What Sphere Group Spain does

Sphere Group Spain S.L. is the Spanish operating subsidiary of the French multinational SPHERE Group, headquartered in Pedrola (Zaragoza). Founded in 1962 as Manufacturas Biel, it was acquired by the French group in 1999 and rebranded under SPHERE. The company designs, produces, and distributes biodegradable and compostable bags and films (made from potato starch and compliant with EN-13432), high-recycled-content plastic bags (up to 80–100% post-consumer recycled), reusable woven polypropylene bags, and adjacent household goods (aluminum foil, stretch film, baking paper, sugarcane-bagasse tableware). Key sub-brands include alfapac (80% recycled waste bags, Product of the Year 2024) and KINGSACK (premium bag line launched at PLMA 2026). Operations are anchored by the €32 million, 32,000 sqm Circular Economy Complex in Pedrola — a zero-waste facility integrating post-consumer PE recycling, post-industrial PE recycling, and bioplastic recycling — and a second manufacturing site in Balsareny, Catalonia, acquired via PLASTICBAG in December 2025.

The company sells primarily through direct B2B channels to large European supermarket chains (Carrefour, Lidl), the professional sector (hospitality, cleaning, healthcare, industry), and Spanish municipalities for organic-waste collection programs. Pricing is volume-based with quotes determined by material specification, recycled content, size, and customization (branding, printing). Manufacturing is certified under EN-13432, OK Compost Home/Industrial, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BRCGS, AENOR, MORE, and the UN Global Compact, positioning the company as a compliance partner for EU single-use-plastic regulation and Spanish RD 293/2018.

At the subsidiary level, Sphere Group Spain generated approximately €10–11 million in annual turnover (as of December 2025) with about 30 employees and ~6,000 tonnes of post-consumer recycled raw material consumed, representing roughly 15% of the parent group's total European production. The parent SPHERE Group operates 15 production facilities across Europe (including 7 in France and additional sites in the UK, Italy, and Spain), employs approximately 1,600 people, and reported revenue close to €800 million in 2023. In October 2024, the parent entered a strategic agreement with French investment firm Hivest Capital Partners for the sale of a majority stake, and Sphere Group Spain's leadership is headed by Alfonso Biel as President & CEO.

Name

Sphere Group Spain

Legal name

SPHERE GROUP SPAIN, S.L.

Website

https://sphere-spain.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Sphere Group Spain is a Spanish subsidiary of French SPHERE Group that designs and manufactures biodegradable, compostable, and recycled-content bags and films, selling to European supermarkets, the professional sector, and municipalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Packaging Manufacturing

NAICS

Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing (326112), Plastics Bag and Pouch Manufacturing (326111), Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing (322220)

SIC

Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081), Plastics, Foil & Coated Paper Bags (2673), Papers & Allied Products (2600)

akta.pro primary industry

Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trash Bags & Bin Liners (CRAJAGAA), Compostable & Bio-based Flexible Films and Sheet (extrusion/cast/blown) (IMANANAC), Biodegradable Packaging Materials (films, trays, foams) (IMAEAOAB), Napkins, Tableware & Foodservice Disposables (Plates, Cups, Cutlery) (CRADALAD)

Keywords

• Biodegradable plastic bags
• Compostable packaging products
• Recycled polyethylene films
• Sustainable packaging manufacturing
• Circular economy packaging

Headquarters

HQ city

Utebo

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Biodegradable and Compostable Bags and Films: Sale of biodegradable and compostable garbage bags, carrier bags, and films made from potato starch. Revenue stream from large retail chains, municipalities, and professional sector customers across European markets.
2. Recycled Content Plastic Products: Sale of garbage bags, carrier bags, and films with high recycled content (50-100%). Includes alfapac line (80% recycled), reusable rafia bags (50% recycled), and ultra-resistant t-shirt bags (70-80% recycled).
3. Custom Branded Products: Customized bags with company logos and personalized printing for retail and professional clients, adding value through brand differentiation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Sphere Group Spain designs, produces, and distributes biodegradable and compostable bags and films made from potato starch, as well as bags and films with high recycled plastic content (50-100%). Products include garbage bags, T-shirt bags, commerce bags, reusable raffia bags, and household goods (aluminum foil, stretch film, baking paper). The company operates an integrated manufacturing complex incorporating post-consumer PE recycling and bioplastic recycling.

Product overview

Sphere Group Spain is a manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions encompassing biodegradable/compostable bags (EN-13432 certified, OK Compost Home/Industrial), bags with high recycled plastic content (up to 80%), reusable bags (raffia, T-shirt), and conventional polyethylene commerce bags. The portfolio extends to household goods (aluminum foil, stretch film, baking paper) and eco-responsible articles (sugarcane bagasse, bamboo). Key sub-brands include alfapac (80% recycled waste bags, Producto del Año) and KINGSACK (premium brand launched 2026). Products serve retail (checkout bags, produce nets), professional (hospitality, cleaning, healthcare), municipalities, and households across European markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Biodegradable / Compostable Bags Bags manufactured from potato starch (fécula de patata), certified compostable under EN-13432, OK Compost Home and OK Compost Industrial. Designed for organic waste collection (brown bin), retail checkout, and municipal programs. Completes degradation within 6 months in composting conditions. Sold to retail chains, municipalities, and professional sector customers.
• alfapac Waste Bags Waste bag line manufactured with 80% recycled material, combining sustainability, high resistance, and printed aesthetic design. Awarded Producto del Año 2024. Distributed to retail chains and professional sector customers.
• KINGSACK Premium Bags Premium bag brand introduced at PLMA 2026 with renewed brand identity, showcasing differentiated and innovative product solutions adapted to market needs across European retail and professional channels.
• Bolsa de Camiseta (T-shirt Bag) T-shirt carry bag available in generic ultra-resistant version with 70% recycled material and in biodegradable/compostable (BIO) versions. Customizable with branding and printing for retail and professional clients.
• Bolsa de Basura (Waste Bags) Sustainable, resistant waste bags in multiple sizes (10L to 120L), manufactured from recycled and/or biodegradable compostable materials. Available in roll format for kitchen, community, and professional use. Includes custom options such as self-closing or traditional closure, scented versions, multi-layer high resistance, and anti-drip features.
• Bolsa de Comercio (Commerce Bags) Carry bags in multiple formats including T-shirt bag, loop/raffia handle bag in polyethylene, and reusable raffia bag in 50% recycled polypropylene. Adapted to commerce and current legislation including RD 293/2018 and 2030 recyclability requirements.
• Bolsa Reutilizable de Rafia Woven polypropylene carry bag with 50% recycled material, supporting up to 25 kg load, reusable for daily use, available with novel and custom-printed designs for retail and professional clients.
• Bolsa de Sección (Section Bags) Net-style section bags for produce, sold in block and roll formats (34x45, 34x50). Designed for small businesses and office use.
• Specialty Food Bags (Bread, Pastry, Frozen) Specialty bags for bread, pastry, and frozen food, distributed across retail, professional, and HORECA channels in European markets.
• Menaje Doméstico (Household Goods) Non-plastic eco-responsible household articles including aluminum foil rolls, stretch film, baking paper, sugarcane bagasse plates/cups/containers, paper bags for bread and pastries, kitchen paper, bamboo cutlery, and aluminum trays. Distributed in Spanish and Portuguese retail markets.
• PLASTICBAG 100% Recycled Professional Waste Bags 100% recycled garbage bag line for the professional sector (hospitality, cleaning, healthcare, industry). Full production chain from film extrusion to final manufacturing, based in Balsareny, Catalonia. Distributed through professional sales channels in Spain and Europe.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% reduction in carbon footprint compared to 2017 baseline
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• AIMPLAScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Participation in IX International Seminar on Biopolymers and Sustainable Composites as member of ASOBIOCOM. Alfonso Biel, CEO, attended the Valencia event to analyze industry challenges and opportunities.
• PLASTICBAGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2025Acquisition of Catalan company PLASTICBAG, specializing in 100% recycled garbage bags for professional sector. Located in Balsareny, Catalonia, with complete production chain from film extrusion to final manufacturing. Acquisition part of SPHERE's growth strategy and European expansion.
• LidlcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2025Circular economy project for bags manufactured from recycled plastic waste. Over 1,500 tonnes of plastic already recycled, with planned commercialization of over 16 million sustainable bags by end of 2026. Joint innovation in sustainable packaging solutions.
• VeoliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in circular economy project alongside Lidl for recycling plastic waste into bags. Veolia provides waste management and recycling expertise for the initiative.
• ASOBIOCOM (Asociación Española de Plásticos Biodegradables y Compostables)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember company of Spanish Association of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics since 2011. Association promotes proper use of biodegradable plastics and dialogue between industry, administrations, and value chain stakeholders. Sphere actively participates in industry events through this membership.
• ANAIP (Asociación Española de Industriales de Plásticos)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Spanish Association of Plastics Manufacturers. Alfonso Biel serves as Vice President. Association coordinates MORE platform in Spain and advocates for plastics industry interests with EU and Spanish authorities.
• ReCAIB (Responsabilidad y Compromiso Ambiental en la Industria de Bolsas de Plástico)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmbassador company for ReCAIB platform launched by ANAIP to promote good practices and compliance with RD 293/2018 on plastic bag consumption reduction.
• EsPlásticosmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the Spanish Plastics Sector Platform representing industry stakeholders in sustainability and circular economy dialogue with European Commission and Spanish government.
• Fundación + ÁrbolesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Bosque Sphere reforestation project in Monegrillo (Zaragoza), planted since 2012. Nearly 3,000 sqm with 625 sabine trees compensating approximately 7,000 kg CO2 annually.
• EndesacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy supply partnership ensuring 100% renewable energy for SPHERE operations, enabling significant emissions reduction.
• Operation Clean Sweep (OCS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignatory to OCS program to prevent plastic granule loss during production processes, part of industry environmental commitment.
• Pacto Mundial de las Naciones Unidas (UN Global Compact)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish Network member of UN Global Compact, renewing annual adhesion commitment to sustainability principles and SDGs.
• CarrefourcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic retail partner and member of 'Comprometidos con nuestros bosques' reforestation project with Carrefour and FSC. Executive Alexandre de Palmas visited SPHERE facilities in July 2023.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in 'Comprometidos con nuestros bosques' reforestation initiative alongside Carrefour.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BioBag International: European manufacturer specializing in compostable bags and films made from starch-based and other bio-based materials. Closest direct peer to Sphere in product scope (carry bags, waste bags, organic waste bags) and customer base (retail, municipalities, HORECA).
• Novamont: Italian bioplastics leader producing Mater-Bi starch-based compostable resins used in bags, films, and food-service disposables. Direct competitor to Sphere's potato-starch biodegradable platform and the most comparable European player in starch-blend compostable packaging.
• Plastixx: German manufacturer of compostable and biodegradable bags and films, including organic waste bags and retail carrier bags. Direct competitor in the European EN-13432 certified compostable bag category.

Broad incumbents

• Amcor: Global packaging giant with a sizable flexible packaging and films business, including sustainable product lines (recycled content, compostable). Operates as a broad incumbent rather than a niche specialist in biodegradable bags.
• NatureWorks: Producer of Ingeo PLA bioplastic, a key input in compostable packaging bags and films. Competes upstream of Sphere in bio-based resins but does not produce finished bags itself. Operates as a material supplier to compostable bag converters including Sphere's competitors.
• Sealed Air: Global packaging company producing protective and food packaging films, with growing sustainable packaging initiatives. Competes in flexible films and packaging but is broader in scope and primarily focused on protective/industrial applications.
• Berry Global: Major global plastic packaging manufacturer with sustainable product lines in films, bags, and consumer packaging. Provides large-scale competition to Sphere across conventional and recycled-content packaging, though not specifically in compostable bags.
• BASF: Global chemical incumbent whose Ecovio line of compostable PLA/PHBV resins is used in bags, films, and food-contact packaging. Competes with Sphere at the material input level but operates across a far broader chemicals portfolio rather than specializing in finished bag products.

Emerging players

• Papier-Mettler: European manufacturer of paper-based carrier bags and compostable packaging products. Direct competitor in the retail carrier bag category and complementary in paper-based compostable alternatives.
• Tipa Corp: Israeli company developing fully home-compostable flexible packaging films and bags for retail and food-service use. Competes at the high-performance compostable packaging end of the market that Sphere also targets with its BIO product lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SphereSpain
• Facebookfacebook.com/Sphere-Group-Spain-150799021945
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sphere-spain

Compliance19 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sphere Group Spain