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.
- DiDi Shop plans to extend compostable bag adoption to merchant partners on its platform next year.
- DiDi Shop operates 13,000 active stores in Mexico, including 6,500 small and medium-sized businesses.
- DiDi's wider sustainability plan includes adding 6,000 electric vehicles.
- DiDi is adding 20,000 electric bicycles and 10,000 electric motorcycles to its Latin American delivery fleet