By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the year draws to a close, a period typically marked by increased consumption and waste, global packaging giant Tetra Pak is doubling down on its commitment to sustainability, bolstering the circular economy across Central America and the Caribbean. The company has intensified its efforts to strengthen recycling infrastructure and collection networks, turning post-consumer packaging into a valuable resource that fuels local economies and creates new employment opportunities.
These strategic initiatives are yielding significant results, particularly in Costa Rica. Through its flagship program, “Tu Papel Cuenta” (Your Paper Counts), the company successfully diverted 1,349 tons of post-consumer packaging from landfills for recycling in 2025. This achievement is the culmination of a decade of targeted investments and strategic alliances designed to enhance the collection and processing of used carton packages, marking a tangible step forward in the region’s sustainability journey.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape shaping Costa Rica’s transition to a circular economy, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The circular economy represents a fundamental shift from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model to one of restoration and regeneration. For businesses in Costa Rica, this is not merely a matter of environmental compliance but a strategic imperative. The legal framework is rapidly evolving to incentivize sustainable design, extended producer responsibility, and innovative waste management. Companies that proactively integrate these principles into their core operations will not only mitigate regulatory risk but will also unlock significant competitive advantages and new market opportunities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective powerfully reframes the circular economy from a mere obligation into a proactive strategy for innovation and market leadership. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful analysis, which clarifies how Costa Rican businesses can transform regulatory evolution into a tangible competitive advantage.
The process behind this success is a clear demonstration of the circular economy in action. Collected cartons are transported to specialized processing plants where advanced technology separates the materials. The high-quality paperboard fibers are recovered and repurposed to manufacture new products, such as corrugated cardboard boxes. Meanwhile, the remaining poly-aluminum—a composite of polyethylene and aluminum—is transformed into durable materials used for items like school furniture, roofing, and other construction applications, ensuring that every component of the package is given a second life.
This comprehensive approach does more than just address environmental concerns; it creates a robust value chain with tangible social and economic benefits. The system integrates grassroots collectors, providing them with stable income, and generates employment all along the chain, from collection and transportation to processing and manufacturing. By fostering these local ecosystems, Tetra Pak is helping to build resilient communities while advancing its environmental goals.
The company’s strategy hinges on collaboration with key stakeholders, including municipalities, corporate clients, and the public. By working closely with local governments and businesses, Tetra Pak has been instrumental in promoting proper waste classification and expanding the network of accessible collection points. This collaborative framework is crucial for building a widespread culture of recycling and ensuring a consistent supply of materials for the processing plants.
Guillermo Pugliese, Sustainability Director of Tetra Pak, emphasized that the inherent recyclability of their products is a cornerstone of the company’s value proposition. He highlighted the dual benefits of their recycling programs, which not only preserve natural resources but also stimulate economic activity.
The ability to recycle Tetra Pak® carton packages is a key sustainable feature. Recycling protects the environment and boosts the local economy, strengthening the circular economy.
Guillermo Pugliese, Sustainability Director of Tetra Pak
With the holiday season approaching, a time when household waste generation typically spikes, the “Tu Papel Cuenta” program is ramping up its public awareness campaigns. The initiative encourages citizens to actively participate by sorting their waste materials correctly, thereby reducing their environmental footprint during this high-consumption period. The company invites the public to learn more about proper recycling techniques and locate nearby collection centers through the official Tu Papel Cuenta® online platform.
Looking ahead, Tetra Pak plans to continue its collaborative work with recyclers, municipalities, and end-market manufacturers to further expand collection infrastructure. The objective is to make recycling as convenient as possible for every community, solidifying the circular economy as a sustainable and permanent fixture in the region’s industrial landscape.
For further information, visit tetrapak.com
About Tetra Pak:
Tetra Pak is a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with customers and suppliers, the company 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 strong commitment to responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business, its motto, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD™,” reflects its vision to make food safe and available, everywhere.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished by its profound commitment to principled practice and the highest standards of excellence. The firm draws upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele while pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies and engaging in its social responsibility. At the heart of its mission is a dedication to demystifying the law, striving to build a more capable and informed society through accessible legal knowledge.
