newsletter

Did you know that glitter has been banned in the EU?

The European Union announced a ban on products containing microplastics. The ban on the sale of loose glitter entered into force on October 15, 2023, initially valid only in Germany, but it is planned to be extended to the entire European Union. The new regulations prohibit not only makeup products, but also many other products containing glitter. This initiative aims to counter the negative effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Makeup, lip and nail products will gradually be subject to the new rules; glitter present in rinse-off products will be available until October 16, 2027, and in leave-on products until October 16, 2029. In 2030, synthetic polymer microparticles used to encapsulate fragrances will be banned. In 2031, the ban will cover granules filling synthetic surfaces in sports facilities. Ultimately, in 2035, the ban will be extended to lipsticks, nail polishes and makeup products.

This decision is part of the European Union's strategy in the fight against pollution and in the process of ecological transition. The European Commission explains that the new regulations are intended to prevent the release of approximately half a million tons of microplastics into the environment. Even though glitter makes up a relatively small part of total pollution, its elimination is of paramount importance. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries argues that a ban on the intentional addition of microplastics responds to serious concerns about the environment and human health. Sinkevičius points out that these materials are already present in nature, as well as in food and drinking water.

The ban does not cover glitter made of biodegradable, organic or water-soluble materials.

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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 .

Deposit system for reusable packaging? It's possible with the Made4Loop service from Interzero!

The introduction of the Act of April 14, 2023 amending the regulations on the management of certain waste and the product fee results in a significant restriction of the trade in single-use plastic products. This amendment is a consequence of the implementation of the European Union directive of June 5, 2019, referred to as the SUP directive.

From July 1, 2024 entrepreneurs selling drinks in disposable cups will have to provide their customers with alternative packaging that will be more environmentally friendly and help reduce the amount of plastic waste. That's why Interzero is introducing a new service - Made 4 Loop.

Looping is a unique solution that will help you implement sustainable, reusable and ecological alternatives to disposable cups and food packaging in your company. The Made4Loop model created by Interzero involves the use of reusable cups and packaging that customers rent for a deposit and then return in a deposit system. In this way, the packaging remains in a closed loop and is reused dozens, if not hundreds of times.

Get hassle-free implementation of your legal obligations. Create with us an individual design of cups and boxes tailored to your company's offer. Reduce your carbon footprint and waste management costs!

You can read more about our new service HERE

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

What is 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

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

What does the deposit system in Germany look like and how does it work? Interzero in Berlin

The deposit system in Germany, known as "Pfand" or "Pfandsystem", is a well-developed and widely used system that aims to encourage consumer recycling and reduce packaging waste. In the case of disposable bottles, the deposit amount is 25 euro cents. The deposit price for reusable bottles is set by the manufacturer and ranges from 8 to 25 euro cents.

The entire deposit system covers up to 18 billion packages per year, of which 95% is handled by bottle lockers and 5% by the bag system.

On August 24, together with employees from the Eurocash Group, we went to Germany to look at the deposit system in practice. Together we visited stores with both bag collection systems and automatic ones. We also visited the Interzero Reclamation Center, where waste is sorted into appropriate fractions.

Thanks to the trip, we could see with our own eyes how retail chains deal with German legislation. We were able to exchange experiences with our partners and learn better about the procedures taking place in the visited units.

The deposit system will soon come into force in Poland. As Interzero, we strive to understand the needs of the industry as best as possible. We improve our offer, analyse the successes of others and explore development opportunities. We believe that together we will be able to overcome legal challenges and create a system as efficient as our western neighbours.

Take advantage of our experience and create a deposit system with us. We will provide you with solutions to facilitate waste collection and logistics and will take over the reporting obligation. More information HERE and HERE .

Eco-design or eco-saving? How can packaging design help entrepreneurs?

The European Union is approaching the introduction of increasingly strict regulations on packaging placed on the market. Its goal is to transform the linear economy into a circular economy, aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced.

To help companies adapt to upcoming legal changes that will favour recyclable packaging, Interzero has introduced an eco-design support programme called Made4Circle .

What is M4C?

It is a modular solution for companies of all sizes interested in developing sustainable and recyclable packaging. Based on the knowledge of packaging recycling experts, we offer support in creating packaging with minimal impact on the environment, which also meets legal requirements and meets the needs of consumers of a given product. The Made4Circle service consists of 4 main stages that take into account all manufacturers' business needs: preliminary analysis, detailed analysis, solution design and impact assessment.

We encourage you to read the press release about our service HERE

More about Made4Circle on our website HERE

Publication of the law transposing the SUP Directive

A week ago, May 9, 2023 an act implementing the provisions of the SUP (Single Use Plastics) directive was published, which means that the regulations will come into force soon.

The regulations focus mainly on imposing restrictions and requirements related to the marketing and use of single-use products made of plastics, and on the selective collection of waste resulting from these products, and introduce the following obligations:

• Marking some products with symbols, used e.g. on cups containing plastics.
• Imposing new types of fees for specific plastic products, such as an end-user fee per package, a fee for collection, cleaning and transport, and a fee for public education campaigns.
• For beverage cups and food containers, provide reusable or non-plastic alternative packaging from July 1, 2024.
• Use recycled plastic in bottles.
• Achieving minimum levels of waste collection of beverage packaging in the form of single-use plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 3 litres,
• Reporting all activities by the BDO system.

The full text of the act is available HERE

Do you already know everything about the product fee and extended producer responsibility?

The product fee is a type of ecological fee that must be paid by entrepreneurs who place products, packaging, oils, tires, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and accumulators on the market. The purpose of this fee is to ensure proper handling of packaging waste in accordance with the Waste Act and to encourage entrepreneurs to reduce the amount of packaging produced.

If you want to learn more about this obligation, we encourage you to watch the training "Does the product fee apply to your company?" at Interzero Academy!

During the training you will learn:

• What is the product fee,
• What is Extended Producer Responsibility,
• You will learn the requirements for entrepreneurs related to ROP.

Watch the training HERE