He assured that although "not all Mexican plastic companies will be able to immediately access the automotive supply market, the benefit will be gradual".

Last year alone the demand for auto parts of this material increased, so the market reported a growth level of about 10% compared to 2011, coupled with the fact that Mexican manufacturing plants offer better quality products worldwide with prices 20% cheaper than those manufactured in the United States.

Therefore, the business organization expects the plastics sector to grow at rates above 6% in 2013, "which is equivalent to almost double the estimated GDP growth, due to the dynamism and momentum of other industries that incorporate this material in their production chains, such as the automotive, chemical, packaging, construction and agricultural industries.

He explained that unfortunately this sector depends on foreign imports, since 50% of the total demand is imported, which in 2012 reached 6.1 million tons of plastic.

As of November 2012, the latest official data available, resin imports reached 3 thousand 738 million dollars (mdd) and foreign sales reached 1 thousand 585 md, resulting in a trade balance deficit of 2 thousand 153 mdd.

In terms of recycling, he acknowledged that although there has been an average annual growth of 8%, today 780 thousand tons of plastics are recycled, which is equivalent to almost 13% of national consumption.

The rest, which is the majority, is destined for landfills or other uses.

I assure that with changes in clear policies for the recycling market, it is possible that in 15 or 20 years, Mexico could be recycling 60% of solid plastic waste.

According to Anipac statistics, the current value of the plastics market is 47,530 billion pesos, equivalent to 2.7% of the manufacturing GDP and 0.5% of the national GDP.

Domestic plastic production reached 4.7 million tons, of which 24% were for bags and films; 24% for auto parts; and 12% for bottles.

The packaging sector plays an important role in the growth of this industry, said Del Cueto, since last year nearly 3 million tons were consumed, equivalent to 50% of national consumption.

Source: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/906433.html