Commercial and Industrial Packaging in 2025: Key EPR changes in France and Spain

The landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) across Europe is continuously evolving, and 2025 will bring significant regulatory changes in France and Spain that businesses must prepare for.

In particular, Spain will introduce new rules expanding EPR obligations to cover commercial and industrial packaging. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses selling into these markets.

Spain – What’s changing?

From 1 January 2025, commercial and industrial packaging will fall under Spain’s EPR regulations. This means that obligated producers will be required to report and pay for this packaging. However, Spain’s definitions of household, commercial, and industrial packaging differ from other EU member states, making it essential for businesses to understand the specific criteria.

How to comply

Businesses can comply by joining a compliance scheme that covers commercial and industrial packaging. Some of the available compliance schemes include:

• Ecoembes
• Procircular
• Ecotic Envases

The first reporting cycle for these new requirements will take place in 2026, but businesses will be required to submit forecast data in 2025.

Definitions of commercial and industrial packaging in Spain

To ensure compliance, businesses must understand how Spain classifies packaging under the new EPR regulations.

Commercial packaging

Definition: Packaging that, while not considered household, is used in commercial activities such as wholesale, retail, restaurants, bars, offices, and markets.

Examples:

1. Grouping boxes used to transport beauty products to a store.
2. A 25-litre drum of cooking oil used in a restaurant.

Note: This type of packaging never reaches consumers directly or qualifies as household packaging.

Industrial packaging

Definition: Packaging used in industrial, agricultural, livestock, forestry, or aquaculture activities, excluding those classified as commercial or household packaging.

Examples:

1. Plastic containers for animal feed.
2. Large metal drums containing raw materials from mining operations.

Note: Like commercial packaging, industrial packaging never reaches consumers directly.

How Valpak can help

Navigating these regulatory changes can be complex, but our international compliance experts are here to support your business. Whether you need guidance on Spanish EPR requirements or assistance in selecting the right compliance scheme, our team is ready to help.

Need personalised guidance? If you’re an existing customer, contact your international account manager or email [email protected] for expert support.

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