Aimplas, the plastics technology centre based in Spain, achieved climate neutrality in 2024 while generating a social impact valued at €832 million ($969m), according to its latest sustainability report.
The report, prepared in line with Global Reporting Initiative standards, confirmed that Aimplas received the ‘Calculo, Reduzco y Compenso’ certification from Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. This certification recognises the centre’s calculation, reduction and offsetting of carbon emissions.
Aimplas cut its emissions by 74 per cent compared with the previous year and fully offset the remaining footprint. It also achieved a 40 per cent reduction compared with its three-year average activity index, which was offset in full.
As part of its long-term strategy, Aimplas purchased land in Villargordo del Cabriel, where 500 trees will be planted by employees and their families to secure future carbon absorption capacity.
“Achieving climate neutrality is not just a technical milestone, but a clear expression of our purpose as a technology centre: to create sustainable value for companies, society, and the planet,” said Aimplas director José Antonio Costa.
The social return on investment reached €832m ($969m), with €491m ($571m) generated by activities linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and €384m ($447m) from initiatives related to the circular economy.
The centre’s revenue in 2024 exceeded €24m ($28m), representing a 13 per cent rise from 2023. Growth was supported by research and development activities, technological services, training programmes and events.
Aimplas supported more than 3,500 companies last year, carrying out 299 research and development projects, 97 of which were international. These projects mobilised €83.6m ($97.3m) in direct funding for businesses. The centre also provided more than 7,600 technological services and delivered 218 training activities involving more than 3,300 professionals in the plastics industry.
Pilot plant
In 2024, Aimplas opened a new pilot plant facility built to sustainable construction standards. Certification under BREEAM is expected. The site is designed to meet demand for services in areas such as polymer synthesis, robotics and additive manufacturing.
The centre also developed its strategic plan for 2025 to 2030, which will address four priorities: improving stakeholder experience, identifying new markets, developing talent and culture, and promoting sustainability. These priorities will guide 17 projects over the next five years.
“Sustainability is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative,” Costa emphasised. “At Aimplas, we are firmly committed to being part of the solution, supporting companies in their transition towards more circular, resilient, competitive, and sustainable models.”
Aimplas employs more than 270 people, 55 per cent of whom are women, with an average age of 37. The centre continues to focus on education and partnerships through initiatives such as the Aimplas-UV Chair and improvements to its Plastics Academy training platform, which now offers multilingual, on-demand content supported by artificial intelligence.
