Anja Siegesmund leaves the BDE
Change of leadership at the BDE: Executive President Anja Siegesmund hands over her office to Vice President Matthias Harms on 31 January 2026.
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There are not collection points for plastic everywhere. In Mexico, Alpla supports the collection and recycling of plastic waste by accepting PET bottles for a fee. The company's vans also drive to locations without collection points.
PET plastic bottles are also a commodity after use - whether for reuse or incineration as a source of energy. However, the Global return rates for used PET bottles varyWhile 97 per cent of beverage plastic is collected and disposed of in Germany, this figure is only 28 per cent in the USA. Mexico is in the middle of the field with 59 per cent - 2 per cent above the figure for the European Union. Plastic returns also vary within the country itself. Mexico City has a collection rate of 96 per cent, outside the urban centres it is just 12 per cent in some places.
The packaging manufacturer Alpla is actively involved in the recycling of plastic. In Mexico, through its association with local recycling companies, the joint ventures IMER (Industria Mexicana de Reciclaje, S.A. de C.V.) and PLANETA (Planta Nueva Ecología de Tabasco S.A. de C.V.). About the Paid acceptance of used PET bottles Alpla supports the collection of this useful plastic. This provides individuals, families or neighbourhood associations - known as „Socios Acopiadores“ - with a source of income.
Even in rural regions, which rarely have plastic collection points, the company sends its own plastic collection centres. Lorries that collect the recyclables from the local Socios Acopiadores. In this way, Alpla replaces the missing disposal structures and at the same time creates a financial incentive for the conscious handling of recyclable plastic.
Recyclable, cost-effective and practical to handle - PET bottles are the most common form of packaging for drinks due to their advantages. And therefore also ensure the potential to collect worthwhile quantities. The Collecting ensures earnings and reduces plastic waste at the same time.
In addition to the paid acceptance of the plastic, Alpla supports the Socios Acopiadores in commercial matters, helps with invoicing, bank accounts and the tax office. The recyclers can also pay their collectors by cheque or bank transfer. All the basis for an organised existence. With its commitment, Alpla combines social and ecological issues directly on site - and turns the PET bottle into an object of sustainable behaviour.
Source: Alpla
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