Big changes in the German deposit system!

From January 1, 2024, the German Pfandsystem also covers selected bottles of milk and similar drinks.

The German deposit system (Pfandsystem) has been in operation for almost 20 years and covers plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass bottles. From January 1, 2024, it covers another group of packaging – from now on, German stores will charge a deposit of €0.25 for bottles of milk and similar drinks with a capacity above 0.1 L.

The new deposit includes, among others:

• Milk bottles;
• Milk-based beverage bottles;
• Bottles of cocoa and coffee drinks with milk content above 50%;
• Bottles of drinking yogurt and kefir.

New regulations have been introduced by the largest German supermarkets. In its current form, the deposit system in Germany covers almost all non-returnable drinks in bottles and cans.

The Polish deposit system for returnable packaging will start in 2025. The deposit obligation will apply to single-use plastic bottles for beverages with a capacity of up to 3 L, reusable glass bottles for beverages with a capacity of up to 1.5 L and metal packaging for beverages with a capacity of up to 1 L. Interzero, together with the Polish Chamber of Packaging Recovery and Recycling, will create a deposit system – read more HERE .

Did you know that e-cigarettes may soon be banned?

According to a study conducted by the Institute of Economic Planning and Analysis (IPAG) on the sale of e-cigarettes, over 100 million disposable e-cigarettes were sold in Poland in 2023. At the same time, according to an article published in The Lancet, e-cigarettes pose an increasing challenge to our environment. The first problem is the generation of a significant amount of plastic, especially in the case of cartridges that are intended for single use and are made of hard-to-degrade plastics.

The second problem is electronic waste. Research conducted by the Material Focus organization has shown that in the UK alone, 1.3 million such devices end up in landfill every week, even though they should be sent to e-waste collection points. Improper disposal of batteries and other components may lead to fires and environmental pollution.

Nicotine is also a problem, not only because it is addictive, but also because it is considered hazardous waste in some countries. Therefore, plastic containers in which liquids and e-cigarette cartridges are stored cannot be recycled.

At the end of January, the British government announced its plan to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes, which will have a positive effect not only on the environment, but also on the health of the entire society. Last week, the Polish Deputy Minister of Health also announced that the possibility of a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes is being considered.

Source: https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/e-cigarettey-najlepsze-szkodliwym-dla-srodowiska-produktem-jaki-cześni-powstal , https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7,151003, 30672748,there will be a total ban on the sale of e-cigarettes-resort-zdrowie.html .

Amendment to the regulations implementing the deposit system in Poland and changes in waste management

On February 14, a press conference was held during which the Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Anita Sowińska, talked more about waste management solutions, changes in the BDO system, as well as about the planned implementation from 2025. deposit system.

During the event, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the deposit system, as assumed, would be launched at the beginning of 2025, but we can expect amendments regarding the system operators. The representative of the ministry emphasized that these changes would only be „technical”. This will concern obligations and documents submitted to control the system.

On March 5, there will be a consultation meeting with the industry, local government officials and trade representatives regarding changes to the Deposit Act. The deputy minister added that the deposit system, although it will start on January 1, 2025, „may happen that it will not be perfect from the very beginning, because the act requires some adjustments.”

The deputy minister also informed about planned changes in the BDO system . The modernization will respond to the main needs of users of this system. The changes will include, among others: development of the Report Module and introduction of new functionalities in the Account Management Module.

The press conference participants were also presented with the expanded composition of the Advisory Team on waste management solutions. The advisory staff will include: Lewiatan Confederation, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, INNOWO Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development, Polish Chamber of Waste Management, Polish Recycling Association and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, as well as more representatives of the entrepreneurs’ side, mainly from the recycling industry, as well as non-governmental organizations and institutes.

Source:
https://zielona.interia.pl/smieci-plastik/news-system-kaucyjny-nie-ruszyl-a-juz-ma-byc-poprawka-wiceministr,nId,7335652#google_vignette
https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat/wiceministra-anita-sowinska-o-rozwiazaniach-w-zakresie-gospodarki-odpadami

Video: Dziennik Gazeta Prawna

As Interzero, we are happy to participate in debates and meetings with the ministry and industry representatives to better clarify our mutual needs and discuss current legal changes. We encourage you to read the summary of the debate „Deposit in a year, and the system in its infancy” on Dziennik Gazeta Prawna HERE , where Paweł Sosnowski, Management Board Representative for Environmental Regulations with Interzero had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the deposit system together with: Andrzej Gantner, Vice-President and General Director at the Polish Federation of Food Producers Association of Employers, Anita Sowińska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Joanna Kasowska, Director of Quality and Food Management Standards , Żabka Group; Filip Piotrowski, Climate Leadership, UNEP/GRID-Warszawa; Anna Larsson, Director of Implementation of circular economy models, Reloop Platform.

Entrepreneur! Remember about the annual BDO fee!

February 29 is the deadline for paying the annual fee for entry into the BDO in the amount of PLN 100 (micro-entrepreneurs) or PLN 300 (entrepreneurs other than micro-entrepreneurs). The fee should be paid to the account of the marshal’s office competent for the company’s registered office or place of residence.

Failure to pay the fee will result in removal from the Database on Products, Packaging and Waste Management (BDO) , and the business activity will be subject to a high financial penalty!

Entrepreneurs are subject to registration and annual fees:

• introducing electrical and electronic equipment and authorized representatives,
• introducing batteries or accumulators,
• introducing vehicles,
• producer, importer and intra-Community buyer of packaging,
• introducing products in packaging into the territory of the country,
• introducing tires into the territory of the country,
• introducing lubricating oils into the territory of the country.

Are you looking for support during the reporting period ?

Watch the free Interzero webinar „Everything you need to know about BDO”

More training at a favorable price can be found HERE

Did you know that one of the European countries can benefit 100 percent? from renewable energy by 2025?

Since March 2016, no coal-fired power stations have been operating in Scotland. Then the Longannet power station, located north-west of Edinburgh, which had been operating since 1973, was closed. This means that after 115 years, Scotland has stopped generating electricity from burning coal.

Statistics show that the share of renewable energy in Scotland’s total electricity consumption was 97.4%. in 2022, while a year earlier it was 90.1%. Scotland owes this result primarily to the development of onshore wind farms, which provided approximately 70%. green energy in the country. The remaining 30 percent provided offshore wind farms and hydroelectric power plants.

Scottish Renewables, the renewable energy industry association in Scotland, highlights how much progress has been achieved over the last decade. In 2011, the share of energy from renewable sources in the overall energy balance was only 37%.

The latest data shows that Scotland can benefit from 100%. from renewable energy by 2025 and even start transporting the surplus to other countries.

Plans include the installation and commissioning of a new wind farm of 60 SG 14-222 DD turbines for Moray West, an offshore wind farm owned by Ocean Winds, located off the coast of north-east Scotland in 2024. Each turbine will have an individual power of 14.7 MW; At the moment, it is the most powerful wind turbine ever created. Currently, Scotland is close to achieving the goal of full use of energy from renewable sources in the national electricity sector, and by 2030 the Scottish authorities plan to achieve a 50% share of renewable energy in the total consumption of electricity, heat and transport. The long-term goal is to achieve almost complete decarbonization by 2050.

Source: https://www.gospodarkamorska.pl/najpotezniej-na-swiecie-turbina-wiatrowa-zadebiutuje-u-wybrzezy-szkocji-64998 .

Made4Loop – the answer to the new SUP responsibilities

Although the era of free disposable cups is slowly coming to an end, the changes do not have to mean a chaotic revolution in the company.

From July 1, 2024, entrepreneurs selling drinks in disposable cups will have to provide their customers with alternative packaging that will be more environmentally friendly. This change aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste and is one of the most controversial legislative moves regarding environmental protection in recent years. Although for many it may seem like just another legal and office formality, business owners may lose sleep because it means the need to take decisive action and look for effective solutions.

Therefore, entrepreneurs may consider introducing reusable packaging or packaging made of other materials, including oxo-degradable plastics. Alternatively, they may decide to introduce a deposit system for reusable packaging, which would allow them to be returned and reused.

That is why the Interzero service was created, based on a deposit system for reusable packaging. The Made4Loop model involves the use of reusable cups and packaging, which customers rent for a deposit and then return via a deposit system. In this way, the packaging remains in a closed loop and is reused dozens, if not hundreds of times.

You can find out more in the press release HERE

We would like to remind you that on February 22 there will be a webinar during which Zbigniew Skowronek himself will talk more about the Made4Loop service from Interzero. Registration at the link HERE