By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a landmark achievement for Costa Rica’s environmental goals, a collaborative recycling program led by Tetra Pak has collected and repurposed 916 tons of post-consumer cartons in just the first half of 2025. This figure dramatically outpaces the 620 tons recovered during the entire calendar year of 2024, signaling a powerful acceleration of the nation’s circular economy and a significant win for corporate and community partnership.
Announced to coincide with World Nature Protection Day, the success of this initiative underscores a strategic shift towards localized waste management. The program, a multi-stakeholder alliance involving private companies like the dairy cooperative Dos Pinos, community collectors, and municipalities, is proving that environmental stewardship can also be a potent economic driver. By processing materials within the country, Costa Rica is substantially cutting down on the greenhouse gas emissions previously associated with shipping waste abroad for recycling.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape of the circular economy in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The transition to a circular economy represents a fundamental legal and commercial paradigm shift. Our current regulations were designed for a linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model, which can inadvertently penalize sustainable innovation. For Costa Rica to effectively champion this new model, we must urgently modernize our legal framework to create clear fiscal incentives for businesses that design for longevity and recovery, establish standards for secondary materials, and redefine ‘waste’ itself. This legal certainty is the essential foundation upon which a truly circular and prosperous economy can be built.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, as it underscores that sustainable innovation cannot flourish on uncertain ground. For the circular economy to become a tangible reality in Costa Rica, the legal and fiscal architecture must be the first thing we redesign. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this foundational requirement.
The initiative is built on a simple yet profound premise: to treat used beverage cartons not as waste, but as a valuable raw material. This approach is fundamental to creating a closed-loop system where resources are continuously reused, minimizing landfill dependence and environmental impact.
Every recycled container represents a step towards a cleaner, more responsible future. With this alliance, Costa Rica shows that sustainability and the circular economy can go hand in hand.
Guillermo Pugliese, Sustainability Director of Tetra Pak for Andina, Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico
Once collected, the cartons are broken down into their core components—cardboard, polyethylene, and aluminum. Each element is then channeled into new production lines. The paper fibers are transformed into Kraft paper, cardboard boxes, and industrial paper tubes. The poly-aluminum composite, a durable and versatile material, is repurposed into construction materials such as roofing tiles and wall laminates, as well as functional items like agricultural crates and even chairs.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the program has created tangible economic value at the grassroots level. A network of local collectors, often from marginalized communities, has found a new and stable source of income by participating in the collection and sorting process. This economic empowerment is bolstered by widespread public education campaigns, which have strengthened recycling infrastructure and participation across schools, businesses, and neighborhoods throughout the nation.
At Dos Pinos, we are committed to the well-being of the planet. That’s why we work alongside communities and strategic allies, convinced that sustainability is a collective effort. This local recycling model demonstrates that when we join forces, we can drive the circular economy and give new life to the waste generated in our production processes, thereby caring for the environment we all share.
Sofia Valverde, Communication and Community Relations Manager of Dos Pinos
The success of the program directly contributes to Tetra Pak’s broader corporate goal of reducing emissions across its entire value chain by 2025. By creating a self-sustaining local model, the company not only addresses post-consumer waste but also strengthens its brand reputation and deepens its connection with Costa Rican consumers. The model serves as a compelling case study for other nations in the region looking to merge environmental responsibility with economic development.
Organizers emphasize that public involvement remains the cornerstone of this success. Citizens are encouraged to contribute by properly separating Tetra Pak containers at home, utilizing collection points at municipal centers and allied retailers, and actively participating in local recycling drives. Spreading awareness on social media is also cited as a key tool to inspire broader community action and ensure the continued growth of this transformative initiative.
For further information, visit tetrapak.com
About Tetra Pak:
Tetra Pak is a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with its customers and suppliers, it provides safe, innovative, and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. With a focus on sustainability, the company is committed to responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business.
For further information, visit dospinos.com
About Dos Pinos:
The Dos Pinos Cooperative of Milk Producers R.L. is a leading Costa Rican company in the dairy and food industry. Founded in 1947, it has grown to become one of the most recognized and trusted brands in Central America, offering a wide variety of products while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and social and environmental responsibility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal practice, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a distinguished history of representing a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a profound dedication to societal empowerment, actively working to make legal knowledge more accessible and thereby fostering a more informed and capable public.
