Changes in EPR for single use plastics manufacturers

Resolution 803 from 2024 introduces important changes regarding Extended Producer Responsibility. Due to this change, not only are those who put packaging in the market (brand owners) responsible for its proper disposal and capture, but so are the producers of the single use plastics outlined in Legislation 2232 from 2022. This means that if a company that for example sells plastic cutlery or any other single use plastic product banned, must make sure that the packaging and the product itself is not single use to continue manufacturing it.

The resolution also establishes new goals, such as:

• Capture Goals: specific goals are being established for the capture of all plastic bottles, packaging, and containers that contain liquids, as well as plastics used in construction
• Recycling Goals: for materials such as PET, and high density polyethylene, plastics used in construction, and all the single use plastic containers, packaging, and products outside of PET and PEAD
• Minimum Recycled Content Goals: are focused on increasing the amount of recycled pre and postconsumer plastics into PET water bottles, as well as those for other beverages, as well as construction materials

How are exceptions granted in regards to percentage of recycled content and biodegradable products:

The Resolution regulates the way that companies can be exempt from these bans if: products are manufactured with 100% PCR that is produced from national feedstock, and is certified by a third party approved by the ONAC (The Colombian National Accreditation Organism) in accordance with the Legislation NTC 6632.

• Using products that are biodegradable and compostable under natural environments. These must be certified by a laboratory certified or approved by the ONAC
• It is to be noted that Legislation 2232 considered other exempt categories such as basic pantry items (known as canasta familia) or products for which their substitution has been proven to have a higher impact on human and environmental life according to a comparative life cycle analysis

Grupo Plastilene commits to…

At Grupo Plastilene, we are committed to sustainability and compliance with the standing legislation. In line with this, we have received a certification from ICIPC (The Training and Research Institute for Plastics and Rubber) and Icontec (Colombian Institute of Technical Legislation and Certification), who are on their way to being accredited by the ONAC. We have also made a commitment to guide companies through this Resolution and identify if it’s relevant to them, as well as choose the right products for their portfolio.

Want to learn more?

Do not hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about the Single Use Plastics Ban in Colombia, as well as all associated Resolutions. We are here to help you navigate these important changes and make the best informed decisions; together we can achieve a more sustainable future.