Spanish households recycled more than 371,000 t of plastic in 2013, translating to a 3.7% increase over 2012, according to the Spanish non-profit Cicloplast (Madrid; www.cicloplast.com). Thus, Spain was only behind Germany within the EU in terms per capita plastics recycling for the year. The Spanish organisation says the figure represents a threefold increase from 2003 for the country. The rate of recycling has now reached 56.6%, which means Spaniards recycle 1.6 out of every 2 plastic containers.

Cicloplast notes in its findings that while other European countries focus mainly on recycling bottles, the citizens of Spain are recycling all kinds of plastic containers, including milk bottles, yogurt tubs, shower gel and shampoo containers as well as bags and plastic films.

Looking ahead, Teresa Martínez, director general for the Spanish non-profit noted, "The new target set by Brussels for 2025 is 60% recycled plastics and zero waste recyclables in landfills. For Spain to achieve this goal, the equation must combine end markets for recycled plastic with high added value in terms of using the energy contained in plastics." For details on the European Commission's latest proposals on the Waste Framework Directive, see Plasteurope.com of 04.07.2014.