80% paper recycling in Europe | Latest CEPI 2023 data
Paper recycling rates in Europe are rising. Find out key figures from the CEPI 2023 report
On 9 July 2024, the CEPI's latest report was released, providing production statistics for the European paper sector for 2023. Data from the report shows a deepening decline in paper and board production. At the same time, the recycling rate of raw material is increasing, reaching almost 80% last year.
Decline in paper and board production in Europe reflects global trends
The year 2023 was marked by declines in the paper industry. As much as by 13% compared to 2022, the production of paper and board has decreased. It seems that recent years have been a downward slope for the paper industry - paper consumption (down 13.5% vs 2022) and pulp production (0 17.5% vs 2022) are also falling significantly. However, this is not a localised problem - in the corresponding period we are witnessing a global slowdown, which, however, is not as great as in Europe. The EU economy as a whole has lost momentum in the face of the high cost of living (including energy prices), tighter monetary policy and weak external demand.
The dynamics of the production of individual types of paper and board products in 2023 varied considerably. Compared to the previous year, the amount of cardboard packaging produced decreased by 11%, and newsprint volumes by 20.6%. The largest production decreases of 23.7% were recorded in the graphic paper category. Sanitary and household paper was the most resilient to the market turmoil, with this segment declining by only 3.4%.
80 per cent recycling rate - the paper industry is getting closer to the GOZ dream
From the point of view of the paper industry, the figures presented in the CEPI report are quite pessimistic. A breath of optimism, however, comes from the waste and recycling industry - in 2023. The average recycling rate for the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland and the UK was as high as 79.3% (an increase of 8.2 pp compared to 2022). Thus, 6 years ahead of schedule, the goal of the signatories of the European Declaration on Paper Recycling to achieve a 76% paper recycling rate by 2030 has materialised. The record high annual recycling rate shows the autonomy of the industry and brings it closer to becoming a reality. closed loop economy.
Interestingly, the recorded increase in 2023 is due to a significant - 12% - decrease in paper and board consumption. This means that not only the industry, but also consumers are becoming more aware and starting to reduce their consumption of paper products and cardboard and paper packaging.
CEPI 2023 report shows progress in decarbonising the paper industry
Despite a number of results under the radar, the paper sector also has reason to be satisfied. For many years The decarbonisation of the industry is progressing gradually. In 2023, CO2 emissions fell by a further 5.8%, which means that a total of more than 46% of carbon emission reductions have already been achieved since 2005.
As the CEPI Director General's message reads:
"Given the context, the pulp and paper industry in Europe can be proud of what it has achieved in terms of climate action and closed loop. In a more conducive and predictable regulatory environment, our prospects could be very positive and our contribution to the EU Green Deal even greater."
In view of the decarbonisation targets set by the European Commission, it is estimated that emissions will be reduced even faster in the coming years. The condition, however, is to continue to increase investment, which, in the current difficult market situation, is one of the biggest 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 of in Europe?
Raw materials for paper production - what is paper made of in Europe?
The basic raw material used in paper production is wood, from which pulp is obtained. However, the types and species of wood processed by the paper industry can vary, as can the origin of this wood.
What paper is made of - types and species of trees
The primary production of paper in Poland and throughout Europe uses softwood (75% production) and hardwood (25% production). It mainly comes from managed forests, where there is planned silviculture of trees to be felled. Another source of wood is the so-called maintenance felling of the remaining forests carried out in order to provide the neighbouring trees with optimal conditions for growth and crown development.
The most popular wood species for paper production are:
- Spruce - 40.5%,
- pine (so-called pulpwood) - 35%,
- birch - 11.4%,
- eucalyptus - 9.1%,
- Beech - 1.5%,
- aspen - 1.2%
- others (hornbeam, ash, maple, acacia, oak, alder, poplar, willow, chestnut) - 1.3%.
The decline in paper production recorded in recent years also translates into less interest in virgin raw material. In 2023, the volume consumption of softwoods is down by 1.1% and hardwoods 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 from 2022 (by 1 pp). Another 6.5 % is timber imported from EU countries that do not m. belong to CEPI. Thus, only 2.5% of wood comes from outside Europe. This means that Europe is almost self-sufficient in terms of raw material for paper production.
The role of recycled paper as a raw material should also be highlighted here. In 2023, in CEPI countries more than 53 million tonnes of waste paper and other paper waste were recycledthat have been reused in the manufacture of paper products. The leader here is cardboard - as much as 95% of cardboard and cardboard packaging is made from recycled paper.
Check, How paper is made in the first and subsequent circuits.
Wood chips - waste as raw material for paper production
In addition to the wood in the logs, wood chips are also used in paper production. These are small pieces of wood that arise as post-production waste from the furniture, lumber, packaging and joinery industries, among others. The scale of their use may surprise you - in 2023. as much as 21.4% of the total wood destined for the paper industry was wood chips.
According to the authors of the CEPI report, the use of industrial waste in the form of woodchips to produce paper is an important contribution to a circular economy. Although traditionally not considered as recycling by CEPI, this use of woodchips falls within its definition commonly accepted in the waste industry. Given the highest ever rate of paper recycling (almost 80%), it can be concluded that the CEPI countries have done their homework on circularity and are well on the 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 and packaging and waste management) is an IT system that is used to collect and manage waste management data. It allows electronic reporting and waste record keeping.
Who needs to register with BDO?
The obligation to register with BDO applies to both new companies and those that have been in business for many years. Registration must be obtained by entrepreneurs who:
- They generate waste and keep records of it.
- They market packaged products, vehicles, tyres, lubricating oils, batteries and accumulators to the Polish market.
- They produce or market packaging in Poland.
- They make intra-Community acquisitions of packaging.
- They introduce electrical and electronic equipment into the country.
- They run a shop or wholesale business and provide customers with plastic bags subject to a recycling fee.
Consequences of not registering with BDO
Lack of registration or incorrect registration with BDO can prevent businesses from fulfilling important environmental obligations and expose them to severe financial penalties. Failure to register can even be punished with a custodial sentence or a financial penalty of up to PLN 1,000,000.
How do I register with BDO?
Get expert help from the company Interzero. Their BDO registration service includes:
- Establish the actual scope of your company's activities.
- Identify the departments to be entered and the codes of the waste generated.
- Preparation and submission of application for registration with BDO
Remember that the registration process can take up to 30 days after submission of the application, so it is not worth delaying the formalities.
Changes to the deposit system! We know what to do about VAT, deposit amounts, collection levels and dairy packaging!
Changes to the deposit system! We know what to do about VAT, deposit amounts, collection levels and dairy packaging!
As of 31 July 2024, a decree from the Minister of Climate and the Environment came into force regulating the amount of deposits 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 per package will be:
- For single-use plastic beverage bottles of three litres or less, including their plastic caps and lids, excluding glass or metal beverage bottles with plastic caps and lids - 50 pence
- For metal cans up to one litre also - 50 cents
- For reusable glass bottles up to one and a half litres, one zloty.
Read the regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment on the amount of the deposit.
And what's new in the Bill amending the UD45 bail scheme regulations following changes arising from the public consultation?
A bill amending the bail system (UD45) has been published on the website of the Government Legislative Centre.
The most important provisions concern:
- closing the bail circulation, which will help to seal the system and make it easier to monitor the flow of bail,
- Reduce the level of separate collection of packaging and packaging waste to a fixed threshold of 77% between 2025 and 2028,
- exemptions from the collection of milk and milk product packaging,
- Increasing the role of the Minister as a supervisor of operators' activities,
- an increase in the product fee,
- regulation of VAT,
- introducing a provision for so-called reverse logistics.
The full document can be found on the Government Legislation Centre website. We encourage you to take a look at it at the link.
The final countdown to the introduction of a bail system in Poland is underway! The deadline of 1 January 2025 remains binding.
Keep up to date on the bail system in Poland and Follow our LinkedIn profile
Valuing Waste through the Interzero Waste Platform - earn from the sale of raw materials
Valuing Waste through the Interzero Waste Platform - earn from the sale of raw materials
Interzero waste platform is a dedicated online system that enables comprehensive waste management for your company. With it, you can reduce waste management costs, automate waste records in BDO and increase revenue from raw material sales.
The platform allows for the automatic recording of waste, scheduling of collections and generation of waste collection notifications.. This tool saves time and minimises potential errors in the system.
What is waste pricing?
Interzero's waste valuation is a convenient solution that takes the hassle out of finding waste collection companies. It is also a form of earning money from raw materials. If you produce or store the types of waste valued by recyclers, you can sell them at a profit and save on waste disposal and logistics costs. Interzero's waste platform allows you to compare quotes and choose the best offer.
All you need to do is fill in the form, state the type and quantity of waste and our specialists will contact you. You can also attach a photo of your waste if you are having trouble identifying the correct code!
The platform generates clear cost reports, allowing you to quickly obtain the information you need. You can track income and costs related to donated waste and municipal payments for municipal waste collection.
If you need more information, visit Interzero Waste Platform.
Product fee for franchising | Transfer 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 disposable takeaway packaging. Such packaging is subject to either a recycling obligation or a product fee (if the required recycling rate is not achieved), which should be paid by the franchisee and not by the franchisor. How much is the product fee and can the franchisee avoid it?
Division of responsibilities between the franchisee and the brand owner
Running a franchise outlet takes many responsibilities off the entrepreneur's shoulders. The franchisee usually does not have to worry about, among other things, developing its own business model, designing new services, expanding its product portfolio or acquiring technical support and IT tools. These and other contractually defined tasks are usually carried out by the franchise partner in exchange for recurring royalties.
However, it should be borne in mind that the franchisor does not assume all of the franchisee's obligations - if you run a franchise outlet, you still have to meet at least your environmental obligations arising from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act. One of these is the obligation to achieve the required level of recycling or to pay a product fee for the packaging introduced.
Are you a franchisee? You are obliged to pay a product fee!
Any entrepreneur who introduces packaged products must take responsibility for the waste that has been generated from these packages. They can do this in 2 ways: by ensuring that this waste is recycled or by paying a product fee for each kilogram of recycling not achieved. Contrary to appearances, This obligation does not only apply to producers, but also to, among others, franchisees who sell drinks and food in takeaway packages.
If you run a franchise outlet where you sell, for example, packaged coffee, meals or snacks, the onus is on you to account for these packages, not the franchisor. Even the fact that you sell all these products under the franchisor's brand does not change this.
Under current law, any franchisee introducing packaged products must:
- ensure that the resulting packaging waste is recycled,
- pay a product fee (if the required level of recycling is not achieved),
- conduct or finance public education campaigns.
These obligations derive from the provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Management Act. According to an opinion taken from LEX Environmental Law:
The packaging of the meals served at the filling station is the responsibility of the operator of the filling station.
Source: https://www.prawo.pl/biznes/kto-ponosi-oplate-produktowa-za-opakowania-jedzenia-na-stacji,169823.html
By analogy, these provisions apply to companies operating other franchise outlets and dispensing drinks in takeaway cups, for example.
Does the mandatory product fee only apply to franchises?
No. The obligations: to recycle and to pay a product fee apply to all entrepreneurs indicated in the Act. However, our experience shows that it is frazioneers are often unaware of their obligations. Many entrepreneurs running franchise outlets mistakenly assume that recycling and the product fee remain with the franchisor, whose logo appears on all beverage and meal packaging. Such ignorance often has unpleasant consequences - Failure to comply with environmental obligations results in an immediate high product fee and, in some cases, a financial penalty.
Recall: the obligation to ensure recycling of packaging waste and to pay a product fee may also include franchisees operating:
- restaurants, pizzerias and other catering establishments,
- cafés (also mobile!), beverage outlets (e.g. bubble tea),
- petrol stations,
- shops,
- bakeries and confectioneries.
The above list is only exemplary - the obligatory product fee may also apply to other companies. At the same time, it is worth remembering that the Act provides for a number of exemptions from the obligation to pay the product fee.
Do you want to check whether the product fee applies to you?
What packaging is covered by the product charge?
The following are subject to a product fee on packaging and packaged products including, but not limited to, all packaging in which food and take-away drinks are packed, e.g:
- beverage cups,
- lids and cup lids,
- utensils, e.g. plates, bowls,
- food containers (with or without lids): boxes, trays, boxes, buckets, paper packaging for popcorn or chips.
As a franchisee introducing packaged products, you are obliged to keep records of such packaging broken down by the type of materials from which it was made. Such records are the basis for determining the amount of the product fee due, which is calculated on the basis of the weight of the introduced packaging for which the entrepreneur has not achieved the statutory level of recovery and recycling.
Amount of product fee - how much will a franchisee pay?
Different packaging materials are subject to different product fee rates. For the most common types of packaging for food and takeaway beverages, the rates of the product fee are as follows:
- plastic packaging - PLN 2.70/kg,
- paper and cardboard packaging - PLN 0.70/kg,
- multi-material packaging - PLN 1.70/kg,
- wood packaging - PLN 0.30/kg,
- other packages - PLN 1/kg.
Although the amounts per kg of packaging are not very large, they already the amount of the product fee for the whole year often makes businesses dizzy. Importantly, the product fee for packaging can be avoided by fulfilling the recycling obligation. Each entrepreneur can do this on his or her own, ensuring the recycling of 100% of the packaging introduced, or with the help of the recovery organisation Interzero, without worrying about minimum recycling levels.
Pass on the obligation to Interzero and avoid the product fee
Meeting your environmental responsibilities 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 not only save you 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 duty to Interzero, you gain:
- the fixed, low cost of taking over the obligation,
- the possibility to conclude a contract online in 3 easy steps,
- official confirmation of the correct execution of the obligation for the year in question,
- Convenient access to documents relating to the assumption of responsibility via the My Interzero portal,
- a certificate for your company and an annual report on the conduct of Public Education Campaigns.
Find out how much you will save by handing over your recovery and recycling duty to Interzero!
Big changes in the German bail system!
Big changes in the German bail system!
From 1 January 2024, the German Pfandsystem also covers selected milk and similar beverage bottles.
The German deposit system (Pfandsystem) has been in place for almost 20 years and covers plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles. From 1 January 2024, it covered another group of packaging - from now on, German shops will charge a deposit of €0.25 on milk and similar beverage bottles with a capacity of more than 0.1 L.
The new deposit includes, among other things:
- Milk bottles;
- Bottles of milk-based drinks;
- Cocoa and coffee beverage bottles with a milk content above 50%;
- Drinking yoghurt and kefir bottles.
The new regulations have been introduced by Germany's largest supermarkets. As it stands, the deposit system in Germany covers almost all beverages in non-returnable bottles and cans.
Poland's deposit system for returnable packaging will start as early as 2025. The deposit obligation will cover single-use plastic bottles for beverages up to 3 L, reusable glass bottles for beverages up to 1.5 L and metal packaging for beverages up to 1 L. Interzero, together with Polish Chamber of Packaging Recovery and Recycling creates a bail system - read more HERE.
Did you know that e-cigarettes could soon be banned?
Did you know that e-cigarettes could soon be banned?
According to a study conducted by the Institute of Planning and Economic Analysis (IPAG) on e-cigarette sales, more than 100 million disposable e-cigarettes will be sold in Poland in 2023. At the same time, e-cigarettes pose a growing challenge to our environment, according to an article published in the journal The Lancet. The first problem is the generation of a significant amount of plastic, especially in the case of cartridges, which are designed for single use and made of plastics that are difficult to decompose.
The second problem is electro-waste. Research by Material Focus has shown that in the UK alone, 1.3 million such devices are sent to landfill every week, despite the fact that they should be taken to e-waste collection points. Improper disposal of batteries and other components can lead to fires and environmental pollution.
Nicotine is also a problem, not only because of addiction, but also because it is considered hazardous waste in some countries. As a result, the plastic containers that hold e-cigarette liquids and cartridges cannot be recycled.
At the end of January, the British government announced a 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 society as a whole. The Polish Deputy Minister of Health also announced last week that a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes is being considered.
Source: https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/e-papierosy-najbardziej-szkodliwym-dla-srodowiska-produktem-jaki-kiedykolwiek-powstal, https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7,151003,30672748,bedzie-calkowity-zakaz-sprzedazy-e-papierosow-resort-zdrowia.html.
Amendments to the regulations implementing the bail system in Poland and changes to waste management
Amendments to the regulations implementing the bail system in Poland and changes to waste management
On 14 February, a press conference was held during which Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment Anita Sowinska talked more about waste management solutions, changes to the BDO system, as well as the bail-in system planned from 2025.
During the event, the Deputy Minister stressed that the bail system, as envisaged, would start from the beginning of 2025, but that we can expect amendments regarding the operators of the system. The ministry representative stressed that the changes would only be "technical". It will be about the obligations and documents submitted to control the system.
A consultation meeting with the industry will be held on 5 March, local government officials and trade representatives on changes to the bail law. The deputy minister added that the bail system, although it will start from 1 January 2025, "it may not be perfect from the very beginning because the law needs some adjustments".
The deputy minister also reported on the planned changes to the BDO system. The modernisation will respond to the main needs of the users of this system. Changes will include, among others, the development of the Reporting Module and the introduction of new functionalities in the Account Management Module.
Participants at the press conference were also presented with an expanded line-up of Advisory Group 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 from the business side, mainly from the recycling industry, and NGOs 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 keen to take part in debates and meetings with the ministry and representatives in the industry to better clarify our mutual needs and discuss current legal developments. We invite you to read a summary of the debate "The bail-in is a year away and the system is in its infancy". on Dziennik Gazeta Prawna HERE, where Pawel Sosnowski, The Management Board Plenipotentiary for Environmental Regulation from Interzero had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the deposit system together with: Andrzej Gantner, Vice President and General Director at Polska Federacja Producentów Żywności Związek Pracodawców, 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 GOZ Model Implementation, Reloop Platform.
Entrepreneur: remember the BDO annual fee!
Entrepreneur: remember the BDO annual fee!
29 February the deadline for payment of the annual BDO entry fee in the amount of PLN 100 (microentrepreneurs) or PLN 300 (other entrepreneurs than microentrepreneurs). The fee should be paid to the account of the marshal's office competent for the seat of the company or the place of residence.
Failure to pay will result in removal from Product and Packaging and Waste Management Databases (BDO)and the business in question will be threatened with a hefty financial penalty!
Entrepreneurs are subject to a registration fee and an annual fee:
- introducers of electrical and electronic equipment and authorised representatives,
- the introducer of batteries or accumulators,
- vehicle introducer,
- manufacturer, importer and intra-Community buyer of packaging,
- introducing packaged products on the national territory,
- the importer of tyres on the national territory,
- introducing lubricating oils on the national territory.
Looking for support during the reporting period?
Watch Interzero's free webinar "Everything you should know about BDO".
You can find more training courses at a favourable price HERE