Initiative
Circular use of materials
About the initiative
We are constantly looking for solutions to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills and reintegrate resources into the production cycle, promoting material circularity. We operate on three fronts: reduction, substitution, and recycling, as well as raising awareness among members of our value chain.
Management
Our material management is mainly focused on the packaging used in the shipping of products sold on the Mercado Libre platform. All of our packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. The cardboard we use is traceable within the value chain, with FSC certification or in the certification process. This guarantees that the product is made under responsible forest management practices. Also, all boxes in our operations now have at least 360% recycled cardboard.
In 2024, we started using bags made with up to 50% recycled plastic in Argentina and Mexico. This helped us increase the recycled content in all of our packaging by 47%. We are also working on diversifying sizes and reducing the weight of boxes and bags to minimize material volume. In Brazil and Mexico, we have reduced the weight of materials by 20% while maintaining quality and performance. We are also making progress on removing plastic filling material, replacing it with certified paper from responsible forestry and/or recycled raw materials.
Reduction
Since 2020, we have been shipping some products in their primary packaging to permanently reduce packaging. This cuts out extra packaging, lowers material usage, and reduces the amount of air shipped in the last mile. This initiative covers our operations in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, impacting 17% (in Mexico) to 29% (in Argentina) of shipments from our distribution centers.
Circularity
At our distribution centers and offices, we have implemented key material recovery programs aiming at reusing resources in new production cycles.
Since 2015, we have advanced a regional recycling program based on on-site waste segregation, and selective waste collection. More than 77% of the materials used in our operations are recovered with the participation of our local partners. Regarding cardboard, particularly in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, the material is recovered and sent for recycling and production of new boxes or cardboard.
We have also implemented a reverse logistics program that conducts a thorough evaluation of each exchanged or returned item, optimizing inventory management and minimizing material waste. Each product is assessed and classified, ensuring its return to the value chain through donation, resale to other businesses, or recycling. Thanks to the program, we have recovered over 90% of all returned products.
Organic waste
In our Brazil headquarters we have two industrial composters that recover approximately 1 ton of organic waste per day, and turn it into fertilizer. The fertilizer is donated to the communal garden programs, through the Coopernatuz Cooperative, which creates jobs for more than 70 people.
Electronic waste
Our program to recover electric and electronic equipment has extended the life cycle of devices that are no longer in use. These are donated to social organizations, such as Fundación Vivienda Digna and Fundación Equidad in Argentina, and La protectora in Chile.
Bringing our environmental initiatives into users' daily lives
To complete this cycle, we want to help consumers dispose of items correctly. To this end, in the main countries where we operate, we have added sustainability messages on the packaging, with a linked website that explains the materials and gives tips on recycling. In Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, we have also included a new feature to the tracking messages to let users know if their package will be delivered in an electric vehicle.
We are always exploring new and innovative packaging technologies to mitigate environmental impacts and improve waste management efficiency.
Main results
100%
Of our packages and packing items are recyclable, reusable or compostable.
100%
Of cardboard sourced from a value chain that is certified or in the process of being certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
Learn more about our initiatives
Sustainable Operations
We have made progress in energy and water efficiency, expanding the use of renewable sources, and managing socio-environmental and climate risks.
Sustainable Mobility
We minimized the impact of logistics operations by expanding the fleet of electric and low-emission fuel vehicles, along with partnerships that enable us to adopt innovative solutions.
