How do reusable and compostable bags impact recycling?

How do reusable and compostable bags impact recycling?

Today we want to address a very common but often misunderstood topic: the correct use of reusable bags made from recycled plastic and compostable bags, as well as the impact of these when they are disposed of incorrectly.

The confusion in sustainable consumption

As environmental awareness grows, so has the use of alternatives to conventional plastic bags. Reusable bags made from recycled plastic and compostable bags are two popular options that aim to offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems. However, their benefit can be compromised if they are not used and disposed of properly.

Reusable bags made of recycled plastic

These bags are an excellent example of how we can close the loop in the circular economy of plastic. Made from already used materials, they reduce the need for producing new plastic and in turn, the environmental impact associated with it. They are designed to be sturdy and durable, suitable for multiple uses and, at the end of their lifecycle, they can be recycled again, returning to the yellow recycling bin to be transformed once more into new products.

Compostable bags

Unlike reusable bags, compostable ones are designed to biodegrade under specific composting conditions. They are typically made of vegetable starch that decomposes in an industrial or domestic composting environment. However, these bags can cause significant problems if placed in the yellow recycling bin, as they can contaminate the plastic recycling process.

The importance of proper disposition

The positive environmental impact of both reusable and compostable bags largely depends on their proper disposal. Depositing compostable bags in the yellow bin can cause contamination of recyclable plastic loads, interfering with the recycling process and reducing the quality of the recycled material produced. Similarly, reusable bags should be kept until the end of their useful life and then properly recycled.

At Reciclados La Red by Veolia, we encourage everyone to make informed decisions about the products they use and how they handle them. Opting for reusable bags made from recycled plastic and ensuring they are recycled correctly, or choosing compostable bags for specific composting purposes, can make a big difference in our collective environmental impact. Taking responsibility together for our consumption habits can bring us one step closer to a more sustainable future.

Together, we can make a significant difference for our planet!

The Mayor of Alcala de Guadaira visits our facilities to learn about the advancements in plastic recycling projects.

The Mayor of Alcala de Guadaira visits our facilities to learn about the advancements in plastic recycling projects.

The Mayor of Alcala de Guadaira, Ana Isabel Jimenez Contreras, visited our plastic recycling plants on July 17. The purpose of the visit was to firsthand understand the recycling process as well as the latest advancements and new projects that the company is undertaking to contribute to the environment and the local economy.

During the visit, Ana Isabel Jiménez Contreras toured the different facilities that Reciclados La Red by Veolia has in Alcalá de Guadaíra, where Carmelo Justo, the company’s Business Development Director, explained the entire plastic recycling process from its arrival as worthless waste to its output as new, high-quality material ready for the manufacture of various products. She also witnessed the recent projects being carried out by the company, such as the introduction of three new silos that have significantly increased the homogenization capacity of the granulate.

This development is part of the ongoing commitment of La Red by Veolia to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that each batch of recycled material meets rigorous parameters of density, flow, and moisture. “We want to highlight the technological investment that La Red by Veolia has made to improve its processes. These improvements are not only in line with the demands of our business partners but also reinforce our commitment to sustainable and responsible practices,” said Carmelo Justo, who accompanied the Mayor on her visit.

Reciclados La Red by Veolia is at the forefront of implementing systems that ensure the traceability and quality of recycled material, complying with the UNE 15343 standard and the ECOEMBES Integrated Management System. In addition, the innovative circular economy project involving the recovery and transport of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste from a major distribution company was highlighted. This initiative not only reduces the environmental impact but also promotes the reuse of materials in the production of shopping bags for the same customer’s stores, closing the cycle of plastic use.

“The consolidation of circular economy cycles like this is not only important for our community, but also sets a model to follow in environmentally responsible management,” added Felipe Pardo, Operations Director of La Red by Veolia, who was also present at the visit.

Reciclados La Red by Veolia continues to play a crucial role in environmental leadership, setting new standards in recycling and reusing plastics, and contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

Thanks to Mayor Ana Isabel Jimenez Contreras for her visit and her interest in our work. Together, we move towards a future of responsible innovation and environmental sustainability.

Recycled plastic with ID: the traceability that allows you to choose with confidence

Recycled plastic with ID: the traceability that allows you to choose with confidence

In an increasingly demanding market, provenance and traceability have become a fundamental value, especially in the recycled plastic sector. Where does the material really come from? Has it been processed responsibly? Can we be sure of its quality and sustainability?

UNE-EN 15343 Certification: Quality and Origin Guarantee

One of our greatest competitive advantages is the incorporation of the UNE-EN 15343 regulation, which certifies the traceability of our recycled plastics. This European standard establishes the criteria that must be followed to ensure that the origin and information of the recycled plastics are completely traceable. This involves meticulous documentation from the collection of the material, through its processing, to the delivery of the final product.

Why is traceability and transparency important?

  1. Consumer trust: In a market increasingly aware of environmental impact, consumers and companies demand clear certifications that ensure the products they purchase are truly sustainable.
  2. Competitive improvement: Having recycled plastic certified according to the UNE-EN 15343 standard distinguishes us in a saturated market, offering an additional guarantee that many competitors cannot provide.
  3. Market opportunities: Some industries are beginning to require certified recycled materials to comply with increasingly strict sustainability regulations.

Digital Transformation: the key to transparency.

To comply with and guarantee the traceability of our materials, we have implemented advanced digital technologies throughout the recycling process. We use specific software systems that record and monitor each step of the plastic’s journey, from its entry into our facilities to its exit as a certified recycled product. This digital integration not only increases the efficiency of our process but also provides our customers with total transparency about the origin and journey of the materials they acquire.

traceability UNE-EN 15343

Continuous Commitment

At Reciclados La Red by Veolia, we are continuously exploring new technologies and methods to improve not only the traceability of our materials but also their quality and the efficiency of our processes. Our goal is not only to meet current demands but to anticipate the future demands of a constantly evolving market.

We appreciate the trust that our customers place in us and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining transparency at every step of our recycling process. By raising the standards of our industry, together we can make a significant difference for a more sustainable future.

For more information about our processes and products, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you transition to a greener and more sustainable business model.

Sustainable Impact: Our Participation in Plastics Recycling Show Europe 2024

Sustainable Impact: Our Participation in Plastics Recycling Show Europe 2024

As a company dedicated to plastic recycling and the sale of recycled plastic, it is our responsibility to actively contribute to the constant evolution of our sector. Recently, we had the opportunity to do this on a large scale by participating in the Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRS Europe 2024), the largest event dedicated to plastic recycling in Europe, alongside Veolia and PlastiLoop.

We are proud to report that this year, PRS Europe has broken records for visitors and exhibitors, which is a great success for us. Thus, we were able not only to meet with our existing clients and suppliers but also to interact with potential prospects.

PRS Europe 2024 promises to be even bigger and better, expecting a record number of visitors from around the world in future editions.

It is undeniable that PRS Europe is an essential event for our industry. Every key participant in the plastic recycling value chain gathers here, making it an ideal platform to explore technical innovations, follow commercial advancements, and stay updated with current legislation on plastic circularity.

During the conferences that were held, fundamental topics such as the future of plastic recycling in Europe, market analysis and forecasts, and an in-depth analysis of current EU legislation were addressed. In addition, strategies to improve and harmonize the collection and sorting of plastics, how to verify recyclability, and the necessary measures to reach recycled content goals were covered.

The Plastics Recycling Show Europe is an event specially designed for professionals in the plastic recycling industry. It brings together key industry players to showcase innovative technology, share best practices, and create opportunities to establish new business ties. From our perspective, we are proud to be part of this event alongside suppliers of recycling machinery and equipment, processors, waste management specialist companies, and industrial associations.

We are already preparing for PRS Europe 2025!

The urgency of efficient agricultural plastic waste management: A collaborative approach towards sustainability

The urgency of efficient agricultural plastic waste management: A collaborative approach towards sustainability

The management of agricultural plastic waste has become a relevant focus for the sustainability of the sector. At the forefront of this movement, we find Reciclados La Red by Veolia, one of the main recycling companies in Spain, where we carry out significant work to minimize the impact of this waste on our planet.

In a recent interview in the Plasticulture magazine, Carmelo Justo, the Development Director of La Red by Veolia, stressed the need for solid legislation to support an integrated system of shared responsibility between public authorities, farmers, distributors, and manufacturers. This is crucial due to the increase in the use of plastics in agriculture, which, while offering resistance, durability, and low cost, their incorrect management can lead to significant environmental repercussions.

Due to the lack of sufficient resources and legislative ambiguity, many small producers face difficulties in proceeding with the collection, transportation, and recycling of these materials. To cope with this, we have been providing comprehensive agricultural plastic waste management services since 2008.

However, the importance of clear legislation supporting the management of this waste should not be underestimated. Initiatives to establish such legislation, such as Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy, are still pending implementation.

Only with an integral and collaborative approach, supported by clear legislation, can we ensure efficient management of agricultural plastic waste and a cleaner, more sustainable future. This effort requires the active participation of all the actors involved: producers, public administration, and companies specialized in waste management.

At La Red by Veolia, we are committed to this approach, ensuring that the process of recovered and recycled materials is optimal and serving agricultural producers throughout the recycling process. Moving towards a more sustainable future is a shared responsibility. With effective management of agricultural plastic waste, we can ensure the sustainability of agriculture and protect our precious ecosystems.