Circular economy

Gráfico economía lineal y circular

What is the difference between the circular economy and the linear economy?

Until now we have lived with linear production models, in other words, we extract, produce, consume, and discard. The society in which we live means that the pace of consumption is accelerating, a model that is fast but unsustainable for the planet.

The circular economy establishes a more sustainable production and consumption model  in which raw materials are kept longer in production cycles and can be used repeatedly, therefore generating much less waste. As its name suggests, the essence of this model is that resources are kept in the economy for as long as possible, making it possible to use the waste we generate as raw material for other industries.

Our circular economy strategy

A plan that transcends borders

We implement circular economy in all the businesses and countries where we operate together with our suppliers and customers, from obtaining raw materials to commercializing our products and services.

Our objectives for 2030

2.2

million tonne capacity

of renewable fuels production capacity in the Iberian Peninsula with an intermediate milestone of 1.5 million tonnes by 2027.

2030

will be the year in which we will reach

a production of more than 150,000 tonnes of circular-bio products, with an intermediate milestone of 65,000 tonnes in 2027.

Our circular economy strategy was approved in 2016 and is incorporated within the Company Strategic Plan, reinforcing our sustainability strategy and our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. For its deployment we use our circular economy model which is based on:

  • four pillarsecodesign, process efficiency and innovation, renewable energy and alternative raw materials, and new consumption patterns.
  • And three drivers: Repsol Technology Lab, alliances, and digitalization.
  • Ecodesign

    From the product design phase, we apply criteria that allow us to minimize the consumption of raw materials during the manufacture of our products, extend their useful life and increase the subsequent recycling of their components.

  • Process efficiency and innovation

    We optimize resources and processes so that waste has new uses, both in our production processes and in those of third parties.

  • New consumption patterns

    We promote initiatives that prioritize rental over purchase of products to encourage more sustainable consumption.

  • Renewable energy and alternative raw materials

    We use renewable energy sources and alternative raw materials of residual origin to manufacture our products.

  • The Repsol Technology Lab is one of the most cutting-edge private R&D centers in Spain, based on open and technological innovation. Our technology center works to provide circular solutions to our businesses, to make them more efficient, sustainable, and competitive.

  • We work with a large number of strategic partners, organizations, and institutions with whom we develop circular initiatives and create the necessary synergies to accelerate the implementation of circular economy projects.

  • We use digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, cloud computing, digital twins, online platforms, and 3D printing, among others, to drive the transition to more circular business models.

Circular economy in numbers

320+

circular initiatives

developed by our business units and Repsol Technology Lab.

250+

strategic partnerships

across our entire value chain.

190+

circular projects

developed with strategic partners.

A sprout growing from a tree trunk

Discover through the "Dale una vuelta" series the stories of people who drive the #circulareconomy

Hitos internosINTERNAL MILESTONES
Hitos internosEXTERNAL MILESTONES
    • 2015
      • The United Nations presents the Sustainable Development Goals.

      • The European Commission puts forward its first circular economy package.

    • 2016
      • We launch our circular economy strategy.

    • 2017
      • We become one of the first companies to adhere to the Spanish Government's "Pact for a Circular Economy".

    • 2018
      • We join the Plastics Europe's voluntary commitment "Plastics 2030".

      • We create a specific committee focused on circular economy.

      • The Spanish Government presents a draft of the circular economy strategy "España Circular 2030".

    • 2019
      • We launch Repsol´s circular economy action plan for 2019-2022.

      • We are the first company in the sector to commit to Zero Net CO2 Emissions by 2050.

      • The European Commission launches the "European Green Deal" with the aim of making EU carbon neutral by 2050.

    • 2020
      • We joined UNE-ISO CTN 323 standardization committee for the development of guides and lines of action in the field of circular economy.

      • Presentation of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan where Circular Economy appears as a lever in the Company's decarbonization process.

      • The European Commission launches the new "Circular Economy Action Plan" and the Government of Spain approves the circular economy strategy "España Circular 2030".

      • MITERD publishes the I Catalogue of Good Practices in circular economy, including 4 of Repsol's projects.

    • 2021
      • We have more than 270 circular initiatives in our operated assets.

      • Revision of the Company's circular economy strategy to align it with the "European Green Deal" and the Spanish Circular Strategy "España Circular 2030".

      • We participate in the CEOE initiative Circular Economy Projects Catalogue.

      • MITERD publishes the II Catalogue of Good Practices in Circular Economy including Repsol’s projects.

    • 2022
      • We obtain the "100% Circular Strategy“ voluntary certification granted by AENOR which endorses our commitment to circular economy and sustainability.

      • Fundación Repsol and the University of the Basque Country launch the Energy Transition Classroom focused on the role of circular economy in the industry's value chain.

      • The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge launches the Recovery and Economic Transformation Strategic Projects of Circular Economy (PERTE), focused on plastics and capital equipment for the renewable energy industry.

      • The Government of Spain approved the 7/2022 Law, of April 8th, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy.

Fondo azul con patrón en el que se ven matraces

At the Repsol Technology Lab, we place technology at the service of the circular economy