In Spain, companies have less than three months to comply with new packaging regulations, introduced under Royal Decree 1055/2022, set to take full effect by January 1, 2025. This decree focuses on promoting a circular economy by revising packaging and labeling requirements. A significant change includes the ban on terms like “environmentally friendly,” which could mislead consumers about the environmental impact of packaging. Moreover, packaging must clearly indicate how it should be disposed of, providing instructions for separating materials where applicable. These new rules aim to enhance transparency and reduce packaging waste.

One key aspect is the mandatory indication of whether packaging is reusable and the inclusion of corresponding symbols if applicable. Compostable plastic packaging also faces new obligations to provide clear details on its compostability and the recycled content used. The Spanish regulation is stricter than the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will be harmonized across member states. However, the EU regulations, expected to enter into force more than three years later, have less stringent disposal requirements, focusing mainly on the material composition of packaging.

Companies must ensure that packaging markings are durable, legible, and visible, and they must consider the weight of different materials when instructing consumers on disposal. In some cases, if the materials cannot be easily separated, packaging must be labeled according to the predominant material used. This shift ensures that consumers can make informed choices, facilitating better waste sorting and recycling processes.

With these changes coming into effect, businesses operating in Spain face significant adjustments to their packaging processes. The regulation’s ultimate goal is to reduce packaging waste and increase recycling rates, supporting Spain’s commitment to the EU's circular economy targets. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to penalties, making it essential for companies to review and adapt their packaging strategies accordingly.