Partnering to Address Child Labor in Mexico

Our partner in Mexico, PetStar — the world’s largest food-grade PET recycling plant — developed a social inclusion model, “Modelo de Acopio Inclusivo Petstar (MAIP),” focused on respecting human rights and preventing child labor in the collection value chain. Through the MAIP framework, PetStar established strategic partnerships with NGOs in vulnerable areas to support families through education, psychological support, nutrition, and medical attention, which contributed to the well-being of over 1,400 children in 2022. 

“I have collected all my life. I put on my comfortable shoes, take my bag and start collecting. I am at ease working because I know that they take care of [my children] and feed them [at the Centro de Desarrollo Comunitario in Chimalhuacán]. It has helped me and my children a lot.”

ADRIANA MALAGA ALMAZÁN, Waste Collector and mother, Mexico

“At PetStar, we recognize the importance of tackling the root causes of child labor by engaging the whole family on the importance of education. Through our Inclusive Collection Model, we aim to address the daily hurdles of waste workers and to improve the quality of their life and their children.”

CARLOS MENDIETA, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, PetStar