by webmasterMT | Aug 12, 2025 | Innovation, recycled material, Sustainability
How recycled plastic drives the transformation of key sectors
Did you know that more and more industries in Spain and Europe are integrating recycled plastic into their production processes? Social pressure, regulations, and the need to reduce costs have turned recycled plastic into a strategic resource for sectors such as automotive, packaging, construction, and agriculture.
Why are industries betting on recycled plastic?
Economic and environmental benefits
The use of recycled plastic allows companies to reduce the consumption of virgin raw materials, decrease their carbon footprint, and optimize costs. In addition, it contributes to the circular economy, preventing tons of plastic waste from ending up in landfills or the environment.
Regulatory compliance and access to new markets
European legislation requires minimum quotas of recycled material in products such as packaging and automotive components. Complying with these regulations not only avoids penalties but also opens the door to international markets and clients who value sustainability.
Main sectors that use recycled plastic
Automotive: efficiency and emissions reduction
The automotive industry has been a pioneer in the integration of recycled plastics. They are used in bumpers, interior panels, and insulation systems. The goal is to reduce vehicle weight, lower CO₂ emissions, and comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations. Recycled polypropylene and polyethylene offer strength and durability, maintaining the quality required by the sector.
Advantages:
- Reduction in raw material costs
- Compliance with recycled content quotas
- Improved image with consumers and regulators
Challenges:
- Material approval
- Guarantee of stable and traceable supply
Packaging: response to sustainable demand
The packaging sector is one of the most active in adopting recycled plastic. Bottles, trays, films, and caps are increasingly incorporating recycled material to meet the demand for sustainable packaging and legislation that limits single-use plastics.
Advantages:
- Access to markets that require sustainable packaging
- Reduction of fees and taxes associated with virgin plastics
- Loyalty from environmentally conscious customers
Challenges:
- Compliance with food contact regulations
- Control of color and transparency
Construction and urban furniture: durability and circularity
In construction, recycled plastic is used in pipes, panels, flooring, and urban furniture. Its weather resistance and low maintenance make it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
Advantages:
Long service life and resistance
Contribution to sustainable building certifications
Reduction of waste on site
Challenges:
Adaptation to local regulations
Educating the end customer about the benefits
Agriculture: resistant and sustainable solutions
The agricultural sector uses recycled plastic in irrigation systems, greenhouse films, and packaging for agricultural products. These materials offer resistance, flexibility, and a second useful life for the plastic waste generated within the sector itself.
Challenges and solutions in the adoption of recycled plastic
Quality and safety of recycled material
One of the main challenges is ensuring that recycled plastic meets technical and regulatory standards. Thanks to advances in recycling technologies, it is now possible to obtain recycled materials with properties very similar to virgin ones, even certified for demanding applications such as food contact.
Adaptation of production processes
Integrating recycled plastic may require adjustments in machinery or manufacturing parameters. However, many companies have shown that, after a testing phase, it is possible to incorporate up to 30% recycled plastic without affecting the final quality of the product.
Consumer perception and effective communication
Some consumers still associate recycled plastic with lower quality. Brands that transparently communicate the use of recycled materials tend to gain customer trust and preference, especially in sectors such as packaging and urban furniture.
Success stories and tangible results
Automotive companies have managed to reduce costs and emissions by incorporating recycled plastic into their components. In the packaging sector, leading brands have built customer loyalty thanks to sustainable packaging. In construction, the use of recycled materials has facilitated the achievement of sustainable building certifications and the reduction of waste on site.
The future of recycled plastic in industry
The transition to recycled plastic is a real opportunity to innovate, reduce costs, and strengthen business reputation. Public incentives and European regulations are accelerating this transformation. Companies that stay ahead of regulations and commit to sustainability are gaining ground in increasingly demanding markets.
How can Reciclados La Red by Veolia help you?
At Reciclados La Red by Veolia, we offer recycled plastic solutions tailored to the needs of each sector. Our team supports companies throughout the process, from material selection to the adaptation of production processes and communication of sustainability achievements.
Visit our website to see our catalog of recycled pellets.
Do you want to lead the change towards more sustainable production? Contact Reciclados La Red by Veolia and discover how recycled plastic can transform your company.
by webmasterMT | Jul 16, 2025 | Circular Economy, Innovation, recycled material, Recycling, Sustainability
Discover how plastic recycling drives the circular economy and protects the environment
The challenge of turning waste into resources: current challenges
In recent years, the perception of plastic has changed radically. Many see it as the great environmental villain, but the reality is more complex. The real problem is not the material itself, but how we manage it after use. The accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, microplastic pollution, and dependence on fossil resources are just some of the consequences of a linear system of production and consumption.
Inadequate management of plastic waste generates profound environmental and social impacts. For example, the lack of selective collection infrastructure in many regions makes effective recycling difficult. This causes tons of plastics to end up in landfills or, worse, in natural environments, affecting biodiversity and human health.
Moreover, misinformation about recycling contributes to low citizen participation. Many people don’t know which types of plastics can be recycled or how they should be disposed of. This confusion reduces the quality of the recovered material and increases industrial processing costs.
On the other hand, the industry faces the challenge of ensuring the traceability and quality of recycled plastic. Customers demand safe, certified materials with technical properties equivalent to virgin plastics. Meeting these standards requires technological innovation and rigorous controls. At Reciclados La Red by Veolia, we work day by day to meet these quality and traceability standards, for example, by obtaining the UNE-EN 15343 Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Traceability Certificate.
A clear example is the food sector, where regulations require recycled packaging to meet strict safety requirements. This forces recycling companies to invest in advanced decontamination and traceability technologies.
Ultimately, the challenge is twofold: to educate society about the importance of recycling and to equip the industry with tools to turn waste into high-quality raw materials. Only then will we be able to stop seeing plastic as an enemy and make it an ally of the circular economy.
Innovation and technology: plastic recycling as a driver of change
The circular economy proposes a model where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. In this context, plastic recycling is a key piece. Thanks to innovation, it is now possible to transform plastic waste into new high value-added products, reducing the carbon footprint and dependence on fossil resources.
Mechanical recycling: efficiency and quality
Mechanical recycling is the most widespread process for recovering post-consumer plastics. It consists of collecting, sorting, shredding, washing, and extruding the material. This technology makes it possible to obtain recycled pellets suitable for manufacturing packaging, industrial components, and textiles. For example, at Reciclados La Red by Veolia, we use optical sorting systems and hot washing to guarantee the purity of recycled plastic, achieving a 70% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to virgin plastic.
Chemical recycling: closing the loop
When plastic waste is difficult to recycle mechanically, chemical recycling offers an innovative alternative. Through processes like pyrolysis or depolymerization, plastics are turned into monomers or oils that can be reused in the petrochemical industry. This allows complex materials to be recycled and expands the range of applications for recycled plastic. The integration of both technologies is fundamental to achieving recycling rates above 50% in the coming years.
Circular economy and traceability
Traceability is essential to guarantee the quality and safety of recycled plastic. Thanks to digital systems and certifications, it is possible to track the material from its collection to its final transformation. This provides confidence to customers and facilitates compliance with increasingly demanding European regulations. In addition, the circular economy generates local jobs and encourages innovation throughout the value chain.
Education and awareness
Citizen awareness is the first step towards effective recycling. Educational campaigns, school workshops, and collaborations with municipalities are key tools to increase the selective collection rate. The greater the social participation, the greater the quantity and quality of recycled plastic available to industry.
Tangible results: success stories in plastic recycling
Case 1: Sustainable innovation in post-consumer black LDPE
At Reciclados La Red by Veolia we have implemented major improvements in the production process of post-consumer commercial black LDPE, committed to sustainable innovation. Thanks to a series of technical advances, we have significantly raised the quality and sustainability standards of our product. The main improvements include reducing the temperature during recycling, incorporating advanced filtration systems to achieve greater purity, and precise homogenization that guarantees uniformity and quality control in each batch. These innovations allow us to offer recycled LDPE that not only meets, but exceeds, market expectations in terms of performance, durability, and environmental commitment.
Case 2: Recycled PET for food packaging
TorrePET by Veolia processes 60,000 tons of plastic waste per year. Thanks to decontamination technology, high-quality food-grade recycled PET pellets are produced. Recycled PET makes it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging without compromising safety.
How to implement plastic recycling in your company: roadmap
The time to act: together for a circular future
Plastic recycling is much more than a trend: it is an urgent necessity to protect the planet and ensure business competitiveness. Every recycled package, every kilo of recovered plastic, adds up to building a real circular economy. At Reciclados La Red by Veolia, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to turn waste into opportunities.
We invite you to join this movement. Whether you are a customer, supplier, or citizen, your role is key. Get informed, participate, and demand products made with recycled plastic. Together, we can show that plastic is not the enemy, but a valuable resource when managed responsibly.
Contact our team to start your circular transition.
by webmasterMT | Jun 26, 2025 | Innovation, recycled material, Sustainability
The new European regulation on recycled plastic in vehicles
What does the EU agreement consist of?
The European Union reached a historic agreement in June 2024 to promote the use of recycled plastic in the automotive industry. This initiative will require manufacturers to incorporate minimum percentages of recycled plastic in key components of new vehicles, such as bumpers, panels, and dashboards.
Why is this measure necessary?
Currently, only a fraction of the plastics in a vehicle are effectively recycled. With this regulation, the EU aims to reduce dependence on virgin materials and lessen the environmental impact of cars. According to the European Commission, automotive plastic waste represents a significant portion of the total generated annually in the EU.
Impact on the plastic recycling industry
An unprecedented boost for recyclers
The creation of a broader and regulated European market for recycled plastic represents a revolution for companies like Reciclados La Red by Veolia. This new regulatory framework will increase the demand for high-quality recycled materials. Moreover, it will drive the modernization of processes and the growth of green jobs in the sector.
Key benefits for recyclers
• Greater sales volume thanks to mandatory demand from automakers.
• Incentives to invest in innovative recycling technologies.
• Opportunity to collaborate with vehicle manufacturers from the design stage of parts.
• Prestige in the eyes of an increasingly conscious and demanding consumer.
These factors promote a real circular economy, where plastic gains new useful lives and waste is reduced.
How Reciclados La Red by Veolia is preparing for this challenge
At our company, we have been committed to quality, innovation, and the traceability of each batch of recycled plastic for years. The requirements of the new European regulation motivate us to continue leading in excellence and to offer cutting-edge industrial recycling solutions, tailored to regulations and our clients’ needs.
We work with strict quality controls and collaborate on R&D projects focused on high value-added plastics, optimal for automotive use. We understand the importance of supporting manufacturers in the transition toward increasingly sustainable materials.
Contribution to sustainability and the circular economy
Increasing the use of recycled plastic in vehicles also reduces the carbon footprint and the use of fossil resources. It encourages viewing waste as a new raw material, not as a problem.
Future prospects for recycled plastic in the automotive sector
The regulation sets an irreversible trend toward circularity and sustainability throughout the automotive value chain. It is expected that, in the coming years, innovation will allow an even wider range of plastics to be recycled and the percentages of recycled content to increase, improving both the quality and safety of parts.
How will it affect the end consumer?
Users will be able to choose more sustainable cars, with transparency about the materials used and a smaller environmental footprint. Trust in the recycling industry will grow, along with the demand for the best recycled solutions.
Frequently asked questions about the regulation and recycled plastic in vehicles
Is the use of recycled plastic already mandatory in all EU countries?
Not yet. The agreement must be ratified by Parliament and the Council, but its adoption is imminent.
Which plastics are currently recycled in cars?
Mainly polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and ABS, found in bumpers, interiors, and structural components.
What challenges does the industry face in complying with the new regulation?
Increasing recycling capacity, ensuring quality and traceability, and adapting part designs to facilitate future recycling.
Do you want to adapt your industrial processes to the new demand for recycled plastic? Contact Reciclados La Red by Veolia and join the change toward sustainable mobility.
by webmasterMT | May 27, 2025 | Circular Economy, Environment, Innovation, recycled material, Recycling, Sustainability
Innovation and Transparency in the LDPE Recycling Industry
At Reciclados La Red by Veolia, innovation and transparency go hand in hand. We recently held an Open Day focused on LDPE quality improvements, giving clients and partners the opportunity to gain detailed insight into our advancements in plastic recycling.
Looking for examples of industrial sustainability? This event highlighted the potential of new technologies applied to LDPE recycling.
Why Hold an Open Day in LDPE Recycling?
Efficient plastic recycling is a global priority. Organizing these open days allows our clients to see, first-hand, how investments and technical upgrades transform production processes.
Importance for Clients and the Industrial Sector
Trust is built through transparency. We invited our clients to discover step-by-step how we manage LDPE and how our recent investments have improved product quality.
Boosting the Circular Economy in Spain
These initiatives reinforce our commitment to the circular economy and to sustainability in Spain’s plastic recycling industry.
LDPE Quality Improvements: The Key to Advanced Recycling
During our presentation, we detailed the advances incorporated into our LDPE recycling processes.
New Post-Industrial LDPE Sorting Plant
- Precise separation of contaminants and colored film.
- Dramatic reduction in black spots.
- Greater cleanliness and product uniformity.
Homogenizer Silo and Parameter Controls
- Total homogenization of color, flow, and density.
- Odor reduction.
- Transition from manual to automatic operation by June 2025.
Innovative Washing Water Separation System
- Dual-circuit: clean and waste water.
- Improved filtering efficiency and reduced environmental footprint.
- New dedicated water treatment plant operational by the end of May.
Tour of Our Facilities: Total Transparency in LDPE Recycling
Participants enjoyed an immersive experience at our La Red Hacienda Dolores, La Red Central, and Ecores plants.
La Red Hacienda Dolores: Innovation in Action
Here, we offered a practical demonstration of technical advances in LDPE sorting and processing.
La Red Central and Ecores: Process Optimization
Here, we showcased improvements in operational efficiency and technological integration to deliver consistently high-quality recycled products.
Results of Quality Improvements in LDPE Recycling
The benefits of these investments are already being seen by our clients.
Benefits for Clients: Homogeneous and Reliable Products
- Fewer incidents and defects.
- Consistent quality from batch to batch.
- Reduction in contamination and cross-batch issues.
Reduced Defects and Greater Traceability
- Implementation of advanced traceability systems.
- Use of technology aligned with European standards.
Our Commitment: A Sustainable Future and Ongoing Improvements
We are already working on new projects to further enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of LDPE recycling. Our 2025 vision includes digitalization of controls, reduced energy consumption, and new sorting lines.
Photo Gallery: The Day in Images
Conclusion: Transparency in Plastic Recycling Drives Trust
Showcasing our improvements and opening our doors to clients strengthens trust, generates new opportunities, and helps build a robust circular economy in Spain.
To learn more, contact us or visit our product and sustainability pages.
by webmasterMT | May 19, 2025 | Circular Economy, Environment, Innovation, recycled material, Recycling, Sustainability
May 17 is a marked date on the environmental calendar: World Recycling Day. This day seeks to reflect on our consumption habits and waste management, especially plastic, one of the most prevalent and controversial materials of our time.
From Recycled La Red by Veolia, we want to show you why plastic recycling is essential to achieve an efficient and responsible circular economy. Why do we celebrate World Recycling Day?
Origin and objectives of World Recycling Day
This event, promoted by UNESCO, seeks to raise awareness of the importance of reusing and recycling materials to reduce pressure on natural resources.
Global importance of plastic recycling
Recycling directly contributes to waste and CO2 emission reduction. Recycled plastic prevents tons of waste from ending up in landfills and oceans every year.
The impact of plastic recycling on the circular economy
Environmental advantages of recycled plastic
The use of recycled plastic in products and packaging reduces oil extraction, saves energy and significantly decreases the carbon footprint.
Resource saving and waste reduction
Each team and machine at Recycled La Red by Veolia aims to transform waste into raw material, which promotes circularity and protects ecosystems.
Data from PlasticEurope shows that in Europe, more and more companies are taking advantage of recycled plastic, surpassing 5 million tons reused annually (source: https://plasticseurope.org).
Recycled La Red by Veolia: Our work in plastic recycling
Recycling process at our plant in Spain
At our facilities, we collect, classify and treat plastic waste according to the strictest European standards. We convert post-consumer and post-industrial waste into high-quality recycled plastic, ready to be transformed into new products.
Benefits of recycled plastic for businesses and consumers
Recycled plastic is a valid and sustainable alternative, ideal for sectors such as packaging, automotive or construction. It provides clear economic and environmental benefits.
How you can contribute to plastic recycling
Practical tips to improve recycling at home and in the office
- Separate the types of plastics correctly in the yellow containers.
- Reduce the consumption of single-use plastics.
- Find out about the clean points in your city.
- The importance of separation and selective collection
- Correct separation facilitates recycling, increasing the quality of the recovered materials and avoiding rejections. Learn to read labels well and follow local informative campaigns.
The future of recycled plastic in Spain and the world
Innovations and trends in plastic recycling
The implementation of new technologies or the new advanced recycled resins progress in efficiency and purity, opening new applications for recycled plastic.
Institutional support and new European regulations
The European Union promotes regulatory frameworks such as the European Plastic Strategy, demanding higher recycling rates and the design of more sustainable packaging (source: https://europa.eu).
In Spain, the National Integrated Waste Plan strengthens the recycling chain from collection to the eco-design of new products.
Do you want to boost plastic recycling? Visit our website and find out how we can help you take the next step towards sustainability.
Plastic recycling is a real opportunity to transform waste into resources. Our environmental commitment is realized day by day, driving the change towards a cleaner and more prosperous planet for everyone.
