Sustainability Insights #09

Packaging waste is a growing concern in the EU, with an average of 188.7 kg per person in 2021. To address this issue, Spain has introduced the “Royal Decree 1055/2022,” aligning with EU directives and implementing significant regulations. One of the most impactful changes is the new labeling obligations set to begin on January 1, 2025, aimed at improving recycling and waste management. These changes require packaging to clearly indicate disposal methods, making it easier for consumers to recycle correctly and effectively.

New labeling requirements starting in 2025, all packaging in Spain must indicate which waste fraction or containers it should be deposited into. Ecoembes, a member of the Collective Extended Producer Responsibility System (SCRAP), has introduced a new information system for household packaging in response to these requirements:

	For household plastic, metal and carton packaging.
	For house paper and/ or cardboard packaging.
	For compostable packaging.
	For glass packaging.

Key Features of the Royal Decree

• Reusability and Recycling Symbols: Packaging must display symbols indicating reusability and membership in SCRAP, as outlined in Article 21.4.
• Recyclability Information: Recyclable packaging should specify the percentage of recyclability, backed by documented proof.
• Recycled Content Certification: Claims about recycled content must be certified and reviewed every five years.
• Compostable Packaging Standards: Compostable packaging must meet the UNE-EN 13432:2001 standard and include the warning “do not abandon in the environment.”
• Prohibited Terminology: Terms like “Environmentally Friendly” that could encourage improper disposal are forbidden.

Targets for Recycled Plastic Content

Apart from that, the Royal Decree has established the targets regarding the contents of recycled plastic in non-compostable plastic packaging, which the producer shall indicate the percentage of recycled content as mentioned above. The amount of recycled plastic must be certified by an accredited entity to issue certification under the UNE-EN 15343:2008 standard:

Source: Eurostat, Ecoembes User Manual for Companies: Symbol for Recycling Packaging

With the increasing updates in government regulations mandating a minimum percentage of recycled content in products and requiring transparency in disclosures, Retail Brand Owners (RBOs) must proactively integrate more recycled materials into their offerings. To support this initiative, SML provides Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified products that help RBOs comply with these regulatory requirements. 

Our commitment to incorporating recycled materials begins at the initial product design stage. This dedication is reflected in our key production sites, all of which have achieved GRS certification, including our latest milestone in August 2024 with our Sri Lanka facility. Obtaining GRS certification underscores our commitment to SML’s 2030 Sustainability Goals and our adherence to rigorous environmental and social standards. 

What is the Global Recycled Standard?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full-product standard that Textile Exchange manages. It sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled Content, the chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.

The GRS aims to increase the use of recycled materials in products and reduce the harm caused by their production. As part of the certification process, the material composition, such as pre-consumer or post-consumer material and its percentage of recycled content, should be demonstrated with valid documentation proof. This certification allows full traceability throughout the supply chain, from the stages of raw material sourcing to the final product and assures the claimed materials in the final products.

Source: Textile Exchange

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