Mexican charity creates largest bottle cap mosaic with one TON of tiny plastic lids
Up close, they just look like your everyday bottle cap – something that would attach to the top of a plastic water bottle or soda that you’d buy at the store.
But if you zoom out, the dozens of colourful caps melt into one clear image of a smiling face and a giant heart, as an aesthetically stunning and environmentally friendly tribute to those with disabilities.
Created by "Fundación Simi", the charitable arm of Fundación Farmacias Similares (Mexico), the organization wanted to prove their dedication to providing medical, social, and humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities across Mexico.
So they recruited hundreds of volunteers, families, staff members, and partner organizations (including Banco de Tapitas A.C., SimiREDI, AYUDAPI, and ITYC) to collaborate on the largest bottle cap mosaic (image) to show their visual support for those impacted by disabilities and childhood cancer.
Together, the team assembled two huge mosaics of the Farmacias Similares smiling-face logo and a wheelchair with a giant heart, using over one TON of plastic bottle caps to arrange the 12,957.06 sq ft (1,203.75 sq m) piece of art.
The event was held at the Polideportivo Valle de Chalco in Mexico on 8 December, and it was actually the second attempt for the organization, who used their initial experience to improve their execution and fully align with the approved design.
Yet after the volunteers spent hours installing the art with precision, coordination, and a shared sense of purpose, the final piece was even better than anyone could have expected – offering a clear visual identity, precise proportions, and a continuous mosaic background, as well as fulfilling every technical requirement established by Guinness World Records.
“It was inspiring to witness such an organized and dedicated effort,” said Adjudicator Susana Reyes, who was witnessing the attempt. “The team delivered a precise and fully compliant installation, supported by strong community participation and flawless execution.
“This achievement demonstrates the meaningful impact that coordinated social action can create.”
By the time a certified topographic engineer was able to confirm that they had taken the record from Khulood Alfadli, Savola Food, and the Jeddah Municipality (all Saudi Arabia), the crowd was thrilled to find out that their hard work had reflected Farmacias Similares’ broader social mission.
Their use of one ton of plastic bottle caps prevented the emission of 1,330 kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, and by spreading awareness for disabilities, they were able to raise funds for dozens of health services for afflicted people.
And as it stands, the resulting mosaic serves as a testament to how coordinated community action can generate measurable, positive impact.
“This achievement is not only an exceptional accomplishment; it is a testament to the power of collective will when we work toward a greater purpose,” the organization said on Instagram.
“Each bottle cap represents an act of solidarity that will become support for people with disabilities, medical treatments, and a meaningful contribution to protecting our environment.”
They also added: “We deeply thank all the people and communities who enthusiastically joined this cause.
“Today we demonstrated that when Mexico unites, it can leave a mark that goes beyond numbers and records: a mark that changes lives.”
So congratulations to everyone that took part in this incredible attempt – you are Officially Amazing!