The Challenge: Spanish Plastic Tax Based on EU Plastic Tax
The finalization and entry into force of the plastic tax in Spain at very short notice from a regulatory point of view presented Vitakraft with a major challenge, particularly with regard to the reporting requirements for compliance with the Spanish plastic tax. Not only did a technical implementation have to take place within a very tight timeframe, but special requirements for imported and exported goods had to be taken into account that these, according to the requirements of the introduced plastic tax. The implementation was thus a complex task that could only be mastered through close cooperation and coordination between Vitakraft, its in-house IT service provider MOJN and SI PRO.

The solution: SAP Recycling Administration
The standardized SAP Recycling Administration (REA) software is an add-on for the SAP ERP system and is fully integrated into the SAP software system landscape. There is integration with the SAP modules MM, SD and FI, among others. Compared to costly and high-maintenance stand-alone systems, SAP REA impresses with consistent information flows and centralized data storage. SAP REA builds on existing MM material master data and calculates recycling fees based on MM material movements and/or SD invoices. In addition, recycling fees can be shown on SD documents and included in SD price calculations. With the integration to the FI module, accruals can be created when products are sold and automatically reversed when recycling fees are paid.

Another advantage of SAP REA is also the comprehensive and flexible reporting function, which makes it possible to create reports for the various recycling systems at the push of a button that meet the respective requirements. Furthermore, the comprehensive analysis tools can be used to make interrelationships transparent, optimize packaging and save costs, among other things.

The high flexibility of SAP REA allows it to be used in Germany as well as in any other European country, which ensures scalability, even with changing requirements.

The universal applicability of SAP REA enabled Vitakraft to meet the specific recycling requirements in Spain. Any conceivable local configuration of compliance requirements in the recycling context can be mapped with REA and new recycling requirements can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively.

The future undoubtedly holds many new compliance challenges around the topic of recycling, but with SAP Recycling Administration, Vitakraft is well prepared for them.

Successful cooperation exceeds expectations
SI PRO worked closely with the internal IT service provider MOJN and the various departments of Vitakraft to ensure that the new requirements, with regard to the introduction of the plastic tax, could be successfully implemented. The project activities could be carried out completely remotely, whereby a pleasant working atmosphere and the positive exchange in regular coordination meetings enabled a successful implementation of the project.

At the beginning of the project, SI PRO conducted a thorough analysis of affected processes and Vitakraft's system landscape to identify all areas of change. Additional changes that were not previously included in the project scope were identified through the analysis. After the changes were accepted by Vitakraft, they were first implemented in a development system to ensure that the production system was not affected. SI PRO implemented the changes reliably and carefully in customizing, master data and add-on reports. Functional tests confirmed the successful implementation of the changes. SI PRO was able to use its expertise to support the execution of tests.

After the tests, the changes were successfully set productive. Thanks to the professional and efficient cooperation between MOJN and SI PRO, even the additionally identified changes could be implemented within the originally agreed project budget. The project had a duration of only three months, from analysis to go-live.