Circular material use rate

A number of shifts can be observed in the period analysed. Since 2015, when Spain reached the lowest value for this indicator, there has been an upward trend in the incorporation of recycled material into the production systemVarious mechanisms have been put in place, such as Law 7/2022 of 8 April 2022 on waste and contaminated soil for a circular economy, which introduces several measures in favour of the circular economy, including fiscal measures. This legislation thus led to the Spanish circular economy strategy, Circular Spain 2030, currently supported by a three-year plan (the 2021–2023 circular economy action plan).

The framework for secondary raw materials in the first circular economy action plan, approved in May 2021, includes actions to declare and promote the use of by-products. In addition, the action plan develops criteria related to ‘end of waste’ regulations, and calls for the analysis of the effect of reclassifying waste on the secondary raw materials market.

Meeting the challenge of transitioning towards a circular economy will only be possible with the help, participation and involvement of the entire society – not just the government but also all economic sectors (manufacturing, production, distribution and waste management), which have to incorporate research and innovation as key elements to achieve the intended goals. Furthermore, social agents and, even more, consumers and citizens must play a decisive role; their purchasing choices and their waste-separating habits will prove fundamental.