The Circular Economy Action Group led by Forética and composed of 11 companies (Cerealto Siro, Ecoembes, Endesa, Grupo Antolín, ING, LafargeHolcim, Nestlé, P&G, Red Eléctrica de España, Grupo Saica and Vía Célere), presents the report The reality of plastics: myths and truths, a detailed analysis of the production, management and reuse of plastics. It is focused on promoting the development of circular business models. 

The report delves into the key facts that mark the reality of plastics and how to move towards a new economy of plastics. It aims to generate knowledge about the reality of plastics, debunking myths and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of one of the most versatile and valuable materials, promoting business circularity, a measure identified as one of the most pressing challenges to accelerate the transition towards this new economy.

The report, the only one to provide key, relevant and topical information on the plastic sector, is published at a time when the regulatory framework for plastics has gained momentum. More specifically, the Spanish Council of ministers has recently approved its national Circular Economy Strategy 2020-2030 and the draft of the new Law on Waste and Contaminated Soils.

“Companies face a changing and ambitious environment, but necessary to advance towards this new economy based on sustainable development. In this sense, from Forética we work with companies to promote from the private sector a transition towards a more circular economy, supported by innovation and in the search for alliances with the main interest groups -workers, suppliers, customers and the public sector- that allow us to accelerate this transformation ”, says Germán Granda, General Director of Forética.

“The annual production of plastics has increased exponentially in the last 50 years. This increase has brought with it an environmental impact linked to both its water and climate footprint - due to its dependence on fossil fuels - and to the management of this material once it fulfills its role and becomes waste. In this sense, and although current data shows that the recovery of plastics remains low globally, Europe and specifically Spain have made significant progress in recent years in transforming this waste into new resources.through its selective collection and subsequent recycling. To continue progressing in the right direction towards a circularity of plastics, it is necessary to have economic instruments that promote innovation and, with it, good practices that inspire action in the business sector”, adds Elena Ruiz, coordinator of Forética's Circular Economy Action Group.