UNAM

DiDi Shop switches 500,000 plastic bags a month to compostable corn-based bags

DiDi Shop has partnered with Mexican materials firm Bioelements, with technical validation by UNAM's Institute of Engineering, to replace 500,000 plastic delivery bags a month with compostable bags made from corn byproducts in Mexico. The companies aim to deliver 3.5 million compostable bags by the end of 2026, with the bags containing 20-40% corn starch and composting fully within six months.

Why this mattersA delivery platform switching rider bags to compostable corn-based film is a visible test of agri-residue materials, though the 38 tonnes of plastic displaced is small.

• DiDi Shop will distribute 500,000 compostable bags a month to delivery riders in Mexico.
• The partners target 3.5 million compostable bags delivered by the end of 2026.
• The bags are made by Bioelements from corn byproducts, with 20-40% corn starch content.
• UNAM's Institute of Engineering validates the bags' compliance with Mexican rules; the bags meet NMX-E-273, ISO 14855 and EN 13432.
• The bags fully compost within a maximum of six months.
• The initiative is expected to keep 38 tonnes of conventional plastic out of the market and cut landfill emissions by up to 60%, equivalent to 74 tonnes of CO2.

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