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The port of Barcelona seeks to give business plastic a second life
Packaging film and marine tarpaulins could be used by other industries. More than 40 companies in the port area are taking part in a project that is studying how to make use of this waste and is considering the option of a local plant.
More than 40 companies are exploring how to make use of their waste and are considering a local plant.
Packaging film and protective tarpaulins used in shipping could have a second life beyond the operations that produce them. In the port of Barcelona, over 40 companies have taken part in Delta, an initiative from the Circulars programme that aims to connect this waste with businesses able to reuse it.
A local plant remains under consideration
Fundació BCN Port Innovation has studied the flows of plastic within the port ecosystem. The analysis covers the volume and condition of the plastics, as well as their destination, and identifies both the companies generating the waste and potential recipients within or near the port.
After reviewing the results and the challenges, the foundation began to create connections between companies during a meeting at World Trade Center Barcelona. It has also considered setting up a local recovery plant in the port; for now, this is a possibility rather than a confirmed project.
The proposal would initially focus on polyethylene and polypropylene. The process would include a sorting phase, followed by shredding and washing, to help return the material to local value chains.
Better separation at source
Another challenge lies in day-to-day management: properly separating plastics at the point where they are generated. The foundation is considering training companies to improve this step.
The training is planned for 2027. In another area, Barcelona has also proposed support for electric bicycles; in this case, the focus is on waste from companies in the port.