Spain Reusable Packaging Market Overview, 2030

Spain’s transition toward reusable packaging is strongly aligned with its national decarbonization strategy and the EU Green Deal’s climate goals. Environmental impact assessments (EIA) of reusable packaging in Spain consistently show substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions, material waste, and water usage compared to single-use alternatives, especially in agriculture, food retail, and urban logistics. For instance, the widespread use of Reusable Plastic Crates (RPCs) in Murcia and Valencia’s fruit and vegetable exports can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60–80% over single-use cardboard or polystyrene across 40 reuse cycles, as documented in IFCO Iberia’s internal lifecycle analysis. In the wine and olive oil sectors, reusable stainless steel IBCs and drums lower emissions by minimizing packaging weight, reducing breakage rates, and enabling bulk transport. In Catalonia and La Rioja, refillable wine bottle pilot programs have demonstrated CO₂ savings of over 80 g CO₂e per bottle, especially when refilled locally with regional cleaning systems. Urban reuse pilots in Barcelona and Madrid, such as reusable food delivery containers, show a 40–55% reduction in waste generation and a measurable drop in landfill emissions within six months of implementation. Platforms like Bumerang are tracking return rates, reuse cycles, and emissions savings in real time. Government backed studies under the PERTE Circular Economy framework are developing standardized metrics for packaging reuse systems to contribute to Spain’s 2030 climate roadmap. Integration of these LCA metrics into public procurement and EPR reporting is expected to become mandatory, further incentivizing environmental transparency and systemic adoption of reusable solutions.

According to the research report ""Spain Reusable Packaging Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Spain Reusable Packaging market was valued at more than USD 2.63 Billion in 2025. Spain is emerging as a regional hub for digitally enabled reusable packaging solutions, with startups and logistics firms increasingly integrating tracking technologies, automated return systems, and incentive platforms into circular models. Cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid are hosting a growing number of pilots that use QR codes, RFID tags, and smart lockers to streamline reusable packaging logistics across foodservice, e-commerce, and retail. One of the most visible startups in this space is Bumerang, based in Barcelona, which offers a platform for reusable takeaway cups and food containers across universities, cafés, and corporate campuses. The system allows users to check out packaging via app-based QR scans and return them at drop-off points within 7 days. The platform tracks return rates, usage cycles, and environmental impact per user, building a data-driven behavioral model that supports both consumers and municipalities. Recircular another tech startup, is working on digital platforms that match industrial packaging waste streams with reuse opportunities, enabling secondary life applications and reducing resource input. In the grocery sector, Loop España is testing e-commerce compatible reusable containers with app-based deposit-return features and tracking integration. Larger players like Logifruit and IFCO Iberia are also digitizing their crate pooling systems with RFID-enabled traceability, ensuring real-time inventory visibility and reuse analytics across Spain’s major agricultural corridors. These innovations are increasingly supported by regional circular economy accelerators and funding from CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology) and Horizon Europe programs.

Plastic remains the most widely used material in Spain’s reusable packaging market, particularly in the agri-food and retail sectors. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) are the primary materials used in Reusable Plastic Crates (RPCs) for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which are exported in bulk from Murcia, Almería, and the Valencian Community. Operators such as Logifruit, IFCO Iberia, and Saica Pack manage standardized crate pooling systems that reduce waste and improve logistics efficiency. Spain's strong agricultural base and export-driven economy make RPCs the default choice for both domestic distribution and EU-bound supply chains. Metal is predominantly used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and beverage sectors. Stainless steel Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), drums, and kegs are employed for bulk wine, olive oil, and industrial liquids. These are favored in La Rioja, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia for their durability and compatibility with hygiene standards. Reusable metal packaging is also gaining ground in cold chain pharmaceutical logistics. Wood is extensively used in reusable pallet systems for B2B transport. Euro pallets, typically made of pine and designed for up to 100 reuse cycles, are essential in both agricultural and industrial logistics. Spain is a major user and exporter of wooden crates for produce, particularly for citrus and tomatoes, with robust reuse systems in cooperative-based networks.Glass is a traditional material in Spain’s beverage sector. Regions such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia continue to use refillable glass bottles for wine, cider, and mineral water.

Containers and drums are widely used in Spain’s olive oil, wine, and chemical industries. Stainless steel IBCs and UN-approved drums are common in export-oriented logistics, particularly in regions like Andalusia, La Rioja, and Castilla-La Mancha. These containers meet hygiene and safety regulations while enabling multi-cycle reuse. The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries increasingly rely on returnable containers to comply with traceability and environmental standards under EU and Spanish regulations. Crates and boxes are the backbone of Spain’s agricultural logistics, especially in fresh produce and seafood sectors. The Murcia and Valencia regions use foldable plastic crates for bulk transportation of fruits, vegetables, and fish to both domestic retailers and export markets. Companies like Logi fruit and IFCO Iberia operate shared crate pooling systems. In the processed food sector, stackable trays are used for meats, bakery, and dairy items transported through cold chain networks. Bottles and jars remain central in Spain’s beverage industry. Returnable glass bottles are still in use for regional wines, mineral water, and beer in Galicia, Basque Country, and Catalonia. Pilot programs supported by regional governments aim to revive refill systems and test digital deposit return schemes (DRS), especially in local food cooperatives and organic retail outlets. Pallets and platforms especially Euro pallets and plastic modular pallets are essential for logistics across retail, FMCG, and manufacturing sectors. Reusable pallet wraps and display platforms are gaining popularity in supermarkets and distribution centers in central Spain and Catalonia.Bags and pouches are emerging in the reusable delivery space. Food delivery services in Madrid and Barcelona are testing insulated reusable bags with app-based return systems.

The food and beverage industry is the largest adopter of reusable packaging in Spain. Agricultural cooperatives in Murcia, Almería, and the Valencian Community rely heavily on reusable plastic crates and bins for exporting fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood to European markets. Spain’s wine-producing regions such as La Rioja, Catalonia, and Castilla-La Mancha utilize reusable bottles and drums in both bulk and bottled formats. Beverage companies, including mineral water and beer producers in the Basque Country and Galicia, are participating in refillable bottle pilots in alignment with Royal Decree 1055/2022. Supermarket chains like Mercadona and Carrefour Spain have adopted reusable trays and containers in their fresh food logistics and online delivery channels. In the automotive sector, reusable molded containers, racks, and metal bins are standard in parts logistics. Catalonia, with its concentration of OEMs and suppliers, uses returnable packaging in just-in-time supply chains. Pallet and crate reuse is also prominent in auto component export from Zaragoza and Castilla y León to the EU. In healthcare, Spain’s public and private hospital systems are adopting reusable insulated containers for pharmaceuticals, diagnostic samples, and vaccine logistics. Regions like Madrid and Andalusia have integrated reusable trays and surgical kits in public procurement frameworks under the country’s broader green healthcare initiative. In logistics and transportation, companies like Crores, SEUR, and DHL are piloting reusable delivery totes, especially in urban last-mile operations. Madrid and Barcelona are testing reverse logistics for insulated food delivery bags and consolidated return systems. Show more