Recyclability Traffic Light
Taking care of our planet by taking action is in our hands
What is
Recyclability?
Recyclability is the ability of a material or product to be collected, processed and transformed into a new useful product, without losing its original value or quality in the process. This concept implies that a material must meet certain technical and environmental criteria to be effectively reincorporated into the production cycle, thus reducing the demand for virgin resources and reducing the waste sent to landfills.
Recyclability Traffic Light
The Recyclability Traffic Light classifies materials into three categories, each identified with a color that reflects the degree of recyclability and the recycling infrastructure available in Mexico:
GREEN
Recyclable materials under common environmental conditions, with a widely available recycling infrastructure in the country.
AMBER
Materials that can be recycled only in certain conditions or locations, due to the limited availability of collection and infrastructure.
RED
Non-recyclable materials, with poor collection and available infrastructure; in these cases, it is recommended to choose other materials, if possible.
The Recycle-Tips® program introduces an innovating labeling system called “Recyclability Traffic Light". This system provides consumers with clear and accurate information on the recyclability of materials, based on post-consumer criteria and the availability of collection and infrastructure in Mexico.
As an harmonized system, the Recyclability Traffic Light can be applied to all types of materials, providing a consistent reference for responsible waste management.
Recyclability criteria
Recycling programs may vary depending on geographic location and local recycling systems.
Recyclability of Materials with Green, Amber and Red Light
GREEN
SUITABLE
✓ PLASTICS - FOSSIL SOURCES
PET (bottles), HDPE (bottles and bags), PP (containers)
✓ PLASTICS – BIO-BASED PLASTICS.
PE (rigid), PET (bottles)
✓ FIBERS
Paper (white, mixed, bags), Caple cardboard (boxes), Corrugated cardboard (boxes), Moulded fibre (trays), Tetra Pak
✓ METALS
Aluminum (regular can or can spray), Tin (regular can or can spray).
✓ GLASS
Clear, Amber, Green
AMBER
LESS SUITABLE
✓ PLASTICS - FOSSIL SOURCES PET (polyester), LDPE (containers and tubes), PS (rigid), ABS (rigid)
✓ PLASTICS – BIO-BASED PLASTICS.
PE (flexible), PET (polyester)
✓ INDUSTRIAL COMPOST
PLA (flexible)
✓ FIBERS
Cardboard (multilayer)
✓ GLASS
Blue
RED
NOT SUITABLE
× PLASTICS - FOSSIL SOURCES PET (colored bottles and trays), PETG (flexible), PP (flexible), PC (rigid), PVC (bottles or flexible), PVDC (flexible), Plastic 7 - Other (multilayer or rigid)
× PLASTICS - BIO-BASED
PE (flexible
× Any type of bioplastics alloys and plastics of fossil origin having different physical and chemical properties.
The Recyclability Traffic Light is dynamic and is updated according to the growth of the infrastructure developed for this purpose in the country.
Widely Recyclable
Product packaging labeled with green stamps from the Recicla-Tips® program has a recovery and collection plan in place, ensuring its reuse through a widely available recycling infrastructure in the country.
GREEN Stamp
The green stamp of the Recicla-Tips® program identifies packaging that is recyclable under common conditions, supported by a well-established infrastructure in Mexico. It represents corporate commitment to sustainable materials and facilitates responsible choices to reduce waste.
Recyclable Materials
PET / PET G (bottle) | HDPE (bottle, cap, spout) | LDPE (flexible) | PP (rigid, bottle, scoop) | PAPER (white) | CARDBOARD (coated, standard) | LAMINATED CARDBOARD | ALUMINUM (can, aerosol can) | TINPLATE (can, aerosol can) | GLASS (clear, amber, green)
Check Locally
Product packaging labeled with amber stamps from the Recicla-Tips® program is recyclable under specific conditions. These materials require a limited collection and recycling infrastructure or are only processed in certain areas of the country, highlighting the importance of checking local recycling options.
AMBER Stamp
The amber stamp of the Recicla-Tips® program identifies packaging with limited recyclability in Mexico. Its reuse depends on specialized infrastructure or proper separation practices. It encourages consumers and businesses to promote improvements in recycling.
Materials That Require Local Verification
HDPE (flexible) | PVC (tube) | PP (flexible) | PC (rigid, CD) | ABS (rigid) | PE/PP (multi-layer flexible) | PAPERBOARD (multilayer, molded fiber) | GLASS (blue, mixed) | PP/PE/EVOH (film) | BOPP (label) | PP (label)
NOT Recyclable
Product packaging labeled with red stamps from the Recicla-Tips® program lacks the necessary infrastructure for recovery and recycling in the country. These materials are highly di cult to process, so reducing their use and seeking more sustainable alternatives is recommended.
RED Stamp
