For many companies, the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has fallen like a storm of paperwork and deadlines. From yogurts to detergents, everyone must be responsible for the packaging they put on the market. In the midst of this new regulatory map, Oscar Hernandez Prado – a veterinarian by origin and president of Ecoembes Comerciales – defends that the main value of the Spanish ecosystem is its experience in circularity, which provides “peace of mind for companies.” We spoke with him about the new packaging management model, the challenges and opportunities what it entails and the key role that innovation will have in this process.
What business impact does the expansion of the RAP have?
The expansion of the RAP has meant a paradigm shift for the business fabric. Now, companies must not only be responsible for the domestic packaging that they put on the market, those that reach consumers, such as a bottle of shampoo, but also the commercial packaging – those that do not reach the consumer, but remain in the commercial activity, such as the box that transports the shampoo bottles to the supermarket. This involves reorganizing internal processes, assuming new obligations and integrating circularity as an essential part of its strategy. Beyond an administrative challenge, it represents an opportunity to reinforce the commitment to sustainability and a more efficient and responsible economy.
In months, 9,000 companies have already trusted Ecoembes Comerciales. To what do you attribute this rapid adhesion?
It shows that companies are looking for reliable, simple solutions and, above all, an expert partner like Ecoembes to help them comply with regulations. Our comprehensive model, which facilitates the management of all packaging through a single interlocutor, is the key. Both large companies and SMEs are taking this path with a focus on circularity; Most of the Spanish business community understands the importance of getting ahead and adapting as soon as possible to be competitive.
What differential value does Ecoembes Comerciales offer?
Above all, peace of mind for companies. We have more than 25 years of experience at Ecoembes, the ability to manage all packaging with one interlocutor and the principles of collaboration on which we work to align the entire value chain. We have the voice and vote of the companies that put commercial packaging on the market and those that manage their waste – distribution. In addition, we accompany our clients with a unique service offering in the sector and innovative digital solutions, which helps simplify processes and free companies from the administrative burden. An example is the recent addition of AI to our packaging declaration platform.
They have introduced innovative digital tools such as CircularCheck. How does it work?
CircularCheck is a pioneering tool that helps companies know if their packaging meets the recyclability requirements that will be mandatory in 2030. It is crucial for companies, because when that date is reached, packaging that does not meet these criteria will not be able to be put on the market. In addition, it allows them to diagnose the environmental behavior of their packaging, anticipate improvements and optimize resources, thus facilitating decision-making and the development of increasingly sustainable packaging.
Ecoembes Comerciales was born as an association, promoting the participation of packaging and distribution companies in decision-making. How do you promote their participation?
The active participation of companies is a fundamental pillar of Ecoembes Comerciales: both packaging companies – those who put the packaging on the market – and distributors – those who receive the packaging in their stores and correctly manage the waste they generate. We were born as an association precisely so that companies have a voice and vote in strategic decisions through governing bodies, promoting co-responsibility and transparency. Only in this way can a truly efficient model be built and adapted to the real needs of the entire sector.
Next challenges?
The great challenge is to consolidate the correct management of commercial packaging in each place where they end up. It is a new model that requires time to adapt, but it has the great advantage of not starting from scratch, since it draws on Ecoembes’ experience with domestic packaging for almost three decades. At Ecoembes Comerciales we are committed to making packaging management increasingly efficient, innovative and sustainable.