Packaging EPR Schemes in Spain (SCRAPs): What They Are, How They Work and Their Implementation in 2025
On 1 January 2025, Spain took an important step in waste management with the implementation of collective extended producer responsibility systems for packaging, known in Spain as SCRAPs, under Royal Decree 1055/2022 on packaging and packaging waste.
This regulation aims to promote the circular economy and make producers responsible for managing the waste generated by the packaging they place on the market.
In this article, we explain what SCRAPs for packaging in Spain are, how they work, their impact on the detergents, disinfectants and cosmetics industry, and what measures companies must take to adapt to this new regulatory framework.
What is a SCRAP for packaging in Spain?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended producer responsibility is an environmental principle that assigns producers financial and organisational responsibility for the waste generated by their products at the end of their life cycle. This encourages companies to design more sustainable products and supports more efficient waste management.
Collective systems: SCRAPs
In Spain, these collective systems are known as SCRAPs. They are non-profit entities created by producers who join together to meet their EPR obligations collectively.
Through these systems, producers:
- finance the separate collection, transport and treatment of packaging waste
- organise awareness and environmental education campaigns
- collaborate with public authorities and other stakeholders to improve waste management
The implementation of SCRAPs in Spain in 2025
Royal Decree 1055/2022 establishes that, from 1 January 2025, all packaging producers in Spain must comply with their extended producer responsibility obligations, either individually or through a collective system, that is, a SCRAP.
This means:
- Mandatory registration: enrolment in the Product Producers Register before 31 December 2024
- Annual declarations: reporting the quantity and type of packaging placed on the market
- Financing: contributing financially to the management of the waste generated
Impact on the detergents, disinfectants and cosmetics industry
Our industry uses a wide variety of packaging, much of it made of plastic and other materials that require proper end-of-life management. The implementation of SCRAPs in Spain affects the sector in the following ways:
Specific obligations
- Registration as producers: companies must register in the Product Producers Register
- Detailed information: provide data on the packaging used, including materials and quantities
- Financing waste management: contribute financially to a SCRAP for the correct management of post-consumer packaging
Challenges for companies
- Increased costs: participation in a SCRAP may raise operating costs
- Administrative adaptation: implementation of internal systems to comply with the new reporting and tracking obligations
- Packaging innovation: the need to develop more sustainable and easier-to-recycle packaging
Impact on the detergents, disinfectants and cosmetics industry
Our industry uses a wide variety of packaging, much of it made of plastic and other materials that require proper end-of-life management. The implementation of SCRAPs in Spain affects the sector in the following ways:
Specific obligations
- Registration as producers: companies must register in the Product Producers Register
- Detailed information: provide data on the packaging used, including materials and quantities
- Financing waste management: contribute financially to a SCRAP for the correct management of post-consumer packaging
Challenges for companies
- Increased costs: participation in a SCRAP may raise operating costs
- Administrative adaptation: implementation of internal systems to comply with the new reporting and tracking obligations
- Packaging innovation: the need to develop more sustainable and easier-to-recycle packaging
How Proeco Químicas Is Adapting to SCRAPs in Spain
At Proeco Químicas, we are committed to sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations. We have adopted several measures to align with the requirements of the new packaging SCRAP framework in Spain:
1. Registration and regulatory compliance
- Registration in the producers’ register: we have registered in compliance with the regulation
- Tracking systems: we have implemented tools to collect and report the required information on our packaging
2. Active participation in a collective system
- Joining a SCRAP: we have joined a recognised collective system to manage our obligations efficiently
- Ongoing collaboration: we work with the system to optimise waste management and promote sustainable practices
3. Innovation and sustainability in packaging
- Eco-design: we work with packaging that uses recycled materials and is easily recyclable
- Reduction of materials: we optimise material use to minimise environmental impact
- Reusable and refill formats: we offer products in formats that allow packaging to be reused, reducing waste generation
4. Communication and education
- Information for customers and suppliers: we share updates and provide guidance on environmental best practices
- Internal training: we train our team to ensure compliance and promote sustainability across all our operations
Steps companies in the sector should take
1. Register as producers
- Deadline: before 31 December 2024
- Where: in the Product Producers Register of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
2. Choose a management model
- Join a SCRAP: participate in a collective system to manage EPR obligations
- Individual system: manage obligations independently, although this is usually more costly and complex
3. Implement information systems
- Packaging tracking: record the quantity and type of packaging placed on the market
- Annual reports: prepare and submit information statements in accordance with the regulation
4. Innovate in packaging
- Sustainable design: choose recycled and recyclable materials
- Reduction and reuse: implement strategies to minimise packaging use and encourage reuse
5. Raise awareness and communicate
- Environmental education: inform customers and employees about the importance of proper waste management
- Collaboration across the value chain: work jointly with suppliers and distributors to improve sustainability
Steps companies in the sector should take
1. Register as producers
- Deadline: before 31 December 2024
- Where: in the Product Producers Register of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
2. Choose a management model
- Join a SCRAP: participate in a collective system to manage EPR obligations
- Individual system: manage obligations independently, although this is usually more costly and complex
3. Implement information systems
- Packaging tracking: record the quantity and type of packaging placed on the market
- Annual reports: prepare and submit information statements in accordance with the regulation
4. Innovate in packaging
- Sustainable design: choose recycled and recyclable materials
- Reduction and reuse: implement strategies to minimise packaging use and encourage reuse
5. Raise awareness and communicate
- Environmental education: inform customers and employees about the importance of proper waste management
- Collaboration across the value chain: work jointly with suppliers and distributors to improve sustainability
Benefits of complying with SCRAPs in Spain
- Legal compliance: avoid penalties and ensure business continuity
- Corporate image: improve the company’s reputation as a responsible and environmentally committed organisation
- Operational efficiency: optimise processes and reduce long-term costs through sustainable practices
- Environmental contribution: reduce environmental impact and contribute to the circular economy
The implementation of SCRAPs for packaging in Spain in 2025 represents a significant change in waste management. Companies in the detergents, disinfectants and cosmetics sector must adapt to this new reality in order to comply with legal obligations and contribute to environmental protection.
At Proeco Químicas, we have embraced this challenge as an opportunity to improve and strengthen our commitment to sustainability. We encourage all companies and stakeholders in the sector to join this collective effort by adopting responsible practices and collaborating to achieve efficient and sustainable management of packaging and packaging waste.
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