Are Poles ready for a world without disposables?
Are Poles ready for a world without disposables?
Airtight, lightweight and... a discount for using them? This is how Poles imagine the ideal reusable packaging, according to the latest Interzero report "Breakfast on the unstyrofoam".. This is the third and final part of the series "In the traps of disposability", which focused on consumer attitudes towards reusable packaging.
We wrote more about the report carried out as part of the Eco without corners campaign in the article The SUP Directive, or a half-whistle revolution and 'Waiting for bail' - what Poles know about the bail system... and what they don't know
In an era of growing environmental awareness, more and more companies and consumers are looking for ways to reduce single-use plastic. However, the reality is sometimes more complicated than it might seem. Published by In the pitfalls of disposability' (Part 3) prepared by Interzero sheds light on the key challenges in the transition to more sustainable packaging. In this report, we look at why, despite good intentions and increasing regulation, it is still difficult to completely eliminate single-use products, and what solutions can help combat excessive waste production.
Ecology versus convenience - which do consumers choose?
The research shows that although environmental awareness is growing, for many of us convenience still wins out over environmental concerns. One challenge highlighted by respondents is the issue of packaging for popular takeaway meals such as pizza, burgers and fries. For many, the idea of using reusable containers for fast food seems impractical - "I order pizza to avoid cooking and washing up, not to still clean the container afterwards," says one respondent.
What does your favourite packaging look like?
More than 58% Poles expect reusable packaging to be, above all, leak-proof, easy to clean and lightweight. Interestingly, the possibility of getting a discount or gratification for using them is also a key factor for many.
The report also shows that Poles are rather reluctant to use shared models - most prefer to have their own containers instead of renting them from restaurants on a deposit basis. They fear the mess, the need to store different containers and the additional duties involved in returning them.
Why read the report?
Report "Breakfast on the unstyrofoam". is not just about numbers - it is, above all consumer voices, their opinions and real concerns. The data collected can be a valuable source of knowledge for HoReCa, e-commerce or packaging manufacturers who want to better align their products with market expectations.
Read all parts of the report!
What happened in January? Read Interzero's summary of the last month
What happened in January? Read Interzero's summary of the last month
Nhe year began with enthusiasm and full commitment – we organised training, campaigns, educational workshops and we have launched a new service. Read on for a summary of January at the Interzero Group in Poland, where we outline the key events of recent weeks.
Further entities required to register with BDO
From 2025, the beauty industry is required to comply with new regulations on hazardous waste records. This major change, the obligation to register with BDO, will affect thousands of hairdressers, beauticians and other beauty industry service providers. We have launched a new form, which allows you to contact our company and take over the obligation to register with BDO.
New entry on the website translators to whom the new regulations apply, what penalties are available in the event of non-compliance and what waste is subject to registration with BDO.
New Interzero study: Businesses in the circular economy: a detailed analysis
Did you know that More than 70% companies want to implement sustainable initiatives? Closing the loop in the economy on a large scale is becoming a reality, as evidenced in thendings presented in Interzero's new study 'Businesses in the circular economy: a detailed analysis'. With data collected from high-level executives from six European countries (Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia). we can show that the adaptation of sustainable models in companies is a priority and brings numerous business benefits, including: reduced costs or increased innovation, as well as improved reputation. Our report presents the results of our sustainability trends survey, market expectations and related business decisions of medium and large companies in Europe.
"Waiting for the bail system" - the second part of the report "In the traps of disposability"
In January, the second part of Interzero's report 'In the traps of disposability' was published, entitled "Waiting for bail". This analysis of Poles' knowledge of the bail system shows, among other things, that:
- 23% of respondents had never heard of a bail system
- 41% are concerned that the turnaround points will be too far from their location
- 40% says you may need a receipt to get your deposit back
Even this cursory extraction from the data makes it possible to identify areas that need to be addressed with an appropriate information campaign to bring the way the bail system works closer to home.
The aim of the publication series 'In the Traps of Disposability', produced by Interzero on the basis of quantitative and qualitative research conducted by Opinia24, is to assess the impact of the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive coming into force. Speaking more extensively about this, she said on air Polish Radio Four Edyta Mantorska, Manager of the Interzero Environmental Education Team.
January webinar on changes to the bail system is over!
A webinar on the deposit system held on 16 January 2025, hosted by Pawel Sosnowski, Board Representative for Environmental Regulation at Interzero, provided participants with key information on the amendment of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act.
The training discussed the details of the regulatory changes, including the postponement of the launch date for bail schemes, changes to covered drinks, new rules for collecting bail and the introduction of VAT on unclaimed bail.
A great value of the event was the rich Q&A session, which allowed participants to dispel numerous doubts and gain practical information on the new regulations. Thanks to the activity and commitment of the participants, the Q&A became a great opportunity to clarify any ambiguities and discuss problems that entrepreneurs may face.
Join us for a free webinar "Environmental obligations for companies selling to Poland - everything you need to know" in English, which will take place on 20 February 2025. The training will be led by Przemysław Kuna, Managing Director at Interzero.
4 nthese sections podcast "Eco without the corners"
Why are there differences between publicly available data on waste management? Why is it better to say plastics instead of plastic? What environmental topics did Poles live with in 2024 and what awaits us in 2025? These issues were discussed in the podcast 'Eko bez kantów'. We encourage you to listen to the latest episodes on the YouTube platform:
- "Waste and data - where do the discrepancies come from?" - Dr. Beata Waszczyłko-Miłkowska, IOŚ-PIB
- "Waste management - what do the figures tell us?" - Dr. Beata Waszczyłko-Miłkowska, IOŚ-PIB
- "2024 in ecology. What awaits us in 2025?" - Editors: Jakub Pawłowski, Aleksander Jakub Paszyński, Jakub Wojajczyk and Szymon Majewski
- "Plastic - we need it, although we don't like to admit it" - Dr Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, PlasticsEurope Polska
Early Bird promotion: tickets for the 2025 Environment Conference cheaper only until the end of February
The next edition of the Interzero Environmental Conference will take place on 3-4 June at the Warszawianka Hotel near Serock! This is a unique event that will allow you to learn about the latest legal changes in environmental protection. Promotion early birds runs only until the end of February, so don't delay - share this message with others now! It is also a great opportunity to make new business contacts. For more information on the event, see here.
Invitation to Webinar: "Environmental obligations for companies selling to Poland - everything you need to know".
Invitation to Webinar: "Environmental obligations for companies selling to Poland - everything you need to know".
Does your company sell products to Poland? And do you know what environmental responsibilities this entails? Take part in a free webinar in English!
Why attend a webinar?
During the webinar we will discuss:
- Environmental obligations in Polish law - introduction
- Explanation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Licensing obligation for dealers and manufacturers
- The role of the authorised representative
- Good practices and support for companies
- Question and answer session
The meeting will be chaired by Przemyslaw Kuna, Managing Director of Interzero.
How to join a meeting?
To attend the webinar, simply register at HERE.
Registration is open until 20 February at 8am.
Trends in sustainability - what and how much are companies investing in? Survey report
Trends in sustainability - what and how much are companies investing in? Survey report
The transition to a circular economy is inevitable - these are the conclusions of the latest Interzero study Businesses in the circular economy: a detailed analysis. The green transformation of companies is not only enforced by legislation. It is also expected by customers, investors and financial institutions. The best way to set the right course for change is to work with an environmental consultancy.
Sustainability as a to be or not to be for most entrepreneurs
From the survey Businesses in the circular economy: a detailed analysis shows that a significant Most companies want to implement sustainable initiatives or have already started doing sos. Such declarations were made by 71.1 to 84.9% managers representing medium and large companies from 6 European countries.
Companies in the FMCG (81%) and electronics (82%) sectors stand out as the most active in this respect. For this group of companies, the implementation of circular solutions is no longer considered in the context of competitive advantage - the it becomes necessary in order to maintain its current position on the market.
The situation is slightly different for companies in the construction, retail and logistics sectors, where the drive to make the idea of a circular economy a reality is declared by just over 60% of respondents. From their perspective, making green changes stay ahead of the competition, create and control industry trends and gain the trust of new groups of customers and investors.
What budget do medium and large companies allocate to sustainability? In which activities do they most often invest? Download the survey report and discover the latest trends in sustainability!
Action versus reality: the state of implementation of Agenda 2030 in the medium and large enterprise sector
Despite the implementation of further sustainable initiatives, significant the majority of companies surveyed are still a long way from achieving the goals of Agenda 2030 - considered the 'easiest' non-financial reporting target to implement has only been achieved by 20.5% respondents, while the 'most difficult' carbon neutrality target has only 15.7% respondents on track.
This state of affairs, as it were, forces companies to seek advisory support. Researched companies were almost unanimous in their desire to use an environmental consulting firm and to entrust it with strategic, management and operational tasks.
In the eyes of management: reducing waste and increasing efficiency by implementing sustainable solutions
Managers of large and medium-sized companies declared that the introduction of sustainable measures can benefit their companies in the following ways:
- reducing the amount of waste generated (and consequently reducing waste management costs),
- increase the efficiency of the company's operations,
- to meet the growing expectations of customers, financial institutions and investors,
- adapting to prevailing industry trends.
However, the authors of the padding emphasise that for real benefits to be realised, it is necessary to implement changes based on concrete data and measurements. Otherwise, companies risk misdirecting investments. Assessing the environmental performance of products, services and the organisation as a whole was declared by only 35.5% of the companies surveyed. Some of the companies surveyed stated that they did not have any useful data or research to create a strategy for their organisation's sustainability efforts.
These figures clearly indicate not only the need for research and development work, but also the need for ongoing cooperation with a consulting entity like Interzero as an experienced partner specialising in sustainability.
What support are entrepreneurs looking for? Criteria for selecting an environmental consultancy
Given the huge impact of sustainability activities on the perception of a company by all its stakeholders, companies seeking advisory support are guided by a number of concretised criteria.
- One of the most common criteria is the possibility of adapting the services offered to the specific nature of the business. Many entrepreneurs have experienced the difficulty or even impossibility of implementing off-the-shelf, unmodified solutions into their business models.
- Equally important is wide range consulting firm. Respondents particularly value availability of comprehensive, integrated environmental services and the opportunity to receive advice in other areas, not necessarily related to sustainability.
- A key criterion is also good reputation of the environmental consultancy.
As environmental consultants, we understand these expectations of entrepreneurs very well. At Interzero, we have been developing customised, integrated services for over 30 years in the field of environmental protection for companies of all sizes and from all sectors. We offer comprehensive environmental consultancy, training, audits, and we provide tailor-made solutions for sustainability, recycling, waste management and waste machinery. We support businesses in meeting their legal environmental obligations and in the implementation of a circular economy. We are already trusted by more than 9,500 entities - find out more about our environmental services and join the customers with whom we are pursuing a shared vision of a world without waste.
About the Interzero study
Six countries were analysed: Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. The objectives of the study were: to understand and analyse market trends in sustainability and the circular economy, to explore potential barriers to the implementation of sustainable practices, to examine the main sustainability needs in the medium and large enterprise sector, to analyse the readiness of these enterprises to move towards more sustainable business models.
The data analysed in the course of the study came from company press releases, newspaper and magazine articles and sustainability reports, as well as from interviews conducted with top executives representing the companies under study
What do Poles know about bail and do we live in a clean environment? First such data
'Waiting for bail' - what Poles know about the bail system... and what they don't know
First steps towards cleanliness
From October 2025, a deposit system for selected beverage packaging will start to operate in Poland. This is in response to the challenges of littering public spaces and meeting EU requirements related to the level of collection of this waste. The new mechanism, enshrined in the Packaging Management Act, is to cover plastic bottles up to 3 litres, aluminium cans up to 1 litre and reusable glass bottles up to 1.5 litres. The system, which aims to simplify segregation and reduce waste, will be based on a deposit - a fee that will be received back after, for example, an aluminium can has been handed in at an appropriate point.
Are Poles ready for change?
As the second part of the report shows "In the pitfalls of disposability - waiting for bail"., compiled by Interzero on the basis of qualitative and quantitative research carried out by Opinia24, awareness of the system is at varying levels. One in four Poles does not know at all that any moment now there will be more returnable packaging in our country, which will have to be returned to shops to get some of their money back. On the other hand, 77% of those surveyed are aware of its imminent introduction, but only 32% correctly indicate that returning bottles does not require crushing, tearing off labels or caps. This lack of awareness may encourage the spread of ignorance and misrepresentation about the new system and, as a result, erode confidence in the new mechanism.
Concerns and hopes
According to the survey, Poles expect the system to be simple and convenient, but at the same time they are concerned about its inconvenience. Nearly 42% of those surveyed are worried that packaging cannot be returned in every shop, and 41% are concerned about excessive distances to return points. There are also many unfounded doubts about the need for a receipt (40%), which will not need to be kept to return cans and bottles. A key element will therefore be proper education clearly explaining how the system works and the availability of the infrastructure on which the convenience of using the deposit system depends.
Bail system in Europe
In many countries of the European Union bail systems have been operating successfully for years. In Germany, for example, the return rate for packaging exceeds 98%, which shows how effective this form of separate collection and diversion of packaging for recycling can be. Key success factors are clear rules, the availability of return points (including vending machines) and a sufficiently high deposit rate.
Why is this important?
A deposit system is not only a way to a cleaner environment, but also an opportunity to make better use of secondary raw materials. At a time when the Single Use Plastic Directive is forcing changes in the packaging economy, such solutions are essential.
Read the full report
Second part of the report "In the pitfalls of disposability - waiting for bail". contains detailed analysis, data and recommendations. If you are interested in how the bail system will affect our daily lives, or want to see how you compare with the answers, be sure to read the whole thing on our website. Get ready for change and become part of the solution, not the problem!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Christmas greetings
On the occasion of the forthcoming Christmas holidays, we wish you prosperity, a unique atmosphere, warmth and an abundance of all goods.
May the joy and peace of Christmas and a sense of personal and professional fulfilment accompany you throughout the New Year.
Wishes Interzero Group in Poland
Interzero offices open until 12:00 on 24 December
Shortened working day on Christmas Eve
Dear Sirs
We would like to inform you that on 24.12.2024 the offices of Interzero (Warsaw, Lodz, Krakow) will be open until 12 noon.
On New Year's Eve, we work regular hours.
The Interzero team
Together we do good, that is Noble Parcel 2024 at Interzero
Together we do good, that is Noble Parcel 2024 at Interzero
Once again, employees of the Interzero Group in Poland got involved in the Noble Parcel project. Thanks to their donations, it was possible to purchase gifts and necessary items for a family in Krakow.
We would like to thank this year's coordinators - Alicja Kowalska, Edyta Mantorska, Joanna Nowak, Anita Janiec, Klaudia Szymańska and Monika Krysztofińska - for organising the collection and Jarosław Dymek, Katarzyna Kacprzak, Aleksandra Stolarczyk, Aleksandra Świątek, Paulina Dulak and Joanna Marek for wrapping the gifts. A big thank you also goes to all the Interzero employees for supporting the campaign. Thanks to you, the magic of Christmas will come to yet another house!
We strongly encourage everyone who was not able to take part in the Noble Parcel this year to support the organisation with donations here. Together we can make Christmas joyful for even more families!
The SUP Directive, or a half-whistle revolution
The SUP Directive, or a half-whistle revolution
Despite the fact that the provisions of the SUP Directive have been in place in Poland for more than a year and a half, the majority of Poles have not noticed any significant change in terms of packaging, plastic reduction or the availability of alternatives to disposables, according to the latest data presented in the first part of the 'In the Traps of Disposability' report, entitled 'The Curse of Single-Use Plastic', produced by Interzero.
The revolution has passed and hardly anyone has noticed - this is how, in a few soldierly words, one could summarise the effects of the so-called Single-Use Plastic Act (hereafter also: 'SUP Act' - from Single-Use Plastic) coming into force. Only 13 per cent of respondents, declared that they knew what the SUP Directive waswhat its objectives are, and what tools will be used to achieve them.
However, it is not the awareness of Poles per se that is the issue, but the low effectiveness of the mechanisms implemented in Poland that were supposed to encourage waste prevention and product reuse. One of these is the imposition of an additional charge on plastic packaging, in force since 1 January 2024, which was supposed to - like in the case of advertising bags, for which we have been paying for several years - encourage us to use reusable packaging for drinks and food.
The snag, That 42 per cent of respondents never even noticed these additional charges. In contrast, as much as 56 per cent systematically ignore them because they are usually low enough in relation to the amount on the receipt (on average a few tens of pennies, the most being around PLN 2 per item) that they do not encourage people to give up the convenience that the vast majority of respondents see in disposable packaging. "You don't have to wash them, return them to any point or return them to a restaurant, or carry them with you in case of spontaneous decisions to order a takeaway meal," respondents also pointed out during in-depth focus research conducted independently by Opinia24.
Multiple use - still little incentive
Unfortunately, it is also a fiction from the respondents' perspective to offer an alternative type of packaging in catering establishments. It appears that this obligation is implemented more in theory than in practice - the The vast majority of respondents (79 per cent) have never encountered the option of choosing different, more environmentally friendly packaging in a restaurant or when ordering takeaway. Only one in four consumers has ever encountered information about the legally guaranteed (just under the SUP Directive) reusable packaging alternative.
This was directly confirmed by the respondents themselves - "Only choice about cutlery, whether you want extra plastic. That's the only choice I have in the application. When I come and take away, nobody asks me either. Alternatively, whether to give a net or take in my hand," said one qualitative research participant.
- "Usually there is no such option, it is just one option available at a particular place. For example, the 'Chinese' has their containers, the pizzeria has their pizza boxes and no one asks if we want anything else. I have not encountered a choice," echoed the other.
- "[...] I will say frankly that since 1 July, I have ordered many times, more than 15 times or more, and no one either in the premises or on the phone has offered me anything like that," - indicated another respondent.
What does discarded packaging say about us?
In the first part of the report 'In the traps of reusability', entitled 'The curse of single-use plastic', we also read a lot about the eating habits of Poles: what they order most often, where and how they order (by phone, app, in person), what they pay attention to when they look at the packaging they are offered, and what they think about reusable packaging.
And these are just some of the findings from the qualitative and quantitative research to help diagnose and describe the state of implementation of the single-use plastics directive in Poland. The qualitative research involved interviews with 24 people, the quantitative CAWI research was conducted on a nationwide representative sample of 1,000 people. You can read the entire publication here: https://ekobezkantow.pl/raporty/w-pulapkach-jednorazowosci/
About Eco without the corners
In 'Eco without the squiggles', we talk about ecology without bending the truth. We deal with myths, fake news and half-truths. Our aim is to explain why waste should be separated, not just how to do it properly.
"Eco without a corner" was born out of the belief that in a world full of misinformation and greenwashing, a reliable source of accurate information is needed. We cover topics such as sustainability, recycling, GOZ and legislation related to waste management. We discuss the environmental impact of packaging, batteries and electro-waste, as well as how to reuse them as valuable resources.
Participate in the training course "Deposit system - regulatory changes introduced by the amendment of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act".
Participate in the training course "Deposit system - regulatory changes introduced by the amendment of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act".
Amendment to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act of 13 June 2013 introduced provisions for the inclusion of certain beverage packaging in a deposit scheme. The deposit systems were to be launched, in accordance with the provisions of this law, from January 2025. However, in order for them to function properly, a number of additional amendments to the Act proved necessary, in line with demands made, among others, by entrepreneurs introducing packaged beverages.
What will we talk about during the training?
The training will discuss the changes to the provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act of 13 June 2013 introduced by the Amendment Act passed in December 2024, including, among others, the postponement of the launch of deposit schemes and the consequences thereof, changes to the drinks covered by the deposit scheme, changes to the way deposits are collected, the inclusion of unclaimed deposits in VAT.
The exact scope of the topic:
- Clarification of the provisions for obtaining authorisations to set up bail schemes.
- Exclusion of milk and milk product packaging from deposit schemes.
- Making the collection of deposits mandatory at each stage of the sale of packaged beverages.
- Enabling so-called reverse logistics by vendors.
- Obligation for operators of commercial units with an area of 200 m2 or less to collect reusable glass packaging.
- Subject to VAT on the unclaimed deposit.
- Postponement of the launch of bail systems
The training will be led by: Pawel Sosnowski, Board Commissioner for Environmental Regulation at Interzero
Registration link HERE
Who should take part?
The webinar is primarily aimed at:
- Entrepreneurs introducing packaged beverages
- Environmental specialists
- Persons responsible for packaging waste management in retail chains
- Anyone interested in the latest legal regulations on packaging management
You are cordially invited to attend the webinar!
Registration for lasts until: 16 January 2025 by 8:00 am.
