Environmental Certifications
What you need to know if your company uses plastics
Why are environmental certifications essential for businesses?
More and more companies are being pushed to redesign how they produce, distribute, and recycle the plastics they use. This is not just an ethical or branding issue; it is driven by new laws that are reshaping the way businesses operate.
But that’s not the whole story. For companies looking to stay ahead, compliance alone is not enough. Environmental certifications play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory adherence while also providing a clear and verifiable way to communicate sustainability.
How can these two aspects be connected? Let’s take a closer look.
What does legislation require regarding plastics?
Regulations in Europe and Spain aim to reduce the environmental impact of plastics through two main pillars: minimizing waste and promoting recycling. These laws affect companies that produce, distribute, or use plastics, pushing them toward more sustainable practices.
EU Directive 2019/904 (SUP)
In effect since 2021, this directive bans single-use plastic products such as straws, plates, and cotton swabs. Additionally, it sets ambitious targets:
- Recycled plastic content: Bottles must contain 25% recycled material by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
- Collection requirements: A 77% collection rate for plastic bottles by 2025, increasing to 90% by 2029, through deposit and return systems.
- Fishing gear: Manufacturers must take responsibility for their end-of-life management.
Spain’s Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soil
This law aligns European regulations with the Spanish context, highlighting:
- Tax on non-recyclable plastics: €0.45/kg since 2023.
- Restrictions: Bans certain single-use plastic products and promotes reusable packaging.
- Recycling targets: At least 50% of plastic waste must be recycled by 2025, increasing to 55% by 2030.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Included in Law 7/2022, this measure requires producers to finance collection and recycling systems, as well as run awareness campaigns. By shifting environmental responsibility directly to businesses, EPR promotes sustainable plastic waste management.
Complying with these regulations is not just a legal obligation but also an opportunity for companies to lead the transition toward a circular economy.
What role do environmental certifications play for businesses?
If laws define the ‘what’ you need to do, environmental certifications define the ‘how.’
Environmental certifications are seals or recognitions awarded to businesses, products, or services that meet specific environmental standards or regulations. These certifications demonstrate a company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management, aiming to reduce its environmental impact.
These tools help businesses prove compliance with regulations while reinforcing their commitment to sustainability in a transparent and verifiable way.
Main Environmental Certifications
Main Environmental Certifications
ISO 14001: Environmental Management System
This international standard establishes guidelines for managing a company’s environmental impact.
- Connection to legislation: Helps businesses integrate regulatory compliance into their processes. By incorporating legal requirements such as Spain’s Law 7/2021 or the SUP Directive, companies can reduce the risk of non-compliance or penalties.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
This certification ensures that products contain recycled materials and are manufactured under responsible practices.
- Connection to legislation: Meets the legal requirements for incorporating a minimum percentage of recycled plastic in products, as mandated by the SUP Directive (25-30% for bottles).
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
Similar to ISO 14001 but more comprehensive, EMAS requires companies to publish an annual environmental report with verifiable data on their environmental performance.
- Connection to legislation: Strengthens compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and increases transparency in waste management and recycling.
Plastic Recycling Certifications (PRE)
These certifications verify that recycled materials meet quality and sustainability standards, which are increasingly required by both consumers and regulations.
Why Connect Legislation and Environmental Certifications?
Complying with regulations is mandatory, but certifications provide added value beyond just avoiding fines. Here are some key reasons why both should go hand in hand:
- Guaranteed Compliance: Certifications like ISO 14001 and GRS integrate legal requirements into business processes, reducing the risk of errors or non-compliance.
- Competitive Advantage: In a market where consumers prioritize sustainability, certifications serve as tangible proof of a company’s environmental commitment.
- Future Preparedness: Regulations will continue to tighten. Having certified systems in place ensures that your company is ready to adapt quickly to new legal changes.
- Transparency & Reputation: Reports required by EMAS strengthen credibility and position your company as a leader in environmental responsibility.
Case Study: How to Apply It in Your Business
Imagine Your Business Manufactures Car Parts
Let’s say your company produces automotive components such as dashboards or bumpers. Under European and Spanish regulations, including the SUP Directive (2019/904) and Waste Law 7/2021, businesses will be required to integrate recycled plastics into manufacturing by 2025.
How to Comply with These Regulations?
Process Adaptation
To meet these requirements, your company must review and adjust its production processes. For example, you would need to incorporate at least 25% recycled plastic into certain automotive components, as required by the SUP Directive.
To ensure compliance and efficiency, you can implement an environmental management system like ISO 14001, which helps align operations with regulatory standards.
At this stage, partnering with specialists in recycled materials, such as Gravity Wave, can make it easier to integrate high-quality recycled plastics into your production line. This not only ensures compliance but also reinforces your commitment to sustainable business practices.
Recycled Material Certification
Make sure the recycled plastics used in manufacturing meet quality and sustainability standards. The best way to verify this is by obtaining a Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, which confirms that your materials come from sustainable and traceable sources, making them suitable for use in the automotive industry.
Transparency & Communication
By registering with EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), your company can publicly demonstrate how it manages plastic recycling in production. This not only ensures compliance with environmental laws but also enhances your reputation as a responsible and sustainable company.
Legislation and Environmental Certifications for Businesses: Two Key Tools
Complying with environmental regulations is just the first step toward sustainability. Certifications not only ensure that you meet legal requirements but also add value to your brand, strengthen customer trust, and position your company as a leader in environmental responsibility.
The connection between legislation and certifications is essential for addressing today’s environmental challenges. If you want to be prepared for the future, now is the time to integrate these tools into your business strategy with consistency and commitment.
For more information, consult official regulations and explore the certifications most relevant to your company.
ow Can Gravity Wave Help You Comply with Environmental Regulations?
En Gravity Wave, acompañamos a las empresas que quieren integrar plásticos reciclados en sus procesos de producción de manera sostenible. Ofrecemos soluciones como paneles de plástico para arquitectura, decoración y retail, así como pellets elaborados a partir de redes de pesca recuperadas del mar y puertos, que pueden ser utilizados en diversas industrias.
Si estás explorando opciones para cumplir con las normativas ambientales y dar un paso hacia una producción más responsable, estamos aquí para ayudarte a encontrar la mejor opción.
¿Quieres saber más sobre cómo integrar plásticos reciclados en tu producción?
Te invitamos a conocer más sobre cómo podemos acompañarte en este proceso.