Industrial plastic recycling is a key component in moving toward a sustainable circular economy.

In today’s blog, we discuss data that demonstrates the importance and challenges of this process in the industrial sector.

Spain, a European benchmark with real industrial capacity

Spain leads Europe in installed plastics recycling capacity, with more than 2.2 million tons per year.

Ranked second after Germany and notable for its population per capita.

This industrial infrastructure is crucial for transforming waste into valuable resources within the industry.

Growing domestic recycling: indirect injection into industry

Although the focus is industrial, domestic recycling influences the demand for recycled raw materials.

In 2024, Ecoembes managed the recycling of more than 1.56 million tons of household packaging.

A historic record that represents 5.4% growth compared to 2023.

A historic record that represents 5.4% growth compared to 2023.

These figures demonstrate a social commitment that fuels the industrial recycling cycle.

Sectoral innovation and sustainability on the rise

The Spanish Plastics Industry Strategy strengthens the use of recycled plastic, eco-design, and decarbonization through electrification and renewable energy.

Furthermore, it stands out for promoting both mechanical and chemical processes, and is committed to traceability through technologies such as blockchain.

At the 4th ANARPLA Congress, an installed recycling capacity of 2,227 kt was reported, managed by 160 companies and 185 active facilities.

Government impetus and citizen awareness

Despite progress, the yellow container shows persistent difficulties.

In 2023, only 41.3% of plastic bottles were recycled, well below the target of 70% by 2025.

This reinforces the need for a deposit, return, and refund system (DRRS).

Facts to keep in mind regarding industrial plastic recycling

• Actual capacity:

Spain not only has the capacity, it is using it.

• Cutting-edge technology:

Projects like pyrolysis in Huelva represent a leap forward in chemical recycling and the recovery of difficult-to-use plastics.

• Volume on the rise:

Domestic recycling continues to grow, generating more recycled raw materials to re-enter production processes.

• Strategic drive:

The national strategy, with investments in R&D&I and sustainability, consolidates an industrial vision aligned with climate neutrality.

• Education and legislation united:

Innovations such as reward systems and the possible implementation of the SDDR reflect an evolving dynamic, where citizenship and politics mutually reinforce each other.

Positive impact of industrial plastic recycling

Energy savings and reduction of raw materials

Using recycled plastic means less oil and natural gas consumption and requires less energy than producing it from scratch.

Quality of post-industrial plastic

Post-industrial plastic is usually highly pure and suitable for reincorporation into the same production process or transformation into new products.

Thus avoiding unnecessary waste.

Circular economy and pollution reduction

Reusing industrial plastics promotes the circular economy and drastically reduces the environmental impact of waste.

Challenges and solutions to promote industrial plastic recycling

• Material contamination:

The presence of impurities makes recycling difficult.

Implementing source separation strategies is crucial.

• High logistics and technological costs:

The complexity of transportation and storage raises prices.

Optimizing the logistics chain and taking advantage of incentives can make all the difference.

• Variability in the properties of recycled material:

This limits its use in demanding processes.

However, new bio-inspired designs are reducing this variability by up to 90%.

• Insufficient regulation and eco-design:

Promoting clear standards and sustainable design practices would allow for a qualitative leap in industrial recycling.

Industrial plastic recycling has the potential to transform the plastics industry, generating environmental and economic benefits.

However, achieving a circular economy requires addressing technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges.

At Baidal, we believe that reporting with solid data is the first step in driving change.