80% of paper recycling in Europe | Latest CEPI data 2023
Paper recycling in Europe is on the rise. Discover key data from the CEPI 2023 report
On July 9, 2024, the latest CEPI report was published, presenting production statistics for the European paper sector for 2023. The data from the report indicate a deepening decline in paper and cardboard production. At the same time, the recycling rate of the raw material is increasing, which reached almost 80% last year.
Decline in paper and cardboard production in Europe reflects global trends
The year 2023 was marked by declines in the paper industry. Paper and cardboard production fell by as much as 13% compared to 2022. It seems that recent years have been a slippery slope for the paper industry - paper consumption (by 13.5% vs. 2022) and pulp production (0-17.5% vs. 2022) are also falling significantly. However, this is not a local problem - in the same period we are observing a global slowdown, which is not as severe as in Europe . The EU economy as a whole has lost its dynamism in the face of high living costs (including energy prices), tightening monetary policy and weak external demand.
The dynamics of production of individual types of paper and cardboard products in 2023 were very diverse. Compared to the previous year, the amount of cardboard packaging produced fell by 11%, and the amount of newsprint by 20.6%. The largest declines in production, reaching 23.7%, were recorded in the graphic paper category. Sanitary and household paper proved to be the most resistant to market turbulence - this segment decreased by only 3.4%.
80 percent recycling rate - the paper industry is getting closer to the dream of a circular economy
From the perspective of the paper industry, the data presented in the CEPI report are quite pessimistic. However, representatives of the waste and recycling industry have a breath of optimism - in 2023 . the average recycling rate in the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland and the UK was as high as 79.3% (an increase of 8.2 percentage points compared to 2022). Thus, 6 years ahead of schedule, the goal of the signatories of the European Declaration on Paper Recycling, who committed to achieving a 76% paper recycling rate by 2030, has been fulfilled. The record high annual recycling rate indicates the autonomy of the industry and brings it closer to realising the idea of a circular economy .
Interestingly enough, The increase recorded in 2023 is due to a significant, 12% decrease in the consumption of paper and cardboard . This means that not only industry representatives, but also consumers are becoming more aware and are starting to reduce the use of paper products and cardboard and paper packaging.
CEPI 2023 Report Shows Progress in Decarbonising Paper Industry
Despite numerous results below the line, the paper sector also has reasons to be satisfied. For many years The decarbonisation of this industry is gradually progressing. In 2023, CO2 emissions fell by another 5.8%, which means that a total reduction of more than 46% in carbon dioxide emissions has been achieved since 2005.
As we read in the statement by the Director General of CEPI:
"Given the context, the pulp and paper industry in Europe can be proud of what it has achieved in terms of climate action and circularity. In a more favourable and predictable regulatory environment, our prospects can be very positive and our contribution to the EU Green Deal even greater."
Due to the decarbonisation goals set by the European Commission, it is estimated that emissions reduction will proceed even faster in the coming years . However, this is conditional on further increases in investment outlays, which, in the current difficult market situation, is one of the greatest challenges.
Source: European pulp & paper industry. Key statistics 2023, CEPI, https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Key-Statistics-2023-FINAL.pdf
We are less than a month away from the 2024 Environment Conference! Register and get your ticket!
We are less than a month away from the 2024 Environment Conference! Register and get your ticket!
We will soon see you at the Sopot Sheraton, where a unique event from the world of ecology will take place. It is the Interzero Environmental Conference, which this year will be held under the motto "Pillars of Circularity". We have the last tickets! Read on and find out why you should be interested in both the environment and business. Participation in the Conference is possible from as little as PLN 1299 net. This price includes: 2 days of lectures, debates led by industry professionals and much more.
What tickets are available for the 2024 Environmental Conference in Sopot?
We have 4 ticket levels. Everyone will be able to attend the events and enjoy the convenience that best suits their personal needs. We would like to point out that the cheapest ticket is only £1299 net - this is the basic package. With it, you will attend the 2-day Interzero Environmental Conference, receive an e-Certificate of participation, be served lunch and coffee, receive a welcome pack and a set of scientific materials from the conference. After that, it only gets better - a Normal, Silver and, of course, GOLD VIP package awaits you. What is hidden under the latter name? Of course, everything included in the Basic package including access to the spa and attractions of the hotel, participation in a party and dinner with conference participants, private accommodation, parking space and access to the Interzero Academy for 3 months! Check out this link and decide which package is best! We'll see you there!
Topics addressed at the Interzero Environmental Conference
We will address the most important and troublesome topics for entrepreneurs related to law, environmental protection and the ever-present ESG. It's a chance to gain a new perspective on business, catch up in the legal area and to make invaluable contacts in the industry.
A panel discussion will be held during the first day: "The bail system - threat or opportunity for waste management?". An extremely topical topic, as a universal bail-in system will be introduced in Poland in 2025. How are entrepreneurs expected to deal with this? Will they make money from it, or will they lose out? We will try to answer these questions. In addition, there will be speakers from Interzero and friendly companies. We will hear, for example, about electromobility.
The second day included a panel discussion: "PPWR - how much will it cost us?" The talks will discuss the challenges of packaging design, production and recycling in the face of new regulations. Prior to the discussion, we will have the pleasure of hearing speeches on ESG or circularity. The full programme can be found on the event page - welcome!
Will you be with us?
In summary - the last tickets for the Interzero Environmental Conference remain. Knowledge in a nutshell:
- Date: 18-20.09.2024
- Place: Sopot, Sheraton Hotel
- Name of event: Interzero Environmental Conference: "Pillars of Circularity".
- Main themes: circularity, bail system, ESG, business
- Tickets for 2 days full of learning and excitement from £1299
- The advantages: a solid dose of information from specialists, the acquisition of industry contacts and networking opportunities, and training material from the conference.
Become a partner of the Interzero Environmental Conference!
If you want to present your company at one of the largest and most important environmental events in the country, you have come to the right place. To become a partner or exhibitor at the Interzero 2024 Environmental Conference, simply write an email to: konferencja@interzero.pl. Join the best who are working towards a world without waste. Showcase your business, your idea, your capabilities.
Join the event today!
Would you like to become our partner?
Write to konferencja@interzero.pl
Raw materials for paper production - what is paper made from in Europe?
Raw materials for paper production - what is paper made from in Europe?
The basic raw material used to produce paper is wood, from which pulp is obtained. The types and species of wood processed by the paper industry could vary, as could the origin of that wood.
What is paper made of - types and species of trees
Softwood (75% of production) and hardwood (25% of production) are used for primary paper production in Poland and throughout Europe. It comes mainly from commercial forests, where planned tree cultivation is carried out for logging. Another source of wood is the so-called maintenance logging of other forests, carried out in order to provide neighbouring trees with optimal conditions for growth and crown development.
The most popular species of wood for paper production are:
- spruce - 40.5%,
- pine (so-called paperwood) - 35%,
- birch - 11.4%,
- eucalyptus - 9.1%,
- beech - 1.5%,
- aspen - 1.2%
- other (hornbeam, ash, maple, acacia, oak, alder, poplar, willow, chestnut) - 1.3%.
The decline in paper production in recent years also translates into lower interest in the primary raw material. In 2023, the quantitative consumption of softwood species fell by 1.1%, and hardwood species by 5.7%.
Raw material for paper production "made in Europe"
According to the CEPI report, as much as 91% of the wood used for paper production in CEPI countries comes from their native forests . This is the highest rate since 2000 and a slight increase compared to 2022 (by 1 percentage point). Another 6.5% is wood imported from EU countries that are not CEPI members. Only 2.5% of the wood comes from outside Europe. This means that Europe is almost self-sufficient in terms of obtaining raw material for paper production .
At this point, it is also important to emphasise the role of the raw material, which is recycled paper. In 2023, more than 53 million tons of waste paper and other paper waste were recycled in CEPI countries and reused to produce paper products. Cardboard is the leader here - as much as 95% of cardboard and cardboard packaging is made from recycled paper.
Find out how paper is made in the first and subsequent cycles.
Wood chips - waste as a raw material for paper production
In addition to wood in bales, wood chips are also used to produce paper . These are small pieces of wood that are created as post-production waste from, among others, the furniture, sawmill, packaging and construction joinery industries. The scale of their use may be surprising - in 2023, as much as 21.4% of all wood intended for the paper industry were chips .
According to the authors of the CEPI report, the use of industrial waste in the form of wood chips for paper production is a significant contribution to the circular economy . Although CEPI traditionally does not consider it recycling, such use of wood chips falls within the definition commonly accepted in the waste industry. Considering the highest paper recycling rate in history (almost 80%), it can be said that CEPI countries have learned their lesson about circularity and are well on their way to creating a circular economy.
Source: European pulp & paper industry. Key statistics 2023, CEPI, https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Key-Statistics-2023-FINAL.pdf
Interzero classroom training - a lot of factual and practical knowledge in a nutshell!
What does an Environmental Inspectorate Inspection entail and how to prepare for it?
Interzero's first in-house training course entitled. "Control of environmental inspections in a company" is behind us! The participants of the training met with our expert Łukasz Pachucki on 8 August at the Interzero branch in Łódź. In a small group of people, they assimilated a wide range of topics related to WIOŚ control in a company. The open form of the training and the Q&A session allowed them to learn in depth about the specifics of such a visit, in terms of the operation of their companies.
What impressions did the Interzero residential training leave?
"I am extremely pleased that we managed to organise the first stationary training using the potential of our office in Łódź. We were able to raise the competence of entrepreneurs in terms of measuring themselves against WIOŚ inspections, which is not an easy task. Participants had the opportunity to learn live and in a very small group, in detail, what such an inspection looks like and what to pay particular attention to. Plus a Q&A session after the meeting and the opportunity to email questions to the presenter gave participants a huge dose of knowledge. An amazing role in the success of the training was played by Łukasz Pachucki, who, as befits a first-class expert with many years of experience, conducted the meeting in a perfectly practical and accessible manner." - she said Anita Janiec, Manager of the Environmental Advisory Team at Interzero.
"The training was valuable and interesting. The whole thing was planned at the right pace - not too long but enough to cover all the relevant issues thoroughly. Practical examples were valuable in helping to better understand the issues discussed. This made the training not only interesting but also helpful. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to increase their knowledge in this area.", said trainee Wiktor G, Project Manager at Decathlon.
"Yesterday, I had the pleasure of conducting the previously announced training course 'Control of environmental inspections in a company'. I am pleased that, despite the date falling during the holiday period, it was possible to gather a group of listeners who were interested in the topic, for which I thank you very much. For those of you who would have liked to have attended our training, but for various reasons were unable to do so, I would like to inform you that it is not excluded that there will be an opportunity to participate in a similar event in the future.." - said the trainer Lukasz Pachucki.
More training courses on similar themes coming soon! Save the date!
There will be an online training on the topic of WIOŚ inspections in the company in October, 24.10! More details will soon be available on the website and our Linkedin profile.
However, if you prefer classroom training, nothing lost! We will soon be announcing the next date for the training course "Control of environmental inspections in a company" in Łódź! If you would like to train your employees in other environmental topics, please write to us at: academy@interzero.pl.
Check out our online training offer at Interzero Academy.
Registration with BDO: Is it an obligation for every entrepreneur?
Registration with BDO: Is it an obligation for every entrepreneur?
What is BDO?
BDO ( Database on products, packaging and waste management ) is an IT system used to collect and manage data on waste management. It allows for electronic submission of reports and keeping waste records.
Who must register with BDO?
The obligation to register with BDO applies to both new companies and those that have been operating for many years. Entrepreneurs who must be entered in the register are:
- They produce waste and keep records of it.
- They introduce packaged products, vehicles, tires, lubricating oils, batteries and accumulators to the Polish market.
- They produce or introduce packaging to the Polish market.
- They make intra-Community acquisitions of packaging.
- They introduce electrical and electronic equipment into the country.
- They run a shop or wholesale store and provide customers with plastic bags subject to a recycling fee.
Consequences of not registering with BDO
Failure to register or incorrect registration with BDO may prevent entrepreneurs from fulfilling important environmental obligations and expose them to severe financial penalties. Failure to register may result in imprisonment or a fine of up to PLN 1,000,000.
How to register with BDO?
Get help from the experts at Interzero . Their BDO registration service includes:
- Determining the actual scope of your company's activities.
- Identification of sections for entry and codes of waste generated.
- Preparation and submission of an application for registration in BDO
Please note that the registration process may take up to 30 days from the date of application, so there is no point in delaying the formalities.
Changes to the deposit system! We know what's going on with VAT, deposit amounts, collection levels and dairy product packaging!
Changes to the deposit system! We know what's going on with VAT, deposit amounts, collection levels and dairy product packaging!
As of July 31, 2024, a regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment came into force regulating the amount of the deposit for all types of packaging that will be included in the deposit system.
We would like to remind you that in accordance with the regulation, the deposit amount for one package will be:
- For single-use plastic beverage bottles with a capacity of up to three litres, including their plastic caps and lids, excluding glass or metal beverage bottles with caps and lids made of plastic - 50 groszy
- For metal cans with a capacity of up to one letter also - 50 groszy
- For reusable glass bottles with a capacity of up to one and a half litres - one zloty.
Read the regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment regarding the amount of the deposit.
What's new in the draft bill amending the provisions on the UD45 deposit system after the changes resulting from public consultations?
A draft bill amending the deposit system (UD45) has been published on the website of the Government Legislative Centre.
The most important provisions concern:
- closing the deposit circuit, which will help to tighten the system and facilitate monitoring the deposit flow,
- reducing the level of selective collection of packaging and packaging waste to a fixed threshold of 77% in 2025-2028,
- exclusion from the obligation to collect milk packaging and dairy products,
- increasing the role of the minister as a body supervising the activities of operators,
- increase in product fee,
- regulations on VAT,
- introduction of a provision on so-called reverse logistics.
The full document is available on the Government Legislation Center website. We encourage you to read it at the link .
The final countdown to the introduction of the deposit system in Poland is underway! The deadline of January 1, 2025 remains binding.
Stay up to date with information on the deposit system in Poland and follow our LinkedIn profile
Closed-loop solutions are climate solutions - Interzero moves Green Debt Day forward again together with customers
Closed-loop solutions are climate solutions - Interzero moves Green Debt Day forward again together with customers
This year, by 1 August, humanity will have used as much from nature as the planet can renew in a whole year, according to Global Footprint Network (GFN) calculations for 2024. However, without Interzero's recycling and innovative circular activities, this day would have been reached even earlier.
Together with our customers and a broad portfolio of closed-loop solutions, Interzero has again succeeded in delaying the global Environmental Debt Day by more than seven minutes. Once again, this provides concrete evidence of the positive impact of our company's service portfolio on the planet.
"We want to work with our customers to make a real impact". - says Interzero CEO and owner Dr Axel Schweitzer. "Focusing on our vision of a world without waste - where available resources are used sustainably and responsibly - we are constantly looking for new ways to push Environmental Debt Day further and further away. Our efforts are yielding tangible successes."
We encourage you to read the press release in English HERE
Let's #MoveTheDate!
Registration for the 2024 Environmental Conference is now open! | Buy a ticket
Registration for the 2024 Environmental Conference is now open! | Buy a ticket
In less than 2 months, Sopot will host one of the largest environmental protection industry events in Poland - the Interzero Environmental Conference, which this year will be held under the slogan "Pillars of Circularity". This is a unique opportunity to establish contacts with experts and business representatives and learn how to prepare for the entry into force of regulations that have been heating up discussions in the environmental industry for months.
Take part in the 2024 Environmental Conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Sopot
This year's Interzero Environmental Conference will take place on September 18-20, 2024. For all participants, the event organisers have planned 2 days filled with lectures by industry experts and business representatives, networking, substantive discussions and exclusive accompanying events. Tickets for the Conference are available in 4 different variants:
- basic package, intended for people who only want to participate in lectures,
- a package including lectures and accompanying networking events ,
- access to lectures and accompanying events as well as accommodation in a hotel with the possibility of using the SPA zone and other facilities,
- an exclusive package for people who want to combine gaining knowledge and contacts with relaxation in the SPA and comfortable accommodation in a single room.
A detailed range of ticket packages is available at the link.
If you already have a contract with Interzero, contact your sales representative to receive an individual offer for purchasing tickets. We have prepared attractive discounts for our customers!
What's new at the Interzero Environmental Conference?
The upcoming Interzero Environmental Conference will focus on topics related to new legal regulations, including the SUP, PPWR, ROP directives, the ESG reporting obligation and the rapidly approaching deposit system. In recent days , Mateusz Grupa from BMW Group Polska , who will talk about facts and myths about electromobility, and Anna Zdyb from mBank , who will present the possibilities of financing circular economy from European Funds, have confirmed their participation as speakers at KŚ2024. Agata Rudnicka, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Management, University of Lodz , representing the Responsible Business Forum, joined the discussion panel "PPWR - how much will it cost us?" scheduled for September 19. In the debate moderated by the irreplaceable Monika Richardson, she will have the opportunity to present her point of view on the challenges in the design, production and recycling of packaging in the face of PPWR.
The full agenda of KŚ2024 can be found on the event website.
Become a partner of the Interzero Environmental Conference!
Present your company at one of the largest environmental events in the country! Become a partner or exhibitor of the Interzero 2024 Environmental Conference. Write to us at konferencja@interzero.pl and join the group of companies that support us in our activities for a world without waste
Measuring the carbon footprint during the World Cup dodgeball qualification with ESD from Interzero
Reducing the environmental impact of the Men's World Floorball Championship Qualification (WFCQ)
Introduction: In recent years, the global discussion on sustainability has intensified, prompting organisations around the world to assess their environmental impact. At the forefront of this movement, our team undertook a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of the Men's World Floorball Championship Qualifier (WFCQ). Using Environmental Sustainability Dashboard (ESD) developed by Interzero, we set out to assess and reduce the carbon footprint of this major sporting event.
Context: The qualification for the World Floorball Championships (WFCQ) took place in Škofja Loka, Slovenia, from 31 January to 4 February 2024. Five teams from Slovenia, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and Denmark took part, as well as representatives from the International Floorball Federation (IFF). A total of 216 people took part in the tournament, including players and staff, 2,453 visitors, 33 volunteers and local labour.
Challenge: Carbon footprint of the WFCQ venue
The challenge was clear: how could we ensure that the men's WFCQ, while an exciting show of athleticism and sporting competition, was also consistent with our commitment to sustainability? Given the many dimensions, including venue operations, transport logistics, communication activities, exhibition preparation, accommodation and catering services, the task was daunting. However, armed with a dedicated team and our Environmental Sustainability Dashboard, we rose to the challenge.
The WFCQ was held throughout the event at the Poden Arena, located in Škofja Loka (Slovenia).
The following impact categories were considered to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the facility:
- Stationary fuel combustion.
- Overall electricity consumption.
- Network heat/cold consumption.
- Water consumption.
- Waste disposal.
Solution: Our methodology was rooted in the principles of life cycle assessment (LCA), ensuring that every aspect of the event was meticulously examined for its environmental impact. From quantifying greenhouse gas emissions to assessing waste generation and transport. Using the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard platform, we were able to collect and analyse data from a variety of sources, in line with internationally recognised standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Results: The results of our analysis were both informative and useful. With a total carbon footprint of 108.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, we gained valuable insight into the areas where our efforts can make the most difference. Transport emerged as the most influential dimension, accounting for 52% of the event's carbon footprint, mainly due to air travel. This was followed by accommodation and catering, each of which contributed significantly to overall emissions.
However, armed with this knowledge, we did not stop at mere assessment. Instead, we proposed targeted strategies to reduce environmental impact. From promoting sustainable travel options for participants to optimising the facility's energy consumption and minimising waste generation, each mitigation measure was driven by our commitment to sustainability.
At the end of the men's WFCQ, we not only achieved our goal of quantifying the event's environmental impact, but also demonstrated our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we transformed the sporting event into a beacon of environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for future championships around the world.
In conclusion, the success of our sustainability initiative for the men's WFCQ is a testament to the power of data-driven decision-making and collective action. Looking to the future, we remain committed to continuing our sustainability efforts, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the thrill of sport without compromising the health of our planet.
What is the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard?
Environmental Sustainability Dashboard (ESD) is Interzero's solution to help clients integrate sustainability into their business strategy. ESD consists of several steps, from context analysis to the creation of a Sustainability Action Plan. Among these steps, a key element is the ESD tool, an online platform designed to help companies calculate the various environmental, social and managerial impacts associated with their core business and/or products.
The impact assessment takes into account various dimensions such as emissions, energy, materials, water and waste. A wide range of key performance indicators (KPIs) can be calculated, such as greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprint. For each dimension, specific data are required to calculate the corresponding set of results. Both input and output data are selected and generated based on commonly used standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative, and literature.
The output can be used not only for communication purposes, but also for technical evaluation and can be integrated by the company into its sustainability report. ESD is suitable for companies of all sizes, whether they offer services or products.
Contact
esd@interzero.pl
EcoExperimentarium: Discover Ecology in Opole!
EcoExperimentarium: Discover Ecology in Opole!
EcoExperimentarium, a project in which we are a partner, is embarking on its ecological journey to Opole!
When and where?
Date: 4 July to 27 September 2024.
Venue: Municipal Centre for Educational Support in Opole, 19 Powstańców Śląskich Street.
What is an EcoExperimentarium?
The EcoExperimentarium is a project that shapes and develops good environmental practices in children. It teaches in an interactive way how to shop consciously, save water or clean up. In the exhibition you will find different themed zones, relating to the rooms in the house:
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BEDROOM: Less is more! Find out how to minimise the things you own.
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BATHROOM: Every drop counts! Save water and care for the environment.
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KUCHNIA: Eat local, healthy and seasonal! Learn simple ways to change your eating habits.
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SALON: Don't let the energy vampires get you down! Save energy in your home.
Why take part?
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You will learn how to save resources and care for the planet on a daily basis.
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You will gain practical tips that you can implement in your life.
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This is a great opportunity to learn about simple ways to change your daily habits to be greener.
You are cordially invited! This is a unique opportunity to contribute to environmental protection and inspire children to change their habits.More information on the EcoExperimentarium website