Spain has banned phthalates and bisphenol A in food packaging

On March 31, 2022, the Spanish Parliament passed the Law on Waste and Contaminated Soil for a Circular Economy
.

The regulation bans the use of phthalates and bisphenol A in packaging, while providing strong support for reusable packaging in the food sector
.
The main objective of the regulation is to minimise the generation of waste, especially single-use plastic waste, and it sets clear targets for this
.

Changing the chemicals allowed in packaging is one of the waste prevention measures in the regulation, which can reduce the content of hazardous substances in materials and products
.
BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates are classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) as endocrine disruptors, so both are banned from packaging
.

The regulation also strongly supports the development of reusable packaging, with an emphasis on reducing waste generation through the sale of bulk products and the use of reusable containers or equipment
.
For example, restaurants and hotels must provide free tap water; if customers request food or beverages to be served in their own reusable containers, all food retailers must accept it
.
Regulations require consumers to pay to use plastic products (such as single-use drinking cups, takeaway containers, etc.
) starting in January 2023
.

In order to clarify waste control targets, a 13% reduction in overall waste was specified in 2025 and a 15% reduction (by weight) in 2030 compared to 2010
.
The requirements for single-use plastics are more stringent, and the weight of single-use plastics must be reduced by 50% in 2026 and 70% in 2030 compared to 2022
.

In addition, there are special regulations for plastic beverage bottles: by July 3, 2024, caps and caps must remain connected at the stage of intended use of the container, and by 2025 all polyethylene terephthalate ( PET) bottles must contain at least 25% recycled plastic, and by 2030 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles must contain at least 30% recycled PET plastic
.

In order to establish a "bottle to bottle" recycling system, plastic bottles in Spain will be collected separately from other products
.
By 2023, Spain plans to collect 70% of the weight of all plastic bottles on the market
.
This target increases every two years until a 90% recovery rate is achieved by 2029
.
The regulations also stipulate that if the 2023 or 2027 targets are not met, a deposit and refund system will be implemented for plastic bottles within two years to ensure compliance with the 2025 and 2029 targets
.

From January 6, 2023, producers of single-use plastic packaging will be responsible for paying for additional costs such as awareness-raising measures, cleaning up of corresponding scattered waste piles, and data and information collection
.

The formulation of this series of measures will help to promote the control of waste generated in Spain, reduce disposable products as much as possible, and establish and improve the recycling system, so as to achieve a circular economy and achieve the ultimate goal of protecting the environment and human health
.