable future.
