World Recycling Day: Recycled plastic for a sustainable future

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.