Can you provide us with an update on Acoplásticos’ activities in 2025?

2025 has been very active for us, with our focus on Colombia’s single-use plastic regulation. Additionally, we have advanced work in the extended producer responsibility scheme, which establishes compulsory recycling targets. We support the sector in adapting to these ongoing and future changes, as provisions within these regulations become progressively more stringent. We are collaborating with the government to establish clear criteria concerning biodegradable materials, certifications, and traceability that ensure product compliance with the law. What initiatives has Acoplásticos been working on this year?

We are providing support in the ecological design of packaging, enabling companies to obtain the Loop certification, created by ICIPC, the plastics and rubber research and training institute, which certifies a product’s recyclability and the amount of recycled material it contains. Other Acoplásticos initiatives include a campaign to inform the population on correct plastic disposal methods, organizing cleaning and awareness campaigns, and Go Plastic, which aims to stimulate plastic recycling entrepreneurship. Additionally, Plas-TIC is our sector observatory, and we will shortly be launching an e-learning platform, PoliSkills. Finally, we are also very active in looking for new export destinations to boost the sector. Which sectors under Acoplásticos’ umbrella are on the rise?

The market is demonstrating stability in 2025, after downturns during the pandemic and quick rebounds afterwards. The average growth for plastics since 2019-2024 stands at 4-5%. The chemical sector experienced a 2% decline, and the rubber sector fell by 11% in 2024. However, this year, figures are considerably more favorable, with chemicals growing by 11.6% in Q1 and plastic products expanding by 3.4%. The manufacturing industry in Colombia is growing 1.8%, underpinning the robustness of the sector. For both the preceding and current year, the growth in plastic materials and products has been primarily driven by exports. How exposed is Colombia’s plastics sector to potential US tariffs?

Brazil remains our primary market for petrochemical exports, accounting for more than 50%, followed by the rest of the Latin American region and the US. For plastic products, the US is the main destination, representing up to 25% of exports. Importantly, there is no singular dependency on the US market for the broader chemical and plastics industry.

While tariffs could negatively impact the sector, they might also present an opportunity, depending on the relative level of tariffs compared with competitor countries. Conversely, the sector could also be affected if the Colombian government were to retaliate by imposing tariffs on US imports, given our significant reliance on plastic material imports from there. What are the adaptation strategies to be put in place if supply lines are affected by geopolitical tensions?

Petrochemical production is available from a diverse range of countries. While the U.S. is our main partner in this regard, suppliers from Middle Eastern and Asian countries also constitute viable sources for these commodities. Regarding exports, the options are even more diverse. How has Colombia’s single-use plastic law impacted the sector?

The first products subject to the law's restrictions include plastic bags, stirrers, and straws. Focusing on plastic bags, which represent the largest segment, they are now permitted only if made from biodegradable materials, 100% recycled plastic, or designed for reusability. Consequently, the number of bag producers has declined by 61%, indicating a noticeable impact.

However, looking at the circular economy segment, the investment in plastic recycling capacity in Colombia has reached a remarkable US$150 million over the last three years. For instance, Colombia’s largest PET recycler has doubled its capacity, and the second largest has tripled its capacity. Significantly, alongside Brazil, we are currently the only country in Latin America actively engaged in chemical recycling. This demonstrates how this legislation has also driven innovation and investment in sustainable practices. What are the sector trends for the future?

Key trends encompass endeavors such as implementing more efficient machinery, robust emissions mitigation strategies, ensuring zero pellet loss into the environment, and embracing Industry 4.0 technologies. Regarding the product itself, its recyclability and that of its constituent materials are increasingly critical issues.

In Colombia, a key area for improvement involves strengthening waste management systems, which were historically designed primarily for landfill disposal. Currently, approximately 80% of our waste ends up in landfills. Reverting this situation is crucial to further spur the circular economy within the sector.