pawel sosnowski

Deposit on beverage packaging. What does the draft law establishing a deposit system in Poland look like?

pawel sosnowski

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. 


made4loop packaging deposit system from interzero

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


interzero anna grom on efni

What is the future of waste management? Will we drown in a waste tsunami?

interzero anna grom na efni
interzero anna grom na efni
interzero anna grom na efni

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


pioiro interzero system kaucyjny

Join us in the packaging revolution. Create a bailing system with Interzero and PIOIRO

Join us in the packaging revolution. Create a bailing system with Interzero and PIOIRO

Interzero together with Polish Chamber of Packaging Recovery and Recycling invites all entrepreneurs covered by the provisions of the Act to jointly build a deposit system in Poland. We have extensive experience and know-how in the operation of deposit systems in EU countries (including a deposit system in Germany), the necessary knowledge and practice in the operation of the waste management system and ready-to-use IT solutions enabling efficient operation of the deposit system (including recording and reporting), as well as the ability to offer bottle vending machines with full service and maintenance.

A broad point of view that takes into account the needs of the producer, the distributor and the consumer allows us to ensure that statutory obligations are comprehensively met and to provide a solution to improve the separate collection of waste within the deposit system.

As part of the collaboration, Interzero will take over the key tasks of building and operating the deposit system, while PIOIRO will act as an organisation for packaging producers and waste management operators. This will enable us to focus on providing comprehensive solutions to meet new regulations and market expectations.

Discover the offer for beverage manufacturers, retail chains and representative entities. For more details, visit HERE and HERE.


The bail system is coming into force. Summary of the Interzero Environmental Conference

monika grom na konferencji srodowiskowej
Paweł Lesiak na konferencji srodowiskowej
interzero kś

What was the focus of this year's Interzero Environmental Conference?

Changes in business and the environment 

The market situation for environmental and related industries is dynamic and subject to regulation, including a number of directives. Existing regulatory developments particularly concern areas such as packaging reduction, waste prevention and the use of recyclates in packaging. Consequently, continuous education and expansion of knowledge in these areas are crucial for companies. Having up-to-date knowledge of legislation and other aspects related to ecology and sustainability is an indispensable part of business management, whether in the context of production, promotion or sales.

According to Monika Grom, vice-president of Interzero's management board, the need to be knowledgeable about innovative approaches to waste management and to share experiences with experts and stakeholders cannot be underestimated either. This is why Interzero emphasises the importance of giving practical guidance, providing sound knowledge and facilitating the necessary changes. The recently held Environmental Conference 2023 is an example of this. The deposit system presents a challenge to all those who put beverages into the packaging cycle, but at the same time offers an excellent opportunity to transform the way waste is managed and to use a closed-loop model. As the experts attending the conference emphasised, we are ready to implement a deposit system

Talk to entrepreneurs 

The Environmental Conference has been held regularly for many years and this year's tenth anniversary edition continued this series. The conference organisers provide a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and discuss legal issues related to environmental protection. In the current edition, given the numerous legal changes and regulations that need to be assimilated in a short period of time, particular emphasis was placed on providing participants with clear knowledge and concrete solutions.

Together with Polish Chamber of Recovering and Recycling of Packaging (PIOIRO) we are preparing to support entrepreneurs in adapting to the new legislation. For more information, please visit the PIOIRO website. As Interzero, we are the only official distributor of Sielaff brand bottle makers and we are already carrying out tests of them in the retail network in Warsaw and Łódź in order to show entrepreneurs and consumers in advance that we are prepared for these changes," concluded Paweł Lesiak, vice-president of the management board of Interzero.

About the Environmental Conference

The Interzero Environmental Conference is an annual gathering of environmental stakeholders and experts. It is a two-day event full of inspiring lectures, during which participants have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of current legislation and other issues related to ecology and sustainability. Participation in the conference also offers the opportunity to learn about innovative and proven solutions in the field of waste management and to exchange experiences with other event participants.

Read the full summary at the link HERE


system kaucyjny webinar

Deposit system - new obligations for entrepreneurs introducing packaged beverages and running commercial units resulting from the amendment of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act

system kaucyjny webinar

Take part in the training course - Deposit system - new obligations of entrepreneurs introducing beverages in packaging and running commercial units resulting from the amendment of the Act on packaging and packaging waste management

We would like to invite you to a webinar entitled. "Deposit system - new obligations of entrepreneurs introducing packaged beverages and running commercial units resulting from the amendment of the provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act", which will be held already 26 October 2023 year (Thursday).

The online training will be led by: Paweł Sosnowski, Board Representative for Environmental Regulation at Interzero.

Scope of the webinar:

  1. Scope of traders subject to obligations arising from the establishment of a bail system,
  2. Scope of packaging covered by the deposit system,
  3. Collection rates for packaging waste and packaging,
  4. Labelling of deposit packaging,
  5. Deposit amount,
  6. Minimum requirements for bail systems to be set up,
  7. Representative entity - the entity responsible for setting up the bail system. Requirements for the creation of a representative entity and the scope of its activities,
  8. Authorisation to set up a bail system,
  9. Commercial unit operators - the requirement to join a bailment scheme and the obligations arising therefrom,
  10. Records and reporting,
  11. Product charge.

You can find the detailed scope of topics and the registration page under the link HERE

Registration for the webinar runs until: 26 October 2023 at 8:00 am.

You are welcome!


Warsztaty w Łazienkach Królewskich

"Action fraction, or the puzzle of a very round idea" - report from our workshop at the Royal Baths

Warsztaty w Łazienkach Królewskich

"Action fraction, or the puzzle of a very round idea" - report from our workshop at the Royal Baths

What does pre-compost smell like and what does regranulate smell like? Where do I dispose of a spice packet, medicine or a broken iron? How do you fix a lid? What does the seedling symbol on the packaging mean? Answers to these and many other questions were sought during our workshop.

During our workshop, parents and children together solved 12 puzzles revolving around the idea of the circular world. Together, they moved between specially prepared stations with individual tasks, matched different elements, practised careful observation and verified their knowledge of selective collection. In the end, we joined forces to discover together the story of the circular economy. We found out that rubbish is not unnecessary waste, but important, often strategic raw materials that should circulate through the system and be reused again and again to create new items.

Each participant in the workshop "Action fraction, or the puzzle of a very round idea" received a gift - our original educational game.

The workshop was conducted as part of the Re:generation, supporting the restoration of the Royal Baths ecosystem and implemented by UNEP/GRID Warsaw and Interzero Packaging Recovery Organisation. This is one of the public education campaigns, financed with funds donated by the company's customers to build environmental awareness in society. We encourage you to find out about other activities of the Environmental Education Team, such as Eco-friendly without the frills, EcoPakwhether Turning point.

Would you like to find out more? Contact us at edukacja@interzero.pl


biuro zero waste interzero

Sustainable office space? It's possible with the Office Zero Waste service!

Sustainable office space? It's possible with the Office Zero Waste service!

Are you a commercial property manager or owner? Are you an Environmental Specialist, Green Officer or Sustainable Manager and want to make a change in the office that benefits the working environment and the environment?

You should get to know our Zero Waste Office service!

What does it consist of?

Office Zero Waste provides comprehensive support to help you create a green and environmentally friendly workplace. Our offer includes an audit, during which we will carefully analyse the functioning and structure of your office. We will also review your internal documentation and provide you with a concrete report containing recommendations and ready-to-use solutions to help you move towards a more sustainable future. In addition, we offer education and communication activities aimed at your employees, as well as access to consultations with our experts to support you at every stage of the process.

When you choose the Zero Waste Office service, you will receive comprehensive support in green transformation and in achieving your environmental goals. We will tailor the scope of activities to your expectations, the specifics of your work and the size of your company.

Details of the offer can be found at the link: https://biurozerowaste.pl/