Packaging accounted for 48% of total plastic production in the country in 2018, according to the Mexican Association of Packaging (AMEE). However, less than 3% of plastics produced in Mexico are recycled, according to SEMARNAT (the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources). These plastics end up in landfills, sewers, causing serious flooding problems, in the sea, and even in the air we breathe.
Although we increasingly see the trend of packaging labeled as ‘Biodegradable,’ it is important to know which states in Mexico have actually incorporated this into their environmental protection laws, when this happened, and what the solution is.
Durango
In Durango, since late 2018, Article 96 Bis of the Law on Sustainable Environmental Management for the State of Durango has banned low-density polyethylene, linear polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, plastic polymer, and any of their derivatives in supermarkets, convenience stores, self-service stores, markets, and other businesses. Furthermore, Article 96 of the same law promotes the use of biodegradable materials for packaging used for the marketing of goods and consumer products.
Quintana Roo
According to Article 22 of the Law for the Prevention, Comprehensive Management, and Circular Economy of Waste in the State of Quintana Roo, published on June 18, 2019, containers for beverages and plastic rings for containers are prohibited. Furthermore, the law subjects producers, packers, marketers, importers, exporters, and/or distributors of containers and packaging to present an Extended Responsibility Plan, according to Article 24 of the same law.
Although the regulations for this recent law have not yet been published in the Official Gazette of Quintana Roo, these prohibitions have been in effect throughout the state since June 18, 2020.
Zacatecas
According to Article 55 of the Law on Solid Waste for the State of Zacatecas, updated on March 23, 2013, the use of plastic packaging is only allowed if it has been produced with materials that allow for their biodegradation. Furthermore, technical verification of this quality is required. This measure has been in effect since March 24, 2013.
This state not only prohibits non-biodegradable packaging but also requires technical verification of biodegradability, a requirement that few states in Mexico impose.
Michoacán
According to Article 24 of the Regulations for the Handling and Comprehensive Management of Solid Waste for the Municipality of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, published on April 1, 2019, the use of single-use petroleum-derived plastic and foam plastic (polystyrene) packaging for the transport or delivery of products or food is strictly prohibited in the municipality of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, starting from August 2019.
The only permitted packaging is that made of materials that are reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable, aiming for proper disposal of solid waste that is difficult to degrade, according to Articles 25 and 26 of the same regulation.
What is the solution for companies facing these prohibitions?
Since most of these states, except Michoacán, prohibit the use of recyclable materials and focus on accepting only biodegradable or quickly degradable materials, there is growing research and studies worldwide to find a solution to companies’ growing need to comply with their state’s regulations. This is where companies like Green Team México® come into play, commercializing bax® shrink film, a film that looks quite similar to conventional plastic film but with the exception of being proven to be biodegradable in organic waste in the same time as an orange peel – 22 days – and biodegradable in seawater, freshwater, soil, in high solid waste content, and in landfills. Its composting certification under the European standard EN 13432 with registration number 7P0910 certifies bax® shrink film to meet the following International ASTM Standards: ASTM D 5271 (Biodegradation in Freshwater), ASTM D 5988 (Biodegradation in Soil), ASTM D 6691 (Biodegradation in Seawater), ASTM D 5511 (Anaerobic Digestion in High Solids Content), ASTM D 5526 (Accelerated Landfill Test). Due to its eco-design, bax® shrink film is made from Polivitalio®, a material that is revolutionizing the world, making it the best choice for companies facing these new regulations for the benefit of the health of the Mexican population through environmental care.
bax® shrink film complies with the regulations now required in Durango, Michoacán, Quintana Roo, and Zacatecas, and that industries operating in these states need to adhere to.
Where can you get it?
bax® shrink film is marketed and tailored by Green Team México®, available here.
#WithBaxLet’sSaveOurFuture
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