Eco-friendly packaging for your product - Made for Recycling and Bambiboo nappies
Eco-friendly packaging for your product - Made for Recycling and Bambiboo nappies
Ecological packaging, using biodegradable and recyclable materials, reduces the negative impact on the environment. By choosing eco-friendly packaging, you support sustainability and care for the future of our planet. Find out more about how you can receive Made for Recycling certification from Interseroh+ to validate your eco-friendly solutions!
Eco-friendly packaging is often designed to minimise the amount of waste generated during production, distribution and use. This reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and into the environment. Packaging that can be easily recycled encourages consumers to dispose of waste properly and reuse it.
Our customer knows this Bambiboowhich received as many as 18 points under the packaging evaluation method Made for Recycling carried out by Interseroh+. This classification is based on a scientific evaluation method developed by Interseroh+ in conjunction with the bifa Environmental Institute and validated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV. Packaging receiving 18-20 points on the test scale is rewarded with a certificate and the Made for Recycling label.
Bambiboo proves the good recyclability of its packaging by displaying the 'Made for Recycling' label. In this way, the company provides its customers with a genuine aid to sustainable consumption. After all, recycling valuable materials makes an important contribution to climate and resource protection!
If you would like to test your product for packaging sustainability - contact us!
[self-promotion]
Did you know that glitter has been banned in the EU?
Did you know that glitter has been banned in the EU?
The European Union announced a ban on products containing microplastics. The ban on the sale of loose glitter entered into force on October 15, 2023, initially valid only in Germany, but it is planned to be extended to the entire European Union. The new regulations prohibit not only makeup products, but also many other products containing glitter. This initiative aims to counter the negative effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Makeup, lip and nail products will gradually be subject to the new rules; glitter present in rinse-off products will be available until October 16, 2027, and in leave-on products until October 16, 2029. In 2030, synthetic polymer microparticles used to encapsulate fragrances will be banned. In 2031, the ban will cover granules filling synthetic surfaces in sports facilities. Ultimately, in 2035, the ban will be extended to lipsticks, nail polishes and makeup products.
This decision is part of the European Union's strategy in the fight against pollution and in the process of ecological transition. The European Commission explains that the new regulations are intended to prevent the release of approximately half a million tons of microplastics into the environment. Even though glitter makes up a relatively small part of total pollution, its elimination is of paramount importance. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries argues that a ban on the intentional addition of microplastics responds to serious concerns about the environment and human health. Sinkevičius points out that these materials are already present in nature, as well as in food and drinking water.
The ban does not cover glitter made of biodegradable, organic or water-soluble materials.
Source: (1)
Can waste be the subject of photography? MUFO x Interzero collaboration
photo. Mateusz Woźniak, MuFo
Can waste be the subject of photography? MUFO x Interzero collaboration
We avoid them because we are not fond of seeing them. At the same time, we produce a lot of it every day. Even if we bury it very deep down, waste makes itself felt. Can waste be the subject of photography? How can we tell the story of dealing with waste in a clever, responsible and interesting way?
Interzero joins forces with the Museum of Photography in Krakow, to talk about the idea of the circular economy and its challenges. On this occasion, we will take photographs to test the potential of photography as a visual way of talking about contemporary world problems and raising awareness of environmental issues.
The recipients of our project will be invited to workshop and interpret, and the results of all meetings will be presented in a publication that can also be used as a tool by educators.
The publication will be available with the beginning of 2024 on the websites:
Homepage - Museum of Photography in Krakow (mufo.krakow.pl)
Homepage - Eko Bez Kantów (ekobezkantow.pl)
Meetings and workshops will be led by:
Krzysztof Story - Reporter for 'Tygodnik Powszechny'. He writes about social issues and man's relationship with nature. Together with Wojciech Jagielski, he hosts the Jagielski Story podcast about international events. He prefers the beauty of nature to any other. He climbs, travels and collects photos of inscriptions on walls. Author of the book "From Here. 150 doors at one address". He also publishes photos and texts on www.krzysztofstory.pl
Dr. Rafał Siderski - Visual artist working mainly with photography. He completed his doctoral studies at the Institute of Creative Photography in Opava. He is part of the Albom.pl initiative dealing with digitisation and work on photographic archives. In 2019, he published the book "Leave Stay" which was awarded in the competition for Photographic Publication of the Year 2019. In September 2021, together with Małgorzata Lebda, he had a literary-visual-poetic adventure "Reading Water: The Vistula', from which material was published on an ongoing basis in Pismo Magazine. In August 2022, the material collected then was used to create the exhibition 'Flow(s)', which is a visual and literary interpretation of the relationship with the river during that adventure. In his spare time he is 'going somewhere' or being 'somewhere'. He has participated in numerous exhibitions in Poland (e.g. Białystok, Rybnik, Poznań, Warsaw, Gliwice) and abroad (e.g. Germany, Czech Republic, Belarus, Italy, Lithuania and Japan). His work has received a number of awards and prizes, and he has received a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (Culture on the Web). Since 2023, assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Photography and Visual Communication Creation at the Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa.
Monika Krysztofińska - Cultural studies scholar, project manager with experience in the implementation of alternative education. Creator of educational programmes, workshops, lectures, exhibitions for children and adults. Initiator of projects focused on sustainable development in cultural institutions and private companies. Information collector on technology, digital ecology, psychology, communication, art.Member of the Environmental Education Team at Interzero. She works at the intersection of sectors.
We invite you to follow our collaboration and learn more about the details of the project:
Museum of Photography in Krakow - events (mufo.krakow.pl)
photo. Mirosław Żak, MuFo
Interzero winner of the German Sustainability Award 2024
Interzero winner of the German Sustainability Award 2024
Closed-loop economy leader recognised for its commitment to building a world without waste: Interzero wins the German Sustainability Award 2024.
In recognition of its comprehensive commitment and pioneering 'zero waste' solutions, Interzero will receive the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the category 'Waste Management and Recycling Industry'. It honours outstanding sustainability achievements in business, municipalities and research. The award has been presented annually since 2008 by the German Sustainability Award Foundation in cooperation with the German government, the German Sustainability Council, leading municipal associations, business associations, civil society organisations and research institutions.
"We are very proud of this award," - said Dr. Axel Schweitzer, CEO and owner of Interzero - "It encourages us to continue our circular transformation efforts with great determination and passion (...). Together with our customers and partners, we want to achieve a truly sustainable circular economy in order to more effectively counteract the excessive burden on our planet. Many thanks to our customers, partners and also to our team."
The award ceremony will take place on 23 November 2023 in Düsseldorf.
Read more HERE.
Transforming waste into valuable raw materials - OMV and Interzero will build Europe's largest chemical recycling sorting plant!
Transforming waste into valuable raw materials - OMV and Interzero will build Europe's largest chemical recycling sorting plant!
OMV, the Vienna-based energy, fuels and raw materials, chemicals and materials company, has announced an investment decision to build an innovative sorting plant developed by the Interzero* to produce raw materials for chemical recycling.
In total, OMV will invest a sum of more than €170 million in the construction of this state-of-the-art facility in Walldürn in southern Germany. OMV will own 89.9 per cent of the joint venture and Interzero will own 10.1 per cent.
Production at the new plant is expected to start in 2026, with around 120 new jobs created. A groundbreaking ceremony is already scheduled for 20 November 2023, with guests from the world of politics expected to attend.
The sorting plant will be the first of its kind to produce raw materials for OMV's chemical recycling on a large industrial scale. The ReOil® technology, developed and patented by OMV, is a chemical recycling innovation that converts plastic waste that cannot be mechanically recycled into ash oil - a valuable raw material. The input to the sorting plant essentially comprises a mix of plastics that were previously not recyclable, especially those collected separately from the yellow bag and yellow bin recycling system in Germany.
Interzero operates five light packaging sorting plants in Germany and sorts around a third of Germany's light packaging waste in the form of more than 800,000 tonnes per year. This means that the company currently has the largest sorting capacity in Europe and is a technology leader.
The collaboration between OMV and Interzero will ensure the supply of sustainable and high-quality raw materials for OMV's chemical recycling, helping to close the plastics cycle. The innovative, state-of-the-art sorting plant developed by Interzero will be capable of processing 260,000 tonnes of mixed plastic waste per year, providing the raw material for the production of virgin polyolefins. This innovative sorting process will enable the polyolefin-rich fraction to be recovered from the waste stream that currently goes to thermal recycling. In terms of the waste hierarchy, the focus is on plastic waste that is not mechanically recyclable. This will ensure that chemical recycling does not compete with mechanical recycling.
*Acting as ALBA Recycling at the sorting plant site
Read the press release in English HERE
Deposit on beverage packaging. What does the draft law establishing a deposit system in Poland look like?
Deposit on beverage packaging. What does the draft law establishing a deposit system in Poland look like?
The Sejm passed an act amending the Act on packaging and packaging waste management and certain other acts, which establishes the legal framework for the operation of the deposit system in Poland.
The Act assumes that all commercial entities offering products in packaging covered by the deposit system will be obliged to collect a deposit. However, each retail and wholesale entity with a sales area exceeding 200 m2, which will offer users products in packaging covered by the deposit system, will be obliged to collect empty packaging and packaging waste and to return the deposit.
Achieving the objectives of the Act requires an effective collection system based on a deposit system that will support entrepreneurs. The deposit-refund system will be created by an entity referred to in the Act as the "representing entity", which will be established by entrepreneurs introducing packaged drinks covered by the deposit-refund system or by employers' associations and chambers of commerce representing them. This entity will not only create the system, but will also be responsible for its operation. Entrepreneurs who do not establish such an entity will be able to join the created deposit system on equal terms. The Act allows for the operation of more than one deposit system.
More in the latest issue of Source magazine.
If you are a manufacturer, seller or distributor and join the deposit system, Interzero can support you in fulfilling your obligations related to it. More information can be found HERE and HERE .
Interzero at POLECO 2023
Interzero at POLECO 2023
Read a summary of our presenceracing at POLECO 2023, which took place on 17-19 October at the MTP pavilions in Poznań.
At this year's Fair, Interzero presented Sielaff-branded bottle machines, of which it is the exclusive distributor in Poland. In connection with the establishment of a deposit system for single- and multi-use beverage packaging in Poland, these devices can provide support in units subject to mandatory packaging collection. At POLECO, we presented two modelse bottle machine The SiCompact 2020 XL and Eco M series allow for the efficient and effective collection of returnable packaging and, thanks to their compact dimensions, are ideal for facilities of all sizes. There was a lot of interest in the equipment, both from commercial operators (retail chains, factories) and local authorities (municipalities), and even sports clubs.
If you want to know more about the upcoming regulatory changes, check out our page dedicated to the bail system. The full range of Sielaff-branded bottle dispensers is available at our website: ekourzadzenia.interzero.pl/
In addition, our stand featured the innovative Oklin GG-02 device. This small composter, which fits into any office, was awarded the MTP Gold Medal. The award was received by Agata Ryś, Director of the Sales Department, and Paweł Lesiak, Vice-President of the Management Board of Interzero. We also presented the PEL BriteBin solar bins, which, thanks to the possibility of incorporating a Wi-Fi modem and customising the device's branding, can add variety to spaces in municipalities and cities.
We thank you for your presence at our stand and invite you to view a photo report of the event.
Deposit system for reusable packaging? It's possible with the Made4Loop service from Interzero!
Deposit system for reusable packaging? It's possible with the Made4Loop service from Interzero!
The introduction of the Act of April 14, 2023 amending the regulations on the management of certain waste and the product fee results in a significant restriction of the trade in single-use plastic products. This amendment is a consequence of the implementation of the European Union directive of June 5, 2019, referred to as the SUP directive.
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 and help reduce the amount of plastic waste. That's why Interzero is introducing a new service - Made 4 Loop.
Looping is a unique solution that will help you implement sustainable, reusable and ecological alternatives to disposable cups and food packaging in your company. The Made4Loop model created by Interzero involves the use of reusable cups and packaging that customers rent for a deposit and then return in a deposit system. In this way, the packaging remains in a closed loop and is reused dozens, if not hundreds of times.
Get hassle-free implementation of your legal obligations. Create with us an individual design of cups and boxes tailored to your company's offer. Reduce your carbon footprint and waste management costs!
You can read more about our new service HERE
What is the future of waste management? Will we drown in a waste tsunami?
What is the future of waste management? Will we drown in a waste tsunami?
What is certain is that the future of waste management will be shaped by many factors, including technological changes, changes in consumer culture, regulatory provisions and increased environmental awareness.
A waste-free economy is not only a vision of the future, but above all an environmental protection concept based on innovative ecological and economic solutions. This philosophy is closely related to the idea of a circular economy. Its implementation requires transformation of the entire production process and expansion of the waste management system based on comprehensive education. It is necessary to take action in many areas, such as reducing the amount of waste generated, promoting conscious consumption and increasing the recovery and recycling of raw materials.
Required recycling rates are already increasing. Selected single-use plastic products are disappearing from the European market. According to the plan, recyclate will be obligatorily used in some packaging. All thanks to European regulations. This new circular economy architecture is still missing one important component, which is Extended Producer Responsibility.
How not to drown in the maze of new legal regulations prepared by Polish and EU specialists was discussed in the panel "Waste tsunami, how not to drown in packaging". , which took place on October 12 during the European Forum for New Ideas ( EFNI ). The panel included:
– Anna Grom , CEO, Interzero Polska and Interzero Circular Solutions Europe
– Dr. Katarzyna Baranska , head of the decarbonization team, partner at Osborne Clarke
– Joanna Leoniewska-Gogola, MBA , Deputy Director for Sustainable Development and Economics, Deloitte
– Piotr Romańczuk , Director of Environmental Protection, Maspex Group
– Robert Szyman , General Director, Polish Association of Plastics Processors
The European Forum for New Ideas is one of the largest conferences devoted to global trends, new ideas and the future of Europe. As Interzero, we try to constantly discuss with business representatives the challenges in the changing world and jointly shape the future that depends on us.
We would like to thank the organisers for the invitation and the panelists for the inspiring discussion. See you at EFNI 2023!
Recycling instead of wasting resources: hard evidence of the contribution to sustainable business
Recycling instead of wasting resources: hard evidence of the contribution to sustainable business
We publish the "Resources SAVED by recycling " study for 2022, in which we prove that Interzero and our customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1 million tonnes and primary resource consumption by 8.7 million tonnes.
The consequences of global warming are becoming clearer by the week, and policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs are discussing the appropriate types of climate action. What can and should be done to achieve our climate goals? At the same time, how can we ensure a sustainable high standard of living and a successful economy in Germany and Europe? One answer to this question is the systematic recycling of materials. The circular economy has already become a key factor in mitigating climate change.
The work of Europe's leading circular services provider, Interzero, clearly demonstrates this. As the study "Resources SAVED through recycling" in 2022 shows, published today. Interzero's company and customers returned a total of 2.1 million tons of materials back into circulation. This prevented approximately 1 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. At the same time, approximately 8.7 million tons of primary resources were saved.
"Our study aims to show that recycling is both an effective and necessary instrument for cutting climate-damaging emissions, protecting valuable resources and therefore countering the overexploitation of our natural environment. We need the transformation into a real closed-loop economy to maintain the quality of life on our planet. Today, this is the most important collective task that we are facing." said Sebastiaan Krol, CEO of Interzero Circular Solutions.
Since 2008, Interzero has used the scientific study "Resources SAVED by Recycling" to report on the overall positive impact of recycling on the environment. This comprehensive life cycle assessment report - developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environment, Security and Energy Technology UMSICHT - is based on a detailed comparison of primary production and recycling, including all required process steps. A standardised methodology enables accurate quantification of resource savings and greenhouse gas emissions.
"Now in its fifteenth year, this study makes the environmental benefits of recycling both tangible and understandable. Looking to the future, this will be increasingly important to raise awareness about climate action and the sustainable handling of our raw materials among businesses and consumers alike." - comments Dr. Markus Hiebel, head of the sustainability department at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
Data from Fraunhofer UMSICHT also form an important part of resource conservation campaigns "One World. Zero Waste. Let's #MoveTheDate"., which Interzero launched together with the Global Footprint Network (GFN). According to the latest calculations by GFN, global Ecological Debt Day in 2023 would have been 7 minutes and 16 seconds earlier if Interzero and its customers had not continued their recycling efforts.
Please read the full press release (in English) at the link HERE
And with the report on our research HERE