A realistic material flow analysis for end-of-life plastic packaging management in Spain: Data gaps and suggestions for improvements towards effective recyclability

Abstract

In this study we conducted a material flow analysis (MFA) of plastic packaging to determine the current state and performance of waste collection and recyclability with respect to the circularity objectives established by the European Union. In order to reach a recycling rate of 50% for plastic packaging waste and a recycled content rate of 25%, the material and packaging design system must be modified. Through the MFA we conducted in Spain, we observed that the figures published by official entities do not match the reality and it is not technically possible to achieve the objectives put in place due to the characteristics of the different parts of the materials. On the one hand, the official figures provided by the company in charge of packaging waste management range between a recycling rate of 48% to 70%. However, the data we obtained indicate an actual collection rate of 15% and a final recycling rate of 11%, figures that drastically differ from the European targets. On the other hand, we have observed that there is a very noticeable difference between the various types of plastic. For example, HDPE is recycled at a rate of 30% with almost no rejections at the plant. In contrast, only 3% of plastic film is recycled although it represents nearly half of the total plastic produced for packaging. With this in mind, unless an exclusive policy is created and focused entirely on this segment, it will be impossible to achieve the circularity objectives even if collection is increased to the highest levels possible. Establishing objectives that address administrative logic without taking into account the technical and scientific reality of the materials is impossible as we have illustrated with the indicators extracted from this MFA. In short, we have demonstrated a realistic scenario for transitioning towards a circular economy with regard to plastics in which the material uses are harmonized (whether for food contact or non-food contact), all film is diverted from the plastic fraction, and a possible path towards recyclability is taken into account considering the specific nature of the materials.