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
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
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
Waste Valuation via Interzero Waste Platform - earn money by selling raw materials
Waste Valuation via Interzero Waste Platform - earn money by selling raw materials
The Interzero Waste Platform is a dedicated online system that enables comprehensive waste management in your company. With it, you can reduce waste management costs, automate waste records in BDO and increase revenues from the sale of raw materials.
The platform allows for automatic waste registration, planning of waste removals and generating waste removal notifications . This tool saves time and minimises potential errors in the system.
What is waste pricing?
Waste valuation at Interzero is a convenient solution that relieves you of the burden of searching for companies offering waste collection. It is also a way of earning money from raw materials. If you produce or store types of waste that are valued by recyclers, you can sell them for a profit, and at the same time save on waste disposal and logistics costs. The Interzero Waste Platform allows you to compare prices and choose the best offer .
Just fill out the form, provide the type and quantity of waste, and our specialists will contact you. You can also attach a photo of your waste if you have trouble determining the correct code!
The platform generates transparent cost reports, allowing you to quickly obtain the information you need. You can track revenues and costs related to transferred waste and municipal payments for municipal waste collection.
If you need more information, please visit the Interzero Waste Platform website .
Franchise Product Fee | Pass on the obligation to Interzero
Franchisee Product Fee: How Much Is It and How to Avoid It?
Entrepreneurs running franchise outlets often offer their customers drinks and food in single-use takeaway packaging. Such packaging is subject to a recycling obligation or a product fee (in the event of failure to achieve the required level of recycling), which should be paid by the franchisee, not the franchisor. How much is the product fee and can the franchisee avoid it?
Division of responsibilities between franchisee and brand owner
Running a franchise outlet removes many responsibilities from the entrepreneur. The franchisee usually does not have to worry about, among other things, developing their own business model, designing new services, expanding the product portfolio or acquiring technical support and IT tools. These and other tasks specified in the agreement are usually performed by the franchise partner in exchange for periodic licence fees.
However, it should be remembered that the franchisor does not take over all the obligations of the franchisee - if you run a franchise point, you still have to fulfil, for example, environmental obligations resulting from the act on the management of packaging and packaging waste. One of them is the obligation to achieve the required level of recycling or pay a product fee for the introduced packaging.
Are you a franchisee? You are obliged to pay a product fee!
Every entrepreneur introducing products in packaging must take responsibility for the waste that is created from this packaging. It can do this in two ways: by ensuring the recycling of this waste or by paying a product fee for each kilogram of the unrealized level of recycling. Contrary to appearances, This obligation applies not only to producers, but also to franchises who sell drinks and food in takeaway packaging. .
If you run a franchise outlet where you sell, for example, coffee, meals or snacks in packages, the obligation to account for these packages rests with you, not the franchisor. This does not change even the fact that you sell all these products under the franchisor's brand.
In accordance with applicable law, every franchisee introducing packaged products must:
- ensure the recycling of packaging waste generated from them,
- pay a product fee (if the required recycling level is not achieved),
- conduct or finance public education campaigns.
These obligations result from the provisions of the Act on the management of packaging and packaging waste. According to the opinion from LEX Environmental Protection Law:
The entity running the gas station is responsible for the packaging of meals served at the station.
Source: https://www.prawo.pl/biznes/kto-ponosi-oplate-produktowa-za-opakowania-jedzenia-na-stacji,169823.html
Similarly, these regulations apply to companies running other franchise outlets and serving, for example, drinks in takeaway cups.
Does the mandatory product fee only apply to franchises?
NO. The obligations: recycling and paying the product fee apply to all entrepreneurs indicated in the act. However, our experience shows that it is the franchisees who are often unaware of their obligations . Many entrepreneurs running franchise outlets wrongly assume that recycling and the product fee remain with the franchisor, whose logo appears on all beverage and food packaging. Such ignorance often has unpleasant consequences - failure to meet environmental obligations results in the immediate necessity to pay a high product fee, and in some cases also in the imposition of a financial penalty.
Let us remind you: the obligation to ensure the recycling of packaging waste and pay the product fee may also apply to franchises operating:
- restaurants, pizzerias and other catering outlets,
- cafes (including mobile ones!), drink points (e.g. bubble tea),
- gas stations,
- shops,
- bakeries and confectioneries.
The above calculation is only an example - the mandatory product fee may also apply to other companies. It is also worth remembering that the act provides for a number of exemptions from the obligation to pay the product fee.
Want to check if the product fee also applies to you?
What packaging is covered by the product fee?
The product fee for packaging and packaged products is covered by among others all packaging used for takeaway food and drinks, e.g.:
- cups for drinks,
- cup lids and covers,
- dishes, e.g. plates, bowls,
- food containers (with or without lid): boxes, trays, boxes, buckets, paper packaging for popcorn or fries.
As a franchisee introducing products in packaging, you are required to keep records of this packaging, broken down by the type of material from which it was made. Such records are the basis for determining the amount of the product fee due, which is calculated based on the weight of the introduced packaging for which the entrepreneur has not achieved the statutory level of recovery and recycling.
Product fee amount - how much will the franchisee pay?
Individual packaging materials are subject to different product fee rates. In the case of the most popular types of takeaway food and drink packaging, the product fee rates are as follows:
- plastic packaging - PLN 2.70/kg,
- paper and cardboard packaging - PLN 0.70/kg,
- multi-material packaging - PLN 1.70/kg,
- wooden packaging - PLN 0.30/kg,
- other packages - PLN 1/kg.
Although the amounts for 1 kg of packaging are not very large, the sum of the product fee for the entire year often makes entrepreneurs dizzy . Importantly, the product fee for packaging can be avoided by fulfilling the recycling obligation. Each entrepreneur can do it on their own, ensuring recycling of 100% of the introduced packaging or with the help of the Interzero recovery organisation, without worrying about minimum recycling levels.
Pass on the responsibility to Interzero and avoid the product fee
Fulfilling environmental obligations is only a small fraction of all the challenges you face as an entrepreneur and franchisee. Fortunately, you can delegate some of your responsibilities to Interzero's environmental experts. This will save you not only time, but also money - for a small fee , we will take over your obligation to recycle packaging waste, and you will avoid a high product fee .
By entrusting your responsibility to Interzero, you will gain:
- fixed, low cost of taking over the obligation,
- the ability to conclude an online contract in 3 simple steps,
- official confirmation of the correct performance of the obligation for a given year,
- convenient access to documents related to the assumption of the obligation via the Moje Interzero portal,
- a certificate for your company and an annual report on the conduct of Public Education Campaigns.
Check how much you can save by transferring your recovery and recycling obligations to Interzero!
Big changes in the German deposit system!
Big changes in the German deposit system!
From January 1, 2024, the German Pfandsystem also covers selected bottles of milk and similar drinks.
The German deposit system (Pfandsystem) has been in operation for almost 20 years and covers plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles. From January 1, 2024, it covers another group of packaging - from now on, German stores will charge a deposit of €0.25 for bottles of milk and similar drinks with a capacity above 0.1 L.
The new deposit includes, among others:
- Milk bottles;
- Milk-based beverage bottles;
- Bottles of cocoa and coffee drinks with milk content above 50%;
- Bottles of drinking yoghurt and kefir.
New regulations have been introduced by the largest German supermarkets. In its current form, the deposit system in Germany covers almost all non-returnable drinks in bottles and cans.
The Polish deposit system for returnable packaging will start in 2025. The deposit obligation will apply to single-use plastic bottles for beverages with a capacity of up to 3 L, reusable glass bottles for beverages with a capacity of up to 1.5 L and metal packaging for beverages with a capacity of up to 1 L. Interzero, together with the Polish Chamber of Packaging Recovery and Recycling, will create a deposit system - read more HERE .
Did you know that e-cigarettes may soon be banned?
Did you know that e-cigarettes may soon be banned?
According to a study conducted by the Institute of Economic Planning and Analysis (IPAG) on the sale of e-cigarettes, over 100 million disposable e-cigarettes were sold in Poland in 2023. At the same time, according to an article published in The Lancet, e-cigarettes pose an increasing challenge to our environment. The first problem is the generation of a significant amount of plastic, especially in the case of cartridges that are intended for single use and are made of hard-to-degrade plastics.
The second problem is electronic waste. Research conducted by the Material Focus organisation has shown that in the UK alone, 1.3 million such devices end up in landfill every week, even though they should be sent to e-waste collection points. Improper disposal of batteries and other components may lead to fires and environmental pollution.
Nicotine is also a problem, not only because it is addictive, but also because it is considered hazardous waste in some countries. Therefore, plastic containers in which liquids and e-cigarette cartridges are stored cannot be recycled.
At the end of January, the British government announced its plan to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes, which will have a positive effect not only on the environment, but also on the health of the entire society. Last week, the Polish Deputy Minister of Health also announced that the possibility of a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes is being considered.
Source: https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/e-cigarettey-najlepsze-szkodliwym-dla-srodowiska-produktem-jaki-cześni-powstal , https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7,151003, 30672748,there will be a total ban on the sale of e-cigarettes-resort-health.html .
Amendment to the regulations implementing the deposit system in Poland and changes in waste management
Amendment to the regulations implementing the deposit system in Poland and changes in waste management
On February 14, a press conference was held during which the Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Anita Sowińska, talked more about waste management solutions, changes in the BDO system, as well as about the planned implementation from 2025. deposit system.
During the event, the Deputy Minister emphasised that the deposit system, as assumed, would be launched at the beginning of 2025, but we can expect amendments regarding the system operators. The representative of the ministry emphasised that these changes would only be "technical". This will concern obligations and documents submitted to control the system.
On March 5, there will be a consultation meeting with the industry, local government officials and trade representatives regarding changes to the Deposit Act. The deputy minister added that the deposit system, although it will start on January 1, 2025, "may happen that it will not be perfect from the very beginning, because the act requires some adjustments."
The deputy minister also informed about planned changes in the BDO system . The modernisation will respond to the main needs of users of this system. The changes will include, among others: development of the Report Module and introduction of new functionalities in the Account Management Module.
The press conference participants were also presented with the expanded composition of the of the Advisory Team on waste management solutions. The advisory staff will include: Lewiatan Confederation, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, INNOWO Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development, Polish Chamber of Waste Management, Polish Recycling Association and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, as well as more representatives of the entrepreneurs' side, mainly from the recycling industry, as well as non-governmental organisations and institutes.
Source:
https://zielona.interia.pl/smieci-plastik/news-system-kaucyjny-nie-ruszyl-a-juz-ma-byc-poprawka-wiceministr,nId,7335652#google_vignette
https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat/wiceministra-anita-sowinska-o-rozwiazaniach-w-zakresie-gospodarki-odpadami
Video: Dziennik Gazeta Prawna
As Interzero, we are happy to participate in debates and meetings with the ministry and industry representatives to better clarify our mutual needs and discuss current legal changes. We encourage you to read the summary of the debate "Deposit in a year, and the system in its infancy". on Dziennik Gazeta Prawna HERE , where Pawel Sosnowski, Management Board Representative for Environmental Regulations with Interzero had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the deposit system together with: Andrzej Gantner, Vice-President and General Director at the Polish Federation of Food Producers Association of Employers, Anita Sowińska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Joanna Kasowska, Director of Quality and Food Management Standards , Żabka Group; Filip Piotrowski, Climate Leadership, UNEP/GRID-Warszawa; Anna Larsson, Director of Implementation of circular economy models, Reloop Platform.
Entrepreneur! Remember about the annual BDO fee!
Entrepreneur! Remember about the annual BDO fee!
February 29 is the deadline for paying the annual fee for entry into the BDO in the amount of PLN 100 (micro-entrepreneurs) or PLN 300 (entrepreneurs other than micro-entrepreneurs). The fee should be paid to the account of the marshal's office competent for the company's registered office or place of residence.
Failure to pay the fee will result in removal from the Database on Products, Packaging and Waste Management (BDO) , and the business activity will be subject to a high financial penalty!
Entrepreneurs are subject to registration and annual fees:
- introducing electrical and electronic equipment and authorised representatives,
- introducing batteries or accumulators,
- introducing vehicles,
- producer, importer and intra-Community buyer of packaging,
- introducing products in packaging into the territory of the country,
- introducing tires into the territory of the country,
- introducing lubricating oils into the territory of the country.
Are you looking for support during the reporting period ?
Watch the free Interzero webinar "Everything you need to know about BDO".
More training at a favorable price can be found HERE