Our commitment
Concern for our surroundings and caring for the environment are reflected in our commitment and responsibility throughout the value chain, from the moment we receive the raw material, to the end of the product's lifespan. For this reason we have created an entire line of environmentally friendly products: Green Line.
RESPONSIBILITY
In the development of new extrusion technologies, optimisation of production processes, efficient use of resources and control of raw materials, we seek to act responsibly and safeguard a clean, sustainable future.
INNOVATION
El Carmen has developed a wide range of biodegradable and compostable products which have earned the OK Compost certification from one of the most prestigious certifying bodies, TÜV Austria.

Environmental performance
Here at El Carmen Packaging Solutions, we understand that we only have one planet, and we must be part of the change. That’s why we place great emphasis on the circular economy.
This is demonstrated in each of our three plants.
Alzuza
We reuse our solvents in this plant, converting potentially hazardous waste from our flexographic printing process (used solvents from print orders) into clean distilled solvent for cleaning.
Annually, around half of the solvents we use at El Carmen Packaging Solutions have been recovered using our internal distillation process, reducing our consumption of fresh solvents by 45-50%.
Here are our figures:
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
Total litres | 314.666 | 301.175 | 277.432 | 281.445 | 298.351 |
New litres consumed | 174.816 | 159.275 | 139.273 | 143.263 | 160.675 |
%Reused litres | 44% | 47% | 50% | 49% | 46% |
Carsal
This is another example where we use internal waste as a raw material. Excess and waste polyethylene are used in the production of our bin liners and our 70% recycled bags.
Here are details of the approximate amount of recycled material we reuse
2019: 660 t / 2020: 565 t / 2021: 816 t
Alzuza y Huarte
Since 2019, we have been recycling 20% more paper and cardboard rather than sending it for energy recovery at both of these plants.
The following figures show that the % sent for recycling every year is on a positive path:
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
Total paper and cardboard waste (t) | 688,26 | 687,83 | 719,34 |
Recycling | 39% | 45% | 59% |
Energy recovery | 61% | 55% | 41% |
Want to know more?
Our range of sustainable products includes:
- Bio packaging
- FSC/PEFC products
- 70% recycled bags
The sustainable packaging produced (in kg) since 2018 is as follows:
Biodegradable and Compostable Solutions
We’re leading the change, are you with us?