It is a pleasure to once again share the operational and management results of the year, from both the perspectives of Fundación ECOTIC and ECOTIC Entidad Administradora S.L., which has consolidated as an operational body that enhances our efficiency. Its establishment has enabled us to advance and broaden our active participation in the circular economy, fostering new synergies in our operations and creating added value for our affiliated producers and collaborators.

Internally, we have continuously worked on planning our future, aiming to reinforce our environmental commitment. Through ECOTIC’s administrative entity, we aim to enhance environmental stewardship by expanding the range of waste types managed through innovative solutions and leveraging ECOTIC’s extensive experience in electrical and electronic equipment management. In an increasingly conscientious yet still imperfect environment, we confront a significant challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

As waste regulations evolve, particularly with the introduction of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Royal Decree, ECOTIC acknowledges the imperative to adopt a comprehensive approach to our operations to further fortify our management model. This imperative is complemented by the establishment of the Asociación ECOTIC Envases, a new entity poised to offer solutions for managing packaging across all categories under the oversight of our administrative entity.

Additionally, we are revitalising the Ecoinstaladores programme to honour the efforts of industry professionals committed to the proper management of air conditioning units. Through the establishment of Fundación ECOTIC Clima, we will refine the management of air conditioning equipment waste to foster sustainable and responsible practices across additional sectors, creating an integrated network of operations.

Throughout the year, we have been privileged to collaborate with various entities in implementing initiatives aligned with the SDGs. These projects represent a collective endeavour to advance critical areas such as education enhancement, inequality reduction, promotion of responsible production and consumption and climate action.

In the social sphere, our Digitalización Sostenible (Sustainable digitalisation) initiative continues in partnership with the CEOE Foundation and other OfiRaee EPRCS, aiming to bridge the digital divide for individuals facing exclusion and vulnerability. We have also launched a new edition of the Otro Final es Posible (Another ending is possible) campaign, which since 2014 has promoted the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment in schools across Castile and León. Additionally, we have continued our collaboration in public awareness campaigns led by government authorities.

At Fundación ECOTIC, we also reaffirm our commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility Collective Systems (EPRCS) with the OfiRaee Coordination Office. In 2023, we took on the responsibility of organising the 5th National WEEE Congress held in Barcelona, alongside other participating EPRCS in the Coordination Office and with the collaboration of the Agència de Residus de Catalunya. This congress saw high participation and focused discussions on crucial topics such as municipal WEEE management, preparation for reuse, the impacts of “rare earth” element extraction and use and the recognition of circular economy as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

Determined to raise awareness among companies about the importance of donating equipment and giving them a second life in communities most in need, we have also joined the initiative led by AMBIWASTE, CIRCULAR PLACE, along with other OfiRaee EPRCS. The marketplace connecting producers and distributors has surpassed 45,000 donated devices and was awarded the Best Sustainability Actions Prize at the 2023 Sustainability Day forum by Compromiso RSE.

Regarding ECOTIC’s management, in the last financial year, we managed and financed over 120,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) through our EPRCS. These achievements have helped us avoid more than 10 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent since 2005, reinforcing our position as the leading entity in electronic recycling in Spain.

These successes highlight the excellent work of the entire ECOTIC team, whom I would like to congratulate for their outstanding efforts, working alongside over 1,500 producers who trust the entity for the proper waste management.

It is notable that this figure has seen a 16% increase compared to the previous year, partly due to Royal Decree 993/2022 of 29 November, which introduces control measures for the importation of EEE, batteries and accumulators from third countries. These measures complement those enforced by SOIVRE concerning hazardous substances and compliance with registration requirements in the Integrated Industrial Register (RII) for importers.

Within this management framework, it is crucial to recognise the valuable contributions of distributors, installers and managers. Without their dedication, we would not have achieved the significant rates of material recovery and valorisation that we have.

I conclude by sincerely thanking all individuals who participate and collaborate with us, sharing our mission to create a better planet for future generations.

At ECOTIC, we remain committed to advancing towards more sustainable waste management practices, aiming to uphold our position as a leader in the circular economy.