On 18-20 September, the Sheraton Hotel in Sopot hosted the The 11th edition of the Interzero Environmental Conference, which was held under the motto Pillars of circularity. The event brought together a wide range of environmental experts, sustainability and GOZ industry leaders and business representatives. Participants at this year's event had the opportunity to listen to dozens of interesting lectures and 2 debates discussing the threats and opportunities presented by the bail-in system and PPWR.

The agenda for this year's Interzero Environmental Conference was dominated by issues relating to the latest regulations that will reshape the environmental industry in the coming months and years. These include, of course deposit scheme, extended producer responsibility (ROP), the PPWR and non-financial ESG reporting.

As a recovery organisation and a leader in the environmental industry, we want to create as many opportunities as possible to discuss current issues and future challenges posed by the legislator. Our aim is to actively participate in shaping a new realitywhich will be governed by the principles of extended producer responsibility. Through events such as the Interzero Environmental Conference, we can drive the debate, give the floor to the most eminent experts and show the effects of new legislation from different, even rather non-obvious, perspectives. - says Agata Ryś, Member of the Management Board of Interzero.

In a similar vein was the lecture given by Paweł Lesiak, Interzero's Executive Vice President, in which he outlined his point of view on the changes that will take place in business and the environment as a result of running PPWR. He also mentioned Interzero's mission, which is to support and relieve the burden on businesses in meeting current and future environmental obligations, albeit those related to the product levy and the implementation of educational campaigns. It was an excellent introduction and also a starting point for the debate PPWR - how much will it cost us?which warmed up the experts and guests gathered at the Sheraton Sopot on the second day of the Conference. The PPWR regulation was also the subject of a lecture by Pavel Sosnowski, Board Agent for Environmental Regulation at Interzero. In his presentation PPWR, or new waste management solutions Interzero's expert detailed the effects that the replacement of the current Packaging Directive with the recently enacted PPWR will have.

As a break from the peri-legislative subject matter, there were talks on solutions, services and tools that bring the environmental industry into the 21st century. and support entrepreneurs in meeting their environmental obligations. In her presentation, Hanna Walczak, Standards Implementation Manager from GS1 Poland, introduced the database for the deposit system, and Marta Szymborska, Head Of Marketing Communications, PR & ESG from GS1 Poland, showed how to data and figures can drive sustainable development. During a talk by Lukasz Czarnowski, Digital Sales Cross Country Function Head Management at Interzero, we learned about the role of digitalisation in optimising waste management. One of the examples he mentioned of innovation in waste management was Interzero waste platform, i.e. intuitive online tool to simplify reporting, management of waste streams and facilitating control of waste management revenues and costs.

An extremely interesting speech, especially in the context of the keynote of the Pillars of the Environment Conference circularity was a presentation by Wiktoria Płocha, Sustainability Leader at IKEA Retail Sp. z o.o., who discussed where circularity actually begins and showed how our thinking about 'second-hand' items has changed over the years. Agnieszka Oleksyn-Wajda, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development and Environment at Lazarski University, even described this change as a Zero Waste trend, echoed by, among others, the EU strategy for sustainable fashion.

The climax of the first day of the Interzero Environmental Conference was a discussion on the opportunities and threats to the economy from the imminent launch of the bail system. Moderated by journalist Monica Richardson The debate was attended by both business representatives: Dariusz Lizak, President of the National Chamber of Commerce "Bottling Industry", Paweł Sosnowski, Board Representative for Environmental Regulations from Interzero and Joanna Szubielska, Senior Manager for Quality Assurance and Health & Safety | Eurocash S.A., as well as representatives of the environmental protection industry: Joanna Leoniewska-Gogola, Deputy Director Sustainability Consulting Central Europe from Deloitte Advisory Sp. z o.o., Sp. K Maria Andrzejewska, Director General at UNEP/GRID-Warszawa.

Interzero's signature events have always provided a wealth of knowledge and the opportunity for heated discussions among top experts. In this context I am very pleased with the very high attendance and the presence of specialists from different fields to join the discussion and share their thoughts with a wider audience. I was also positively surprised by the level of substance of both debates - while it might seem that almost everything has been said about the bail system and PPWR, the our guests demonstrated that the environmental industry still faces a multitude of challenges and even more problems that will consume us in the coming years. - says Lukasz Czarnowski of Interzero.

During the Interzero Environmental Conference, Jacek Płaza, Chief Sustainability Officer at Decathlon Poland, and Mateusz Grupa, E-mobility manager at BMW Group Polska, also got the chance to present sustainable practices in their companies. The guests gathered in the hall thus had the opportunity to convince themselves, whether waste can be reduced and new business models developed at the same time and learn the facts and myths about electromobility, which often contradict the image created by the mass media.

Przemysław Kuna, Managing Director of Interzero, also referred to the topic of electromobility and, more specifically, to the notorious batteries in his speech, talking about the new battery regulation, which is already knocking on the doors of EU Member States.

Such a great event would of course not have taken place without the support of our partners and the huge commitment of all the speakers and participants in the debate. I would like to thank them warmly for this year's cooperation and at the same time invite them to the next, 12th edition of the Conference. Environmentalthe date of which will be announced shortly. - said Lukasz Czarnowski in conclusion.

The Environmental Conference is an annual event that has been bringing together environmental experts and business representatives for years. During the 2-day talks and lectures, participants have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of current legislation and its interpretation, learn about news from the environmental industry and about non-obvious issues related to ecology and sustainability. The Interzero Environmental Conference is also an opportunity to make new contacts with industry representatives and to exchange experiences with event participants.

It is with great pride and joy that we share the news that our educational game, Action Faction, has won a bronze sword in the prestigious Advertising Creators Club (KTR) competition. This is a tremendous accolade that underlines the value of our work to raise environmental awareness among the youngest and inspire environmental action.

Action Fraction is an innovative educational game designed with children in mind. We want to teach the youngest ones how to segregate waste correctly in an accessible, interactive way. Developed by the Interzero education team, the game is not only designed to entertain but, above all, to provide environmental education, which is key to fostering responsible attitudes among future generations.

As for the rules - Faction Action is a memory game. So the rules are familiar - just collect the cards in pairs. The person who gets more wins. The cards depict waste and the colour of the background corresponds to the colour of the bin it should go into.

Memory games, such as Action Faction, have many benefits for children's development. First of all, they stimulate memory, concentration and cognitive skills. Children learn pattern recognition, which develops their perceptiveness and ability to react quickly. In addition, such The games support the development of eye-hand coordination and help build logical thinking. Learning through play is also an important element, making it easier for the youngest to engage with the educational content. We have smuggled an environmental theme into Action Fractions, because we believe that by learning about segregation patterns, players will not have a problem in the future with disposing of rubbish in the correct containers!

Interzero collaborates with Magdalena Stadnik, an outstanding graphic designer in the EkoPaka programme. She is responsible for the aesthetic and original visual design of our game. EkoPaka is a box aimed at children, which includes themed games, educational colouring books and various art materials. You can work with them individually, but they are also great for groups of children - for example in kindergartens or semi-colleges. EcoPaks have a ready-made lesson plan that can support teachers or caregivers. Of course, the themes focus on ecology and instilling in the youngest pupils a desire to learn about the world. Children learn about the role of recycling, conserving natural resources and keeping the planet clean. The EcoPak project has attracted a great deal of interest and we are delighted that, as Interzero, we are involved in such activities! More information can be found at the EcoPak website.

Pursuant to Polish law, every entrepreneur who places packaged products on the market is obliged to conduct public education campaigns. The purpose of these campaigns is to inform and educate consumers. Furthermore, entrepreneurs are obliged to allocate at least 2% of the total value of packaging placed on the market in the previous year to educational activities. Interzero, as a leader in waste management and recycling, not only fulfils these obligations, but also meets the needs of the market by offering a wide range of educational services. Action Fraction is just one of the many projects that Interzero carries out to build environmental awareness in society.

As we mentioned above - companies that market packaged products have an obligation to conduct educational campaigns. Interzero's Environmental Education Team fulfils this obligation on behalf of its clients, carrying out projects such as Eco Without Cuts, EcoPak or Office Zero Waste, among others. Here, special thanks are due to this particular team, which had a huge impact on the process of developing the Action Fraction game. We encourage you to work with Interzero and our irreplaceable employees, who put knowledge and experience on an equal footing with straightforward communication and creativity!

Every enterprise which in any way affects the environment should be ready for an inspection by the WIOŚ. In order to efficiently go through the entire inspection procedure, it is worth taking part in Interzero's stationary training course "Control of the Environmental Protection Inspection in an enterprise", which will already take place on 29 November in Łódź.

Environmental use in enterprises is far more common than you might think. If your company:

• introduces gases and dust into the air,
• emits greenhouse gases,
• dumps waste,

then you may be inspected by the WIOŚ at any time on a scheduled or off-schedule basis. You will not be informed about an off-plan inspection, so you will no longer have time to prepare properly!

Training on environmental inspection will allow you to acquire practical knowledge to prepare your company for the reception of inspectors from the Provincial Inspectorate of Environmental Protection and make it easier to go through the inspection procedure.. Upon completion of the training, you will receive an electronic certificate, a set of training materials and 2-week access to online consultations with the trainer.

Sign up for classroom training in Lodz >>

You are welcome!

Innovation requires space - not only intellectual freedom to come up with new ideas and ask the right questions, but also practical space. With new laboratory and office facilities in Lenart, Slovenia, the competence centre Interzero Plastics Innovations creates the optimum conditions to further expand its leadership role in the field of the circular economy. This step represents an important milestone on the way to realising the vision of a world without waste.

Innovation requires space - not only intellectual freedom to come up with new ideas and ask the right questions, but also practical space. With new laboratory and office facilities in Lenart, Slovenia, the competence centre Interzero Plastics Innovations creates the optimum conditions to further expand its leadership role in the field of the circular economy. This step represents an important milestone on the way to realising the vision of a world without waste.

The grand opening of the new location was attended by senior guests from the worlds of politics, business and media. Among them were, in addition to Interzero CEO Dr. Axel Schweitzer, the President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar and the German Ambassador Sylvia Groneick, who emphasised the importance of Interzero's innovative work for a sustainable future.

With the opening of the new facilities, Interzero is once again underlining its commitment to driving the transition to a circular economy through pioneering technologies and sustainable solutions.

Read the press release in English HERE

In 2015, all 193 UN member states unanimously adopted the General Assembly Resolution establishing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This Agenda sets out 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. To commemorate the adoption of the Resolution, 25 September each year is the World Day of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals, which is the culmination of the entire World Action Week.

You can read more about the strategy and objectives in the article: What is sustainability?

Appropriate, globally used indicators are used to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Each country designates its own institution to track the status of the goals and targets. In Poland, the Central Statistical Office is such an institution, and our country's path towards meeting Agenda 2030 can be seen in the report Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Poland of 2023.

At Interzero, we are well aware that the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is not only the responsibility of states, governments and local authorities, but also of each and every one of us. A special responsibility, however, lies with business representatives, who should show responsibility for their actions and support the formation of planet-beneficial, sustainable habits in society.

As an environmental industry leader and provider of integrated environmental services, every day we do our utmost to support our customers in the responsible development of their businesses and together with them work towards the common goal of a world without waste. So we are creating more services, providing tools and solutions that we effectively close raw material cycles, protecting natural resources and benefiting the environment, the economy and society as a whole.

We create educational campaigns, we support local environmental events and we provide teaching materialsthrough which we increase the knowledge of sustainability in both children and adults. Our Environmental Education Team uses a variety of communication tools, to reach the widest possible audience and encourage, inspire and engage in action to change habits to more sustainable ones and transform society for the better.

Explore Interzero education campaigns!

With intuitive online tools bringing the waste industry into the digital age and we simplify waste management for every company. Our digital Interzero waste platform supports businesses in meeting their legal waste management obligations, helps to manage waste streams and optimise not only waste logistics, but also costs. It enables business representatives, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to focus on further growth and increase investment, while ensuring the safe transport and proper management of the waste generated industrial.

We supply modern machines to support municipal waste management in cities and beyond. Our PEL BriteBin solar baskets increase waste collection efficiency while reducing CO2 emissions. They are powered by clean, readily available solar energy, giving them zero running costs. The built-in baler reduces the volume of waste by up to 90%, reducing collection frequency. By supplying our solar bins we help municipal companies, property managers and building owners to create a friendly, sustainable urban space.

We aim to reduce the amount of waste generated and we support entrepreneurs in creating sustainable consumption and production patterns. To this end, we have created the Made4Loop and Made4Circle services, whose common denominator is a continuous reduction in the waste of natural resources and a drive to reuse raw materials.

Made4Loop service we implement a closed loop system of reusable packaging in catering companies for meals and beverages. Created according to the needs of our customers, the packaging is given back to the consumer against a deposit and then returned, handed over for washing and disinfection and reused up to dozens of times.

Made4Circle, on the other hand, is a packaging eco-design service, during which we advise our customers and we take an active part in the development of sustainable, recyclable packaging for their products.

You can read more about sustainability at Interzero in our the latest Sustainability magazine.

The POLECO 2024 International Trade Fair for Environmental Protection, to be held on 15-17 October at the Poznan International Fair grounds, is fast approaching. This year's edition promises to be one of the most important events in the field of ecology, sustainability and environmental technology innovation! We are proud that Interzero will have the opportunity to present its innovative solutions in the field of circular economy. You can find us in pavilion number 5 at stand 59!

The POLECO trade fair is not only a platform for exchanging knowledge, but also a space for establishing cooperation between companies, institutions and organisations in the environmental sector. By participating in events such as POLECO, Interzero is consolidating its position as a leader in the circular economy industry. At the same time, we are building a network and being inspired by the activities of other companies - to make our services even better.

We are feeling first-hand how climate change is becoming more and more visible. The role of events such as POLECO becomes particularly important. This is where innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs come together to share ideas, exchange experiences and work on technologies that can influence the future of our planet.

It has not been known for a long time that Interzero is committed to education. At POLECO, we send first-class experts who are not afraid of any question. We want trade fair participants to learn as much as possible about the specifications of our services and products. We are also happy to share our educational achievements with you. Zero waste, recycling or the bail system are just a few of the topics you can discuss with us. Perhaps you would be interested in courses or training? We can tell you about them, but nothing compares to the knowledge you can gain from us! We would be happy to talk about our innovative projects, such as Waste platformwhich enables you to optimise your waste management processes. Whether you are an entrepreneur who wants to optimise recycling processes in your company or someone interested in ecology and sustainability - there is a place for everyone with us!

At POLECO 2024, Interzero will focus on its reliable environmental solutions that support the development of deposit systems and the wider closed-loop economy. We are providing the opportunity to learn about eco-friendly equipment that is central to modern recycling strategies. One of the main products that Interzero will be showcasing are innovative Bottle machines, devices that allow the return of plastic packaging, as part of a deposit system. Remember that these bottle machines will only be the tip of the iceberg - the our solutions is an advanced technology that has a real impact on improving the ecological state of Polish businesses.

You should not miss POLECO 2024! This is a unique opportunity to see with your own eyes what the future of sustainable waste management and environmental protection looks like. Interzero is checking in!

We look forward to seeing you in pavilion 5, booth 59. See you in Poznan - together we create the future in the spirit of ecology and sustainability - ready?

In anticipation of POLECO, see our post on deposit system - Can Poland afford it?

Is your business ready for an inspection by the Environmental Inspectorate? If you have any doubts or want to make sure everything is in order, come along to our upcoming webinar pt. "Preparing for an Environmental Inspectorate inspection - what do you need to know?".

Environmental Inspectorate inspections can be stressful and complicated, but proper preparation can make the process much easier. During the webinar you will learn:

1. Environmental Protection Inspectorate - purpose of establishment, organisational structure
2. Who is subject to inspection, types of inspection
3. Inspection tasks
4. Powers of Environmental Inspectors and cooperation with other public administration bodies
5. Aspects of control based on the provisions of the Entrepreneurs Act
6. What to expect during an inspection
7. Q&A session

The webinar will be hosted by Łukasz Pachucki, Senior Environmental Specialist at Interzero.

The webinar is aimed at:

• Entrepreneurs and managers responsible for environmental management in companies.
• Environmental specialists.
• Anyone interested in the topic of environmental compliance.

To attend the webinar, simply register at HERE.

Join us on 24 October and be ready for any Environmental Inspectorate inspection!

Did you know that Interzero is not only consulting, audits and environmental services? As part of our business and environmental activities, we also implement public education campaigns for the youngest and those a little older. These enable us to share our ecological knowledge and encourage a change to more sustainable habits.

Conducting public education campaigns is the responsibility of businesses introducing various products and packaged products. They are part of extended producer responsibility - they aim to raising environmental awareness in society as a whole.

As sustainability pioneers, we are happy to take on this responsibility from our clients, in return offering professional and reliable implementation of campaigns targeting different audiences. Campaigns implemented by the Interzero Environmental Education Team not only support the introduction of eco habits. Thanks to the funding of PKE, our clients gain the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social issues.

Does your company have an obligation to run public education campaigns? We would be happy to we will carry them out on your behalf and, in addition, take over your recovery and recycling obligation! Complete our quiz and find out the best offer for your company!

At Interzero, we know the importance of sound environmental education and building environmental awareness from an early age. Our public education campaign EcoPak is support for school and kindergarten teachers, eco-educators and parents. Its beneficiaries are children - from toddlers to primary school pupils. With them in mind, we have prepared a collection of original, professionally developed teaching aids:

• colouring books,
• worksheets,
• lesson plans,
• leaflets and brochures.

You will find all materials for environmental education under the download tab on the new, refreshed EkoPaki website. Colouring books and worksheets can be used both in the classroom and at home, for your own work.

Before the first bell rings, take a look at EkoPak teaching aids and plan interesting activities where children can discover the world of materials, raw materials and recycling on their own. The first excellent opportunity for a dose of ecological knowledge is on 15 September, on Packaging Day!

EcoPak is not only free printable material about ecology, but also a programme for pre-schools and schools in which the youngest learn about the different raw materials and the packaging they are made of. On 19 August, enrolment began for the next edition of EkoPaki - Papier, addressed to pre-schools and primary school grades 1-3 from Warsaw and neighbouring counties. As part of this campaign, children will learn about the history, production process and uses of paper, as well as how to recycle it correctly. Each class or group will receive a set of teaching, art and creative materialsmaking learning fun!

Enrol your school or pre-school in the EcoPak Paper programme - the number of free material kits is limited!

"I am extremely grateful for the trust the company has placed in me by entrusting me with the role of Board Member. It is a great honour and motivation for me to continue working towards our mutual success. As a Board Member, my priority will be to further strengthen relationships with our customers. I plan to introduce a more personalised approach to customer service to better respond to their needs and expectations. I will emphasise modern tools and technologies that will enable us to communicate faster and more effectively. I believe that through these actions we will build even stronger and more lasting relationships with our customers, which will contribute to the further development of our company. I would like to thank the entire team for their support and cooperation - together we can achieve even more!" - she said Agata Ryś.

We congratulate Agata Ryś on her promotion and wish her continued success in her new role!

Our report, published in February 2024, reveals that young adults aged 18-35 are less likely to separate waste and more likely to doubt the point of recycling. As many as 31% of 18-24 year olds believe that batteries cannot be recycled. Furthermore, the younger generation is less knowledgeable about the proper disposal of used batteries than older generations.

We wanted our activities to arouse the interest of young adults, so we linked the topic of batteries, understood as a source of power for a variety of equipment, with our internal batteries, i.e. with mental wellbeing, which is particularly important these days. In our social campaign "Charge your batteries", we want to support recipients in building environmental awareness, showing that by doing something good for the planet, we are also doing something good for ourselves - explains Monika Grom, Vice President of Interzero

Ecopsychology, a strand combining ecology and psychology, shows that contact with nature significantly improves our wellbeing, reduces stress levels and increases happiness. Pro-environmental actions and psychological wellbeing are connected vessels - knowing that we are contributing to the protection of the environment gives us a sense of agency, control and meaning, which translates into better wellbeing.

Over the past few years, there has clearly been an increased interest in the topic of building health from a holistic perspective. We understand that everything both inside and outside of us is interconnected and influences each other. Following this line, one of the basic pillars of health becomes regular contact with nature. This, among others, is what ecopsychology, a science that is gaining increasing interest, deals with. Thanks to it, we increasingly appreciate the beneficial influence of nature on our mental condition, we are even more willing to benefit from its soothing properties, and regular contact with it allows us to relax more deeply and rebuild our inner resources. - says Orina Krajewska, President of the Board of Directors of the Malgosia Braunek Be Foundation, substantive partner of the campaign

Campaign "Recharge your batteries" aims to encourage young adults to take up battery recycling and to show that ecology and mental wellbeing are closely linked.

We have teamed up with the Margaret Braunek Be Foundation for a series of four free webinars to help you find harmony between mental health and caring for the planet. The meetings require no registration - just join us.

• 12 September '100% batteries. A conversation about ecopsychology - A new trend combining psychology and ecology in the service of the inner balance of modern man", by Orina Krajewska and Dr Julia E. Wahl.
• 3 October "On the benefits of forest bathing, how to recharge your own batteries on a daily basis on the green?"., Katarzyna Grabka.
• 23 October "Relieve tension - somatic practices to regulate stress and soothe the nervous system. What does the science say about the effectiveness and benefits of using Somatic Experiencing® techniques and how to practice for yourself?", Sandra Kłos.
• 21 November "Recharge your body - about a diet that nourishes the body and the planet"., Dr. med. Alicja Baska.

Get an individual code for a monthly subscription to the app Mindy Premium, our digital partner. To take part, post on your social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) a photo or video of you properly disposing of your used batteries using the hashtag #naladd your batteries. Enjoy peace of mind and body with Mindy for a whole month!

The 'Recharge Your Batteries' public awareness campaign runs from 8 September to the end of November 2024.

More about the campaign: Recharge your batteries - Eko Bez Kantówow (ekobezkantow.pl)

Spot promoting the campaign: https://youtu.be/eW5qtKoB7k4?si=Xf8Mdz-RAl7tH0vC

"Charge your batteries" is part of Interzero's public education campaign "Eko bez kantów" introducing Poles to the topic of selective waste collection, recycling and circular economy issues.