Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils, which came into force in April 2022, marked a turning point in waste management in Spain. With the aim of moving towards a circular economy, this legislation introduces measures to reduce environmental impact, encouraging recycling and reuse of materials. Among the most important provisions, the new plastic tax is levied on the use of non-reusable plastic packaging, impacting a wide range of industrial sectors.
Distributors of plastic materials, such as polypropylene, polyester and speciality films, are at the centre of this regulation. Industries such as packaging, graphic arts, labelling and containers are experiencing significant changes in their operations and costs. Globalfilms will explain how this legislation affects these key sectors and what strategies companies can adopt to adapt to the new regulatory scenario.
What is the purpose of this law with the new plastic tax?
Law 7/2022 seeks to reduce the negative effects of plastic on the environment by minimising the waste generated and promoting the use of recyclable and reusable materials. This approach responds to international and European commitments in the fight against plastic pollution.
The new plastic tax is levied according to the weight of non-recycled plastic materials used in non-reusable packaging, at a cost of €0.45 per kilogramme. Companies will have to comply with extra requirements, such as producing reports certifying the sustainability of their materials and practices. This tax represents not only a financial challenge for companies, but also an incentive to adopt more sustainable alternatives.
Which sectors are most affected by the new plastics tax?
The implementation of the new tax affects different industries unevenly, depending on their dependence on plastic materials. The most affected sectors are discussed below:
Flexible packaging industry
The flexible packaging sector, which makes extensive use of polypropylene, polyester and other plastic films, faces one of the greatest pressures. These materials, essential for their lightness and versatility, do not always meet the recyclability or reusability criteria required by law.
- Economic impact: Research and development (R&D) costs to find sustainable alternatives are high. In addition, upgrades to production lines generate significant investments.
- Technological adaptation: Many companies are exploring solutions such as bioplastics or composite materials to comply with regulations.
Graphic arts and labelling
Films and plastic labels used in graphic arts and labelling are also under scrutiny. These components are essential for product identification and branding, but their recyclability is limited.
- Operational challenges: Redesigning labels to reduce the use of virgin plastics involves changes in materials and processes, affecting both functionality and final cost.
- Sustainable options: Alternatives such as laminated paper labels or biodegradable adhesives are being evaluated.
Food and beverages
The food sector, which is dependent on plastic packaging for safety and hygiene reasons, is another major sector affected. Packaging must ensure the safe preservation and transport of products, complicating the transition to sustainable options.
- Higher operational costs: Companies face not only the plastic tax, but also the need to adapt their packaging to meet sustainability requirements.
- Limited innovation: Although alternatives such as biodegradable packaging exist, they do not yet match the functionality of traditional plastics.
Cosmetics
In the cosmetics sector, complex plastic packaging is common due to its ability to protect sensitive products. However, this reliance makes regulatory compliance difficult.
- Impact on distribution: Companies that produce and distribute high quality films face higher taxes if they do not adopt recyclable or biodegradable materials.
- Logistical challenges: The transition to sustainable materials involves not only redesigning packaging, but also changing supply chains.
Impact on film distribution companies
Here we tell you about the impact of the new plastic tax on film distributors:
Increased operating costs
The new plastic tax means a significant increase in costs for companies distributing materials such as polypropylene, polyester and polyamide. These companies must not only absorb the tax impact, but also pass on part of these costs to their customers.
- Effect on the supply chain: Higher prices affect both manufacturers and final consumers, reducing the competitiveness of the sector.
- Waste management: Complying with recycling and sustainability requirements adds additional administrative costs.
Investment in research and development
To comply with the law, companies are investing in I+D to develop alternative materials. However, these investments are prohibitively expensive for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which lack the resources to explore sustainable options.
- Technological limitations: Not all speciality films have recyclable equivalents that maintain quality and functionality.
- Financial support needed: Lack of incentives and subsidies hinders the adoption of innovative technologies.
Supply chain restructuring
The regulation is also driving changes in the supply chain, forcing companies to re-evaluate their supplier relationships and adopt more sustainable practices.
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with suppliers offering sustainable materials and recycling services has become a priority.
- New logistics practices: Plastic waste management and regulatory compliance require comprehensive solutions that increase operational costs.
For us, Globalfilms, this regulatory change is an opportunity to lead innovation in sustainable film solutions and consolidate our position as a benchmark in the transition to a circular economy. Although the road ahead is full of challenges, the combination of investment in I+D, strategic alliances and the ability to adapt will allow us to overcome the barriers and take advantage of the opportunities offered by this new regulatory scenario. If you would like to know more about our film solutions and their adaptation to these new regulations, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
