Spain boasts 90% cardboard recycling rate

Spain is now the third largest producer of corrugated cardboard in Europe. New figures by the Spanish Association of Corrugated Cardboard Packaging Manufacturers (AFCO) show it follows closely behind Italy and Germany.

Spain operates 64 corrugating companies and 86 factories. Most of the material (over 60% of annual consumption) serves as packaging for the food industry.  Consumer goods account for 13% of demand, and logistics and e-commerce for 11%.

Major turnover

‘Our corrugated cardboard industry is a fundamental pillar of the economy and sustainability,’ says AFCO.  This ‘strategically relevant sector’ produces 5.8 million m2 of corrugated cardboard with a turnover of EUR 6.9 million. The industry employs around 25 500 people across the country.

Corrugated cardboard has a 90% recovery and recycling rate, says AFCO president Leopoldo Santorromán. This is the highest of all materials in Europe.

‘Corrugated packaging protects products and optimises transport and logistics processes,’ he says. ‘In addition, its endless customisation and printing possibilities make it a great communication and branding tool.’

Andalusia leads

Meanwhile, Costa del Sol leads the Spanish recycling efforts in packaging. Local residents there recycled more than 15 400 tonnes of light packaging in 2024. This represents almost 30kg per person, far above the national average of 20.4kg. The Andalusian region, on the other hand, managed only 14.4kg.