Spain faces pressure over its efforts to curb single-use plastic packaging as the European Commission weighs in with guidance on the national Royal Decree on Packaging and Packaging Waste. The Commission’s Directorate-General for Industry and Internal Market, often cited for its role in shaping European product policies, has published an opinion suggesting that Madrid should scale back some of the decree’s most ambitious targets. The recommendation focuses on delaying or softening measures related to disposable packaging and certain hazardous substances found in consumer packaging, pending formal approval by Brussels.
Various consumer and environmental groups contend that industry lobbying is driving the shift, arguing that the EU is yielding to corporate interests after receiving a large number of submissions—some of them coordinated—reportedly sent to the Commission by employers. In this framing, civil society voices say the Commission’s stance reflects significant commercial pressure rather than public health or environmental imperatives.
Organizations active in this dialogue, including Greenpeace, Retorna, Oceana, and Friends of the Earth, have welcomed the portions of the draft royal decree that target toxicity reduction and waste management but note that several provisions the EU critiques are exactly the ones that could be strengthened to advance broader environmental goals. These groups highlight measures such as banning certain toxic substances (including phthalates and bisphenol A) in packaging, reducing plastic waste, limiting packaging of fruits and vegetables, and providing financial incentives for clean-up actions. They describe these as essential steps toward a more sustainable packaging system, even as they acknowledge gaps may exist in the current proposal.
Critics warn that lowering the decree’s ambitions could hinder genuine progress toward a zero-waste framework. They argue that decisive action is needed to curb plastic pollution and promote safer materials in the marketplace. The exchanges describe the draft decree as a work in progress, with the EU’s review signaling a push for stronger measures rather than a retreat from environmental commitments.
— Large displays of plastic bottle inventories and related packaging issues are frequently cited as a focal point in the national conversation around waste management and product stewardship. The image of disposable packaging has become emblematic of broader concerns about pollution and consumer responsibility in Spain and across Europe.
As the process moves forward, Spain’s government has noted that the proposed royal decree is aligned with several European directives and is part of an ongoing dialogue with Brussels. The current interaction suggests a period of revision and negotiation before any final reform is enacted. The Commission’s opinion outlines the main adjustments sought by Brussels, indicating a preference for maintaining strong environmental safeguards while accommodating national policy considerations.
Key proposed changes highlighted by Brussels include:— Reinstating restrictions on toxic substances in packaging. The Commission points to the Community Packaging Directive and the long-standing goal of reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals, signaling that the Spanish decree should be harmonized with European standards rather than diverging from them. This alignment would support safer consumer products and reduce risks associated with packaging materials.
— Reconsidering targets that aim to cut packaging waste and plastic bottle use. The Brussels position cites specific targets—such as reductions reaching around the mid-teens by 2025 and beyond into 2030—as benchmarks that should be clearly defined and enforceable. A transparent timeline helps businesses plan investments in sustainable packaging and recycling infrastructure.
— Reexamining labeling and packaging of fresh produce. By allowing certain practices, such as selling bulk produce without heavy packaging, policymakers would be balancing consumer convenience and waste reduction. Other European nations have adopted similar approaches, demonstrating that real-world implementation is feasible with appropriate safeguards.
— Avoiding the imposition of voluntary or mandatory costs for municipal cleanup of litter. The Commission’s view is that a policy burden on industry for environmental clean-up should align with Extended Producer Responsibility principles rather than creating new liabilities beyond those established by the Waste Framework Directive. This stance is seen as a way to ensure that producer accountability remains reasonable and effective while public responsibilities are clearly defined.
Representatives from Friends of the Earth, Ecologistas en Acción, Greenpeace, Oceana, Retorna, Rezero, and Surfrider stressed the importance of standing by robust health and environmental protections even amid pressure from industry. They urged the government and relevant ministries to model the approach of other member states and to resist moves that would undermine well-established European waste directives. Their message emphasizes the imperative to confront plastic pollution seriously and to preserve clean air, soil, and waterways for communities across Spain and the broader region.
At this stage, the dialogue continues, with civil society groups and policymakers closely watching how the royal decree will be refined before any final approval. The broader context remains the same: reduce reliance on single-use packaging, minimize exposure to hazardous substances, and create a more circular economy where packaging is designed for reuse and responsible end-of-life management.
For further information and updates, ongoing statements from environmental organizations and government briefings are anticipated as part of the national consultation process. This evolving conversation reflects a shared concern for public health, environmental integrity, and the long-term sustainability of packaging practices across Spain and the European Union.