New Royal Decree on Carbon Footprint: Impact and Solutions Through Packaging

Being sustainable is no longer optional; it is an increasing requirement across all sectors. More companies are facing the challenge of lowering their environmental impact as new sustainability regulations continue to emerge. In this context, the Spanish government has strengthened its climate commitment by approving Royal Decree 214/2025, which establishes the creation of the Carbon Footprint, Offset, and Carbon Dioxide Absorption Projects Registry, expanding and reinforcing the regulatory framework set by MITECO (Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge) since 2014.

The goal of this Royal Decree is clear: to require certain organizations to calculate their carbon footprint, develop emission reduction plans, and publish them transparently. This new regulation is a key step in aligning business activities with Spain’s international climate commitments. For companies, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity to excel through efficiency and sustainable innovation.

In this article, we explain in detail the main updates of this regulation, what obligations companies face, and how Innova’s packaging systems can help them adapt to this new regulatory framework.

Key Obligations and Updates in the Carbon Footprint Royal Decree

Main legal obligations to promote transparency and emission reduction in Spanish businesses:

1. Annual calculation and mandatory publication of the carbon footprint

Who is required to comply? Large companies with more than 250 employees or those that, for two consecutive years, exceed €20 million in assets or €40 million in annual revenue. The Royal Decree also applies to entities considered to be of public interest (excluding SMEs), the General State Administration, and, for the first time, events with more than 1,500 attendees, which must also calculate and report their carbon footprint.

2. Emission reduction plan

Companies and entities must prepare and publish an emission reduction plan along with the carbon footprint calculation. This plan must include quantified reduction targets over a time horizon of at least five years, detailed actions, and be reviewed annually.

How is the carbon footprint supposed to be calculated according to the new decree?

The carbon footprint must be determined using globally accepted methods and consistent, comparable technical standards. Important aspects to address include:

Applicable standards and norms:

• ISO 14064-1: For calculating greenhouse gas emissions at the organizational level.

• ISO 14067: For product-level carbon footprints.

• Included gases: The six gases regulated by the Kyoto Protocol must be included at a minimum (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆).

Scopes to consider:

• Scope 1 (mandatory): Direct emissions generated by the company (e.g., fuel use in facilities or owned vehicles).

• Scope 2 (mandatory): Indirect emissions associated with energy consumption.

• Scope 3 (voluntary until 2028): Indirect emissions generated along the company’s value chain (such as freight transport, product use, end-of-life, etc.). This will become mandatory for many companies starting in 2028.

Verification:

• While not always mandatory, the decree recommends external verification of calculations to ensure their reliability, especially in the case of public commitments or voluntary reduction plans.

The first reporting year for companies subject to the obligation will be 2026, during which they must report their 2025 carbon footprint, develop a legally compliant decarbonization plan, and publish both on a public website.

What is the decarbonization plan?

It is a strategic document that companies required by the Royal Decree and those voluntarily registering in the Carbon Footprint Registry must prepare. Its purpose is to clearly outline how the organization plans to reduce its carbon footprint in the coming years. This plan must include:

• Specific emission reduction targets: Provided percentages and deadlines according to the carbon footprint calculation results.

• Detailed action measures: Actions such as adopting renewable energy, modifying production processes, or optimizing transport and logistics.

• Timeframe: A minimum of five years, with annual reviews of compliance progress.

• Tracking indicators: A system for assessing emissions reductions using measurable and verifiable indicators.

• Publication and transparency: Companies must disclose the plan, ensuring it is realistic, technically justified, and aligned with corporate values.

Now that we understand the obligations imposed by the new Royal Decree, many companies face the challenge of applying these requirements to their daily operations. For many industries, end-of-line packaging plays a crucial role in reducing their carbon footprint. That’s why Innova Group, as a manufacturer of packaging systems, wants to share two practical ways to help clients move toward decarbonization.

We Assist You in Calculating the Carbon Footprint of Your Packaging Line

At Innova Group, we can provide accurate technical data on our packaging systems. These figures help quantify the environmental impact of the end-of-line process

• Energy consumption per cycle: Each machine has a specific energy usage that varies depending on product type or line speed.

• Film consumption per pallet: Our systems enable the calculation of average film usage, which is vital for estimating annual material consumption.

• Compatible consumable types: We specify whether the system supports recycled film or other environmentally friendly materials.

• Maintenance frequency and conditions: Data on inspections, part replacement, or component durability, all of which directly influence equipment lifespan and long-term performance.

• Operating speed and process efficiency: Number of pallets per hour, useful for connecting emissions to actual productivity.

This information not only helps accurately calculate Scopes 1 and 2 of the carbon footprint but also enables our clients to identify areas for improvement in their packaging process and optimize their decarbonization plans.

How can Innova systems assist in lowering the carbon footprint?

Innova Group’s packaging systems not only provide operational efficiency but are also designed to minimize material and energy use, thereby significantly lowering emissions.

1. Lower use of consumables

Our wrappers utilize pre-stretch film technology of up to 350%, greatly reducing material use per pallet without sacrificing containment. Additionally, the Cyclone wrapper is designed to work with recyclable paper film, providing a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

2. Efficient motors and components

Innova machines feature high-efficiency motors that use less energy per cycle, leading to lower energy consumption per pallet, something measurable and impactful.

3. Durability

The modular design of our machines facilitates maintenance and upgrades, helping to extend their lifespan. This reduces the need for premature replacements and decreases the environmental impact of end-of-life equipment.

In short, the approval of the Royal Decree marks a turning point in how companies must manage their environmental impact. It is no longer enough to claim sustainability—many companies are now required to measure, reduce, and transparently demonstrate their emissions.

At Innova Group, we are dedicated to supporting this transition toward a more sustainable industry. Contact our technical-sales team for more information on how our packaging systems can help you comply with the new regulation, reduce your carbon footprint, and move toward a more responsible and efficient production model.