In the first part of the report “In the traps of reusability”, entitled “The curse of single-use plastic”, we will also read a lot about the eating habits of Poles: what they order most often, where and how they place orders (by phone, apps, in person), what they pay attention to when looking at the packaging offered to them, and what they think about reusable packaging. And these are just some of the conclusions from the qualitative and quantitative studies that were to help diagnose and describe the state of implementation of the directive on single-use plastics in Poland. The qualitative studies included interviews with 24 people, the quantitative CAWI studies were 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 edges

In “Eko bez kantów” we talk about ecology without bending the truth. We deal with myths, fake news and half-truths. Our goal is to explain why waste should be segregated, not just how to do it properly. “Eko bez kantów” was created from the belief that in a world full of disinformation and greenwashing, a reliable source of reliable information is needed. We cover topics such as sustainable development, recycling, circular economy and legislation related to waste management. We discuss the impact of packaging, batteries and electro-waste on the environment, as well as ways to reuse them as valuable resources.

Polish entrepreneurs selling products and packaging to Austria should be careful – since 1 January 2023, this country has introduced EPR regulations, which are the equivalent of the Polish EPR. They focus on 2 main issues: licensing of packaging and establishing an authorized representative in Austria. How to fulfill the obligations arising from EPR? We advise.

At the beginning of 2023, new Extended Producer Responsibility ( EPR) regulations came into force in Austria. They impose a number of environmental obligations on entrepreneurs selling products to Austria, the aim of which is to increase the level of recycling of packaging and product waste and to minimize the impact of entrepreneurs’ activities on the environment.

From 1 January 2023, entrepreneurs not established in Austria who introduce certain categories of packaging and products to the Austrian market must meet strict legal requirements . According to the Austrian EPR, every person introducing them is obliged to:

• registration with the Austrian Federal Environmental Agency (equivalent of the Polish entry in the BDO register),
• submitting periodic reports on the quantity or weight of introduced products and packaging,
• participation in the waste collection and recycling system in Austria,
• paying a license fee depending on the type and quantity of packaging or products introduced to the Austrian market.

Importantly, entrepreneurs cannot fulfil these obligations on their own – the lack of a registered office in Austria means that they must appoint an authorised representative in Austria (Bevollmächtigten), who will fulfil the obligations of the introducer on their behalf and be responsible for contacts with local authorities.

The obligations under the EPR apply to any company not based in Austria that sells the following product categories to Austrian customers :

• packaging, including product packaging, transport packaging and shipping packaging,
• electronic and electrical equipment (EEE),
• batteries and accumulators.

The new regulations apply to both entrepreneurs based in any EU country and those outside the EU. They are mainly aimed at companies that offer their products on sales platforms, e.g. eBay, Amazon, Zalando. The obligations of the introducer specified in the EPR regulations must therefore be fulfilled by:

• importers of packaged products, equipment and batteries and accumulators to the Austrian market,
• entrepreneurs selling packaging, packaged products, equipment and batteries directly to customers in Austria using their own online shops or online sales platforms.

The EPR does not provide for quantitative exemptions – the appointment of an authorised representative in Austria is the obligation of every introducer, even if he sells only a few products or packages covered by the EPR to Austria.

The Interzero Group has been providing professional, comprehensive environmental services to clients from every industry for over 30 years. We are present in 10 countries, including Austria, where we take over responsibilities from our clients, including licensing, waste management and recycling.

As an authorized representative of your company, we will take care of:

• registering your company with the appropriate offices,
• licensing of packaging introduced to the Austrian market,
• reporting , i.e. preparation and submission of all reports required by EPR regulations in Austria,
• ensuring the management of waste generated from packaging and products introduced by your company to the Austrian market,
• representing your company before the Austrian authorities in all matters relating to the introduced products or packaging.

By signing one contract, you will transfer to us all your obligations related to the introduction of packaging, electrical and electronic equipment as well as packaging and batteries to the Austrian market.

How do I appoint Interzero as an authorized representative of my company?

1. Register on our online portal and complete your company details.
2. Choose the scope of duties that we should perform on behalf of your company. Remember that packaging, electrical equipment and batteries can be covered by one contract.
3. Indicate the quantities/weights of packaging and products introduced to the Austrian market.
4. Follow the further instructions and confirm the contract.

Find out more about the authorised representative service and packaging licensing in Austria .

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about appointing an authorized representative and licensing packaging in Austria.

Act of June 13, 2013 on the management of packaging and packaging waste introduced provisions on the inclusion of certain beverage packaging in the deposit system. Deposit systems were to be launched, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, from January 2025. However, for their proper functioning, it turned out to be necessary, in accordance with the postulates submitted, among others, by entrepreneurs introducing beverages in packages, to introduce a number of additional changes to the Act.

The training will discuss changes to the provisions of the Act of 13 June 2013 on the management of packaging and packaging waste introduced by the amending act adopted in December 2024, including, among others, the postponement of the launch of deposit systems and the related consequences, changes in the scope of beverages covered by the deposit system, changes in the method of collecting deposits, and the inclusion of uncollected deposits in VAT.

Detailed topic scope:

1. Clarification of the regulations regarding obtaining permits to create deposit-refund systems.
2. Exclusion of milk and dairy product packaging from deposit-refund systems.
3. Introduction of the obligation to collect a deposit at each stage of sale of packaged beverages.
4. Enabling sellers to conduct so-called reverse logistics.
5. Obligation to collect reusable glass packaging by those running commercial establishments with an area not exceeding 200 m2.
6. Subjecting an uncollected deposit to VAT.
7. Postponement of the launch of deposit systems

The training will be led by: Paweł Sosnowski , Management Board Representative for environmental regulations at Interzero

Link to registration HERE

The webinar is primarily aimed at:

• Entrepreneurs introducing packaged beverages
• Specialists in environmental protection
• People responsible for managing packaging waste in retail chains
• For all those interested in the latest legal regulations regarding packaging management

We cordially invite you to participate in the webinar! Registration for the webinar lasts until: January 16, 2025, 8:00 AM.

Sign up today!

Presentations at industry events, training and campaigns, and educational workshops – although the end of the year is approaching and the atmosphere of the holidays is already in the air, we are still working intensively at Interzero. We kindly invite you to read the summary of November in the Interzero Group in Poland, in which we will briefly present the most important events of the past month.

Interzero’s Environmental Sustainability Dashboard is now licensed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)! This is another step for us to make ESG reporting easy and accessible for every company. At the same time, we want our tool to be reliable. Through the GRI Licensing Software & Tools Program, GRI ensures that our Environmental Sustainability Dashboard accurately and efficiently incorporates GRI standards, based on best practices. Key benefits of our program include accurate sustainability reporting, helping to meet legal requirements, and attracting stakeholders – through reliable and transparent reporting. We are almost certain that even companies that will not be subject to ESG reporting will have to keep records if they want to cooperate with larger entities.

This month, Interzero had the pleasure of being a guest at the ITTF Warsaw international trade fair, one of the largest events in the tourism industry, where partners involved in the development and promotion of this sector meet. Our representative, Interzero Managing Director Przemysław Kuna took part in the panel entitled “The impact of supplier selection on the carbon neutrality of business travel. How does sustainable development policy affect business travel management”. Przemysław postulated not to cross out industry entities that have not yet taken an interest in ESG. The speakers talked not only about business travel, but also about fleet electrification and infrastructure in Poland.

In addition, Przemysław also took part in the Rzeczpospolita ej debate: “How to reconcile fire with water, or the needs of business and cities towards ROP during the mobilization of work on the act” , which took place in the editorial office of the daily as part of the “Fight for climate” series. Our expert took a specific position – as Interzero, we support a free-market and transparent model of extended producer responsibility. Everyone wants to know what they are paying for and why so much. We do not want entrepreneurs to become just an object on which further financial obligations can be imposed. We encourage you to read the article summarizing the debate here .

At the end of November, Łukasz Pachucki conducted the second in-person training at our headquarters in Łódź, this time under the slogan “Environmental Protection Inspection Control in an Enterprise”. We are very happy that we managed to implement this project in smaller groups. The exchange of knowledge, experience and the opportunity to ask any questions to an expert allows for an in-depth study of the subject. The companies whose employees came to the training already know every step of the inspection, and thanks to the Q&A session and the possibility of consulting our expert after the training, they have prepared guidelines and plans to ensure that the inspection of the Environmental Protection Inspectorate goes smoothly. We would like to thank the instructor for the substantive workshop and all participants for their trust – we hope to see you at the next in-person training!

On the initiative of the Interzero Ecological Education Team, in cooperation with the Bęc Zmiana Foundation, on 23 November, the “Waste Architecture” workshop was held in one of Warsaw’s theatres . The meeting focused on, among other things, new legal regulations concerning waste. They are inextricably linked to the creation of appropriate urban, residential and communication space. Through the prism of their own experiences from many industries, participants created ideas for new solutions that could, for example, help consumers to actively participate in the deposit system. Architects Michał Sikorski and Petro Vladimirov, as well as artist Zofia Strumiłło-Sukiennik, were invited to the workshop. The choice was not accidental – each of the presenters tackles the subject of waste in a different way. The workshops were part of the “Happiness Research Laboratory. Life after Comfort-Century”, an artistic and research project.

On November 29, the Krakow Museum of Photography hosted the debate “Look! Does it work?”, during which we focused on the topic of social campaigns about waste. It was a continuation of Interzero’s cooperation with this cultural institution. The pretext for the conversation was Interzero’s research “Between plus and minus” and “Getting into trouble”, which indicate that young adults are less involved in environmental issues. The speakers included: Alicja Waszkiewicz-Raviv, who deals with visual communication and campaign effectiveness, Dominika Lenkowska-Piechocka, founder of the agency Who Will Save The Planet, and Edyta Mantorska – head of the Ecological Education Team at Interzero. The debate was preceded by a workshop for young people.

We ended the month with a partnership with BWA Wrocław on the “Limited Exhibition” project. At Plac Kościuszki 9-10 in the capital of Lower Silesia, seven sculptures by Kasia Fudakowski will be on display until February 16. One of the main themes of the exhibition is the topic of limited resources in the context of production; the artist was inspired to create the exhibition by considering how “culture and art are inextricably linked to the energy resources available on Earth and the structures of power that dispose of these resources”. The artist gave control over the exhibition to the audience while limiting the energy that powers it. The question is therefore whether every visitor will be able to see the exhibition in the same form. The Interzero Ecological Education Team, in cooperation with the institution, prepared a December educational program that fully addresses the topic of electronic waste.

November ended the social campaign “Charge Your Batteries” that had been ongoing since September as part of the Eko Bez Kantów project under the substantive patronage of the Małgosia Braunek Foundation, Be and in cooperation with the Mindy application. During the project, a series of free webinars took place, where participants had the opportunity to meet online with independent experts. We talked about ecopsychology, the benefits of forest bathing, somatic practices that relieve stress and a healthy diet for the body and the planet. In addition, participants of the campaign could gain premium access to the Mindy application by publishing photos on their social media in which they get rid of batteries with the hashtag #chargeyourbatteries.

November was a month full of educational, as well as socio-cultural events. We would like to thank all Interzero employees involved in the above-mentioned activities, as well as partners for inviting us to cooperate – joint intersectional workshops and debates are something that always brings people closer and provides more opportunities for development and broader education of society about the essence of sustainable development.

Interzero specializes in providing integrated environmental services. Our mission is to support companies in achieving sustainable development through innovative solutions and education. Interzero Academy is a platform that offers a wide range of training courses, tailored to the needs of professionals in the environmental protection industry.

• Waste Management Training – Learn how to effectively manage waste in your company and understand your responsibilities.
• Environmental Compliance Training – Make sure your business is up to date with the latest regulations. Learn more about EPR, Battery Regulation, PPWR or Deposit System.
• Air Quality and Wastewater Management Training – Gain knowledge on environmental reporting. Make sure you have the necessary permits and are operating within the law.

It’s simple! Just visit our Interzero Academy website in the last week of November and choose the trainings you are interested in. All online trainings on the website will be 50% cheaper. Don’t miss this unique opportunity – the promotion lasts only from November 25 to 29, 2024!

Investing in knowledge is an investment in the future. Thanks to our training, you will gain not only new skills, but also a competitive advantage on the market. Interzero Academy is a guarantee of quality that will help you achieve peace of mind in the context of compliance with environmental obligations. The knowledge acquired will allow your company to avoid administrative penalties that may be imposed when the company significantly affects the natural environment. Don’t wait! Join the group of satisfied participants of our training and take advantage of the unique Black Week offer at Interzero Academy.

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

We wanted our activities to arouse the interest of young adults, which is why we combined the topic of batteries, understood as a source of power for various devices, with our internal batteries, i.e. with mental well-being, which is particularly important these days. In our social campaign “Charge your batteries” we want to support recipients in building ecological awareness, showing that by doing something good for the planet, we are also doing something good for ourselves – explains Monika Grom, Vice President of Interzero

Ecopsychology, a trend that combines issues from ecology and psychology, shows that contact with nature significantly improves our well-being, reduces stress levels and increases happiness. Pro-ecological actions and mental well-being are interconnected vessels – the awareness that we contribute to environmental protection gives us a sense of agency, control and meaning, which translates into better well-being.

In the last few years, there has been a clear increase in interest in the topic of building health in a holistic approach. We understand that everything inside and outside of us is interconnected and affects each other. Following this path, one of the basic pillars of health is regular contact with nature. This is one of the areas covered by ecopsychology, a science that is gaining increasing interest. Thanks to it, we increasingly appreciate the beneficial effects of nature on our mental condition, we are even more willing to use its soothing properties, and regular contact with it allows us to relax more deeply and rebuild our internal resources. – says Orina Krajewska, President of the Management Board of the Małgosia Braunek Be Foundation, the substantive partner of the campaign

The “Charge Your Batteries” campaign aims to encourage young adults to take pro-ecological actions related to recycling batteries and to show that ecology and mental well-being are closely linked. Together with the Małgosia Braunek Foundation, we have prepared a series of four free webinars that will help you find harmony between mental health and caring for the planet. The meetings do not require registration – just join us.

• September 12 “100% Battery. A Conversation About Ecopsychology – a new trend combining psychology and ecology in the service of the inner balance of modern man”, Orina Krajewska and Dr. Julia E. Wahl.
• October 3 “About the benefits of forest bathing, how to charge your batteries green on a daily basis?” , Katarzyna Grabka.
• October 23 “Release the tension – somatic practices that regulate stress and soothe the nervous system. What does science say about the effectiveness and benefits of using Somatic Experiencing® techniques and how to practice on your own?” , Sandra Klos.
• November 21, “Recharge your body – a diet that nourishes the body and the planet” , Dr. Alicja Baska, med.

Get a personalized code for a monthly subscription to Mindy Premium, our digital partner. To participate, post a photo or video on your social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) of yourself properly disposing of your old batteries using the hashtag #naladujswojebaterie . Enjoy peace of mind and body with Mindy for a whole month!

The “Charge Your Batteries” social campaign runs from September 8 to the end of November 2024.

More about the campaign: Charge your batteries – Eko Bez Kantów (ekobezkantow.pl)

Campaign promo spot: https://youtu.be/eW5qtKoB7k4?si=Xf8Mdz-RAl7tH0vC

“Charge Your Batteries” is an element of Interzero’s public educational campaign “Eco without edges” which introduces Poles to the topic of selective waste collection, recycling and issues related to the circular economy.