Post-consumer management of plastic and aluminum liquid food containers has become a global concern. It demands a response that engages every citizen and raises awareness. Projections from European authorities indicate that without intervention, plastic waste could grow by nearly 46 percent by 2030. This underscores the urgency of practical, scalable solutions across the circular economy in both Canada and the United States, with Spain’s recent policy moves illustrating a broader trend.
In January of this year a new law introduced a special tax of 0.45 euros per kilogram on plastic packaging that is not reusable. Spain, aligned with the Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy framework established by Law 7/2022 of 8 April, is promoting actions that lower the carbon footprint and foster recycling throughout the value chain. A notable example is Ripet, an Italian company that has developed an integrated system for proper waste management. The solution covers separation, classification, recovery, and monetization of solid waste, connecting manufacturers, institutions, companies, governments, and everyday citizens in a shared effort to protect the planet and reduce carbon emissions.
Ripet is a clear example of how an end-to-end approach can reshape waste management. The company has created a framework that makes waste recovery more efficient and transparent, turning discarded plastics back into usable materials. This alignment of efforts across sectors helps to normalize recycling as a standard habit across communities and businesses alike.
Ripet is an Italian firm that develops smart systems for waste handling that support clear tracking, efficient collection, and reliable data on material streams. Its approach emphasizes how measurement and visibility can drive better decisions and higher recycling rates across the supply chain.
How is this put into practice?
Ripet provides a practical and sustainable model for selective collection and traceability of containers. PET, the material used for most disposable bottles, is targeted to become a valuable resource instead of waste. The goal is to transform discarded containers into resources that can be reused repeatedly, with citizen participation helping to reduce shipment volumes and associated emissions. The system streamlines the delivery chain by enabling direct recycling of bottles without excessive paperwork.
To support this, Ripet has designed smart ecological compactors that operate around the clock. These units automatically collect bottles, compress them, and read barcodes to track essential data. A barcode serves as a product code linked to a technical sheet that details the composition percentages of virgin PET and recycled PET. With bottling partners, Ripet can quantify exactly how many bottles are collected for each brand and determine the share of pure PET and recycled PET in the mix.
Recently, Ripet opened RiEcologica SL in the local market to expand its use and deployment in Spain. Plans call for deploying thousands of machines in the coming year to support widespread adoption and impact.
Advantages of smart compactors
- Round-the-clock technical support. Ripet also offers to install the first batch of 3000 units at no upfront cost and provides ongoing maintenance at no charge.
- Exceptionally high storage capacity. Each unit can hold more than 6,000 bottles, enabling smoother collection flows, fewer trips to recycling facilities, lower energy use, and reduced transport costs which translates into lower CO2 emissions. The result is maximal size reduction and improved transport efficiency to recycling plants.
- Complete traceability. Municipalities and companies can monitor the entire cycle from collection to processing in real time.
- Real-time insights on collected plastic. The system distinguishes recycled PET from unprocessed plastic to optimize recycling operations and better serve communities by reducing costs and ensuring compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility requirements.
- Tracking of bottles delivered by users. The platform supports loyalty incentives and discounts while mapping collection point geography to speed up deposits at machines.
Where can the ecological compactor be installed?
Strategic sites include organized distribution networks, supermarkets, municipal centers, sports venues, fuel stations, airports, and 24-hour vending points where beverages in plastic containers are sold or consumed. Ripet envisions installations both in Spain and abroad, placing compactors in aisles and at store entrances to create synergy with existing retail ecosystems. The technology links packaging collection with loyalty programs, enabling owners of parent brands or store chains to reward customers who return empty bottles with points and discounts.
This model benefits all parties involved: citizens are motivated to return bottles, retailers provide a valued service and gain loyalty, bottlers recover and track containers, and the overall system aligns with national and regional regulatory frameworks for better environmental outcomes.
All of this supports new job creation and helps institutions advance their environmental targets, increasing selective plastic collection rates in line with circular economy principles. The aim is a healthier environment for current and future generations.
For more information on installation or to sign up, interested parties can contact through official channels and submit their details for follow-up. This includes inquiries about deploying the machines and integrating them into local recycling programs.