AENOR Certified · ISO 14001 · Circular Economy
Sustainability & Circular Economy
We manufacture thermoplastic materials with up to 95% recycled content, backed by independent certifications and a verifiable commitment to reducing environmental impact.
95%
Maximum recycled content
5
AENOR-certified levels
400 kW
Solar capacity
ISO 14001
Environmental management
Data-Driven Sustainability, Not Empty Promises
At Candea we do not use sustainability as a marketing slogan. Every figure we communicate is backed by third-party certifications, laboratory testing, and audited processes. We know the industry has too many unsubstantiated claims, so we publish exactly which recycled content percentages are available today, by material family, and which are under development.
Our ISO 14001 environmental management system ensures that every process, from raw material selection to end-of-life management, is evaluated, measured, and continuously improved.
Verifiable transparency
Every recycled content percentage we declare is AENOR-certified, with periodic audits and complete material traceability.
Uncompromised performance
Our recycled materials maintain the same ESD, mechanical, and thermal properties as their virgin equivalents, validated by standardised testing.
Honest R&D
We publish real timelines for new recycled formulations. What has not been validated is labelled "under development", never as available.
Available Recycled Content Percentages
Updated production data. Each percentage is backed by AENOR recycled plastic certification.
| Material family | Available today | Under development | ESD compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poliolefinas | Up to 95% | 100% (target Q3 2027) | Yes |
| ABS | Up to 95% | 100% (target Q3 2027) | Yes |
| Poliestireno | Up to 95% | 100% (target Q3 2027) | Yes |
| PET | Up to 100% | 0% | Yes |
Note: "under development" percentages indicate formulations undergoing technical validation. Timelines are estimates based on current R&D status and may vary. Contact our team for up-to-date data.
Sustainability Certifications
Our environmental commitments are backed by certifications from internationally recognised independent bodies.
AENOR, Recycled Plastic
AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification) independently certifies the recycled plastic content in our sheets. We hold certificates for five levels: 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 95%. Each certificate includes material chain-of-custody audit, recycling supplier verification, and composition testing.
ISO 14001:2015
Our environmental management system is certified to ISO 14001:2015, covering all extrusion, storage, and logistics operations at our 15,000 m² facility in Toledo. The certification ensures continuous assessment of environmental aspects and impacts, waste management, and environmental performance improvement.
Download certificate →Our Circular Economy Approach
Every stage of our process is designed to maximise material reuse and minimise waste.
Recycled raw materials
We integrate post-consumer and industrial recycled resin into our formulations, with certified suppliers and complete documentary traceability.
Efficient extrusion
Our 5 extrusion lines optimise energy consumption. Trim and production waste is reprocessed on-site, nothing leaves the plant as waste.
Product with recycled content
The resulting sheets and coils contain certified percentages of recycled content, without compromising the technical properties required by each application.
End of life & recyclability
Most of our materials are 100% recyclable at end of life. We advise our customers on recycling streams and design for recyclability.
Bioplastics & Next-Generation Materials
Our R&D&I team is actively researching formulations based on biopolymers, plastics derived partially or fully from renewable sources (starch, sugarcane, vegetable oils). The goal is to offer viable alternatives to conventional thermoplastics in applications where properties allow.
It is important to distinguish between bioplastics (from renewable sources) and biodegradable plastics (which decompose under specific conditions). Not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and not all biodegradable plastics are bio-based. At Candea we evaluate each material by its complete environmental profile, not just raw material origin.
PLA & PLA blends
Polylactic acid derived from corn starch. We research blends with additives to improve thermal and mechanical resistance, expanding PLA industrial applications beyond packaging.
Bio-PE & Bio-PP
Polyethylene and polypropylene produced from sugarcane ethanol. Identical properties to conventional PE/PP, with reduced carbon footprint. Compatible with existing recycling streams.
Bio-based ESD compounds
The greatest technical challenge: combining electrostatic dissipation properties with biopolymer matrices. Our formulation team researches conductive additives compatible with bioplastics for ESD applications.
European Regulation & Sustainability Requirements
The EU regulatory framework is transforming requirements for plastic materials. Candea is prepared to support its customers through this transition.
CSRD, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Since 2024, large EU companies must report sustainability indicators according to ESRS standards. This includes the percentage of recycled materials in their supply chain. Candea provides verified recycled content data that customers can incorporate directly into their CSRD reports.
PPWR, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
The new EU Packaging Regulation sets mandatory recycled content targets: 25% by 2025 for PET bottles, with increasing targets for other plastic formats. While Candea does not operate in consumer packaging, our thermoformed sheets for industrial trays and component protection are subject to these standards. Our current recycled content levels (up to 95%) far exceed the planned targets.
REACH & RoHS, Chemicals and electronics
All our materials comply with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. We maintain up-to-date declarations available upon request for each material family.
EU Green Taxonomy
The Green Taxonomy classifies economic activities that substantially contribute to EU environmental objectives. Manufacturing materials with recycled content and transitioning towards a circular economy align directly with the taxonomy's substantial contribution criteria.
Clean Energy in Our Production
Our manufacturing plant in Villaseca de la Sagra (Toledo) features a 400.68 kW photovoltaic installation, co-funded by NextGenerationEU funds through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, managed by the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha. This installation significantly reduces our dependence on the conventional power grid and the CO₂ emissions associated with our production.
400.68 kW
Installed solar capacity
NextGenerationEU
Co-funded by European funds
15,000 m²
Production facility
Sustainability Roadmap
Verifiable goals with real timelines, what we have today and where we are headed.
ISO 14001 certification
AchievedEnvironmental management system certified and audited annually.
AENOR Recycled Plastic (5 levels)
AchievedCertification for 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 95% recycled content.
400 kW solar installation
AchievedOwn renewable energy generation at the Toledo plant.
100% production waste reprocessing
AchievedAll extrusion trim and waste is reincorporated into the production process.
90% recycled ABS with ESD properties
Q2 2027 (target)Formulation under validation: maintaining stable surface resistivity with 90% recycled ABS.
Biopolymer evaluation (PLA, Bio-PE/PP)
2027–2028Supplier evaluation and pilot formulation programme with biopolymers for selected applications.
Carbon footprint per material family
2028 (planned)Calculate and publish the CO₂ footprint of each material family, including the impact of recycled content, so our customers can incorporate it into their CSRD reports.
Sustainability FAQ
What percentage of recycled content is available?
Do recycled materials maintain the same ESD properties?
What sustainability certifications does Candea hold?
Does Candea manufacture bioplastics?
How does Candea help with CSRD compliance?
Are Candea materials recyclable at end of life?
Need sustainability data for your project?
Our technical team can provide recycled content data, certifications, and environmental documentation for your sustainability reports.