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Date Published: 20/01/2025

Plastic bottles change again in 2025: After attached bottle caps, EU introduces another new rule

Consumers have already had to contend with bottle caps that don’t come off, but now there’s another adjustment coming for plastic bottles this year

Just as we’ve all become used to non-removable caps on our plastic bottles, there’s a new change coming for 2025. The European Union, which rolled out the tethered cap rule in July last year, is now introducing a regulation that requires plastic bottles to be made from at least 25% recycled material.

This update follows the EU’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The new measure, officially effective from January 1, aims to cut down on the use of virgin plastic and push manufacturers toward a more circular economy.

From a practical perspective, this means many of the plastic bottles you’ll pick up in Spanish supermarkets, whether for water, soft drinks or other beverages, will now contain a significant proportion of recycled material. While this might seem like a behind-the-scenes adjustment, it’s expected to have a noticeable impact on both the environment and the production process.

Microplastics, however, do remain a major concern. These tiny plastic particles, which result from the breakdown of larger plastics, are increasingly found in water, soil and even the food chain, posing potential health risks to both humans and wildlife.

Alarmingly, studies have shown that microplastics are being ingested by humans through food and drink, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects. By incorporating more recycled materials into production, the EU hopes to reduce the demand for new plastic, which could help mitigate the microplastic problem in the long term.

For consumers, the good news is that this change shouldn’t affect usability – bottles will look and function the same as before. However, some manufacturers have expressed concerns about sourcing sufficient high-quality recycled material to meet the new requirements, which could lead to slight price increases for certain products.

This latest update builds on the success of the tethered cap rule, which was designed to prevent caps from becoming litter and ensure they are recycled along with the bottle. In Spain, the introduction of non-removable caps last summer sparked mixed reactions from residents, with some finding them fiddly while others welcomed the eco-conscious move.

The EU’s progressive plastic policies are part of a broader push to achieve its 2030 goals for recycling and waste reduction.

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