Latin America's largest consumer of cola - Mexico continues to attract interest in various other applications for PET packaging too including for edible oil, personal care and wine. 

Despite soda tax that was enacted two years ago that led to a drop in the country’s soft drink consumption, stakeholders in the PET value chain are still hopeful of higher returns from the country. “PET maker DAK Americas expects GDP-level demand growth in Mexico this year, while seeing more of its volume move from carbonated soft drinks to bottled water.” ~ Plastics News, 18/3/2016

Several LATAM countries are introducing PET packaging into other food categories – and going beyond the conventional ‘PET for water and cola’. For instance, “Sidel collaborated with Algar Agro of Brazil to produce what’s said to be the world’s lightest 900-ml PET bottle for edible oil.” (~ Plastics Technology, August 2016) Grupo LALA – Mexico’s milk brand owner, this year introduced a product line – LALA 100 in the country that is the first production line of packaged milk in PET for Mexico and Central America.

Meanwhile PET recycling market is in murky waters as cheaper virgin resins make a comeback given the drop in oil prices. What does it mean for PET recyclers in LATAM? 

According to a study by Euromonitor International, Mexico is a principal consumer of packaged solid water worldwide and holds the fourth place in consumption of soft drinks with consumption of 28,453 liters every year and a consumption of 137 liters per year for person respectively.

Mexico is also a leader in recycling with 50% of all recycled PET in the Americas, ahead of the USA (31%), as per – ECOCE. There are 15 PET recycling companiesin the country and a total capacity of 300,000 tons a year, an investment of US314 million dollars annually. Near 50% of the recycled PET is food degree, according to the association.  What is the future of recycling in Mexico? What other applications will be recycled?

Who are the brand owners vying for new brand packaging image in the LATAM region? How will the LATAM PET industry perform next year? What are the recycling developments and trends to produce more sustainable packaging? How are consumer trends and disposable income influencing the industry? CMT’s annual 14th LAPET once again sited in Mexico City brings together panel of industry leaders to help you  gain insight on the growth in the key applications as well as demand supply balance of the region’s PET resin production and trade.

Extensive Networking & Vital Sessions by:

• Nestlé México shares the company’s success stories in sustainability
  
• Former PepsiCo's expert on Winning Designs & Packaging Innovations 
  
• PCI Wood Mackenzie gives insight on Global PET outlook and the LATAM region including Feedstock concerns
  
• Vinmar Plastichem spells out resin logistics and trade dynamics in a fast moving market
  
• Recycling Roundtable: Making PET containers more sustainable in a circular economy 
  
• Morphoplast on new recycling projects in Mexico in polyester fiber
  
• Graham Packaging shares technological advancements in ‘Light PET Containers’
  
• Find out from Zuliana del PET about ‘PET bottles for artisan beer in Venezuela and LATAM’
  
• Piovan México showcases technological advancements in ‘Integrated PET processing’
  
• Petainer layouts the Unique Solutions for large PET kegs and water bottles in LATAM
  
• Netstal's Mulituse System – Flexibility in today’s preform production
  
• Amcor Rigid Plastics on ‘Lightweight hot fill PET containers’ 
  
• Plastipak Packaging on the developments in PET based aerosol, regulations and market response
  
• Frigel highlights ‘Technological restructuring of existing plants of Refrigeration in processes of PET and Beverages’ 

Register today for this annual must attend meeting of key PET value chain buyers and sellers in the Latin America Region. Attend to strengthen your strategy and grow your market share. Register with your team today to enjoy group discount! For more information, contact tanya@cmtsp.com.sg