Did you know that jellyfish can help us in the fight against microplastics?
Did you know that jellyfish can help us in the fight against microplastics?
Marine and coastal pollution resulting from the presence of plastic microplastics poses a serious threat to the environment. The EU-funded GoJelly project aims to address these problems simultaneously by developing, testing and promoting some innovative solution.
The GoJelly project focuses on creation of a prototype TRL 5-6 microplastic filter using jellyfish mucus as raw material. This solution will effectively remove microplastic pollution from the seas and coastal areas. In addition, it will create employment opportunities for commercial fishermen, generate valuable by-products and provide resources for the food and feed industry as well as organic farming. Prototype GoJelly products will be tested and demonstrated in three different European seas (Norwegian, Baltic and Mediterranean) by a range of stakeholders, including industry partners.
Using one problem to solve another is the main idea behind the GoJelly project. The initiative has been receiving financial support from the European Union since the beginning of 2018. Its main objective is to create an innovative filter that would bind microplastic particles in wastewater treatment plants, eliminating those that are not removed by the standard recycling process.
"The mucus secreted by jellyfish acts on plastic particles like glue"., says the project chairman. The team of researchers therefore came up with the idea of using this process as an effective filter.
The result will be less plastic in the ocean and therefore more jobs for commercial fishermen outside the jellyfish harvesting season.
Source: https://gojelly.eu/about/.
Did you know that in the next few years Warsaw will produce half as much exhaust gas?
Did you know that in the next few years Warsaw will produce half as much exhaust gas?
Already a second city in Poland is introducing a clean transport zone. This time it will be the capital city of Warsaw. Clean transport zone this aboutA zone in which only vehicles complying with certain emission standards are allowed to circulate. This has been practised in Europe for many years in order to improve air quality in cities and take care of the health of residents. There are already more than 320 restricted traffic zones in Europe, most in Germany and Italy. Krakow first in Poland already adopted a resolution to create such a zone within the city, and it will begin in July 2024.
In accordance with assumption, clean transport zone in Warsaw will embraceew the following areas:
- the entire districts of Śródmieście, Żoliborz and Praga Północ;
- most Ochoty (except for the section with the Reduta Shopping Centre, Mszczonowska Street and Western Railway Station)
- most Pragi South (apart from the Olszynka Grochowska area: uninhabited PKP area and nature reserve);
- Most of Mokotów (except Sadyba, Stegien, Augustówka and part of Służewiec);
- About half of Wola (up to Prymas Tysiąclecia Avenue).
Persons residing in including areas that pay taxes in Warsaw will be exempt from the zone's conditions during the two initial phases of its introduction. The Clean Transport Zone (SCT) rules will only apply to them from January 2028. At that time, restrictions will include a ban on vehicles with engines moving through the area diesel vehicles older than 13 years and petrol vehicles older than 22 years.
People who bought vehicles after the adoption of the resolution, and other residents of Warsaw will be subject to the requirements already outlined without change. From July 2024, they will not be able to drive in the Clean Transport Zone area using diesel vehicles older than 18 years and petrol vehicles older than 27 years.
In addition, special exceptions are provided for senior citizens, i.e. people who will reach the age of 70 by the end of 2023, provided that they already owned their vehicles before the adoption of the Clean Transport Zone (SCT) resolution. As a result, those over 70 who meet certain conditions will be exempted indefinitely from the SCT rules.
We hope that the implementation of strefy clean transport will significantly improve air quality and thus the lives of Warsaw's inhabitants.
Did you know that two Polish cities have been ranked as climate and environmentally friendly?
Did you know that two Polish cities have been ranked as climate and environmentally friendly?
More and more travellers around the world are placing importance on visiting destinations for which sustainability is important. Global Destination Sustainability Movement assesses cities annually for their environmental friendliness. The assessment covers four main areas: environmental performance, which takes into account public transport policies, carbon emissions and the use of renewable energy sources; social performance, covering aspects such as personal safety, health and wellbeing; governance; and sustainability of tourism providers such as airports, hotels and restaurants in a city.
In 2023, the group expanded its list to include 100 cities worldwide. In the top 20 destinations ranking, Denmark took the top spot, with five cities in the top 20. Sweden also gained three places in this list. For the seventh consecutive year, the most sustainable city was Sweden's Gothenburg, which is located on the archipelago. The city has actively engaged in environmental policy. One ambitious project is the Gothenburg Green City Zone, aiming to completely eliminate emissions in the zone by 2030 through modern transport and infrastructure. Gothenburg Airport has the highest Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate and its shuttle bus runs on rapeseed oil. The city's southern islands are completely vehicle-free and can only be reached by public transport. With a score of 94,64% out of 100%, Gothenburg is recognised as one of the greenest cities in the world.
In Poland, the highest ratings were given to Krakow (43% from 100%) and Gdansk (29% from 100%). Krakow focuses on improving air quality, developing urban mobility, energy efficiency of buildings, the quality and accessibility of green spaces and raising the environmental and climate awareness of the population. In Gdansk, the municipal authorities focus on eliminating plastic consumption, promoting local culture and creating alternative and attractive tourist destinations in revitalised areas.
Source: (1)
Did you know that glitter has been banned in the EU?
Did you know that glitter has been banned in the EU?
The European Union has announced a ban on products containing microplastics. The ban on the sale of free-flowing glitter came into effect as early as 15 October 2023, initially applying only to Germany, but there are plans to extend it to the entire European Union. The new legislation bans not only make-up products, but also many other products containing glitter. This initiative aims to counteract the negative effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Make-up, lip and nail products will gradually be subject to the new rules; glitter present in rinse-off products will be available until 16 October 2027 and in non-rinse-off products until 16 October 2029. In 2030, synthetic polymeric microparticles used to encapsulate fragrances will be banned. In 2031, the ban will extend to granules filling synthetic surfaces in sports facilities. Finally, in 2035, the ban will be extended to lipsticks, nail varnishes and make-up products.
This decision is part of the European Union's strategy in the fight against pollution and in the ecological transition. The European Commission explains that the new rules are designed to prevent the release of around half a million tonnes of microplastic particles into the environment. Although glitter is a relatively small part of the total pollution, its elimination is of great importance. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, argues that the ban on the deliberate addition of plastic microparticles is a response to serious environmental and human health concerns. Sinkevičius points out that these materials are already present in nature, as well as in food and drinking water.
The ban does not include glitter made from biodegradable, organic or water-soluble materials.
Source: (1)
Deposit on beverage packaging. What is the bill establishing a deposit system in Poland?
Deposit on beverage packaging. What is the bill establishing a deposit system in Poland?
The Sejm has passed the Act on 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 law stipulates that all retail units offering products with packaging covered by the deposit system will be obliged to collect the deposit. On the other hand, each retail and wholesale unit with a sales area of more than 200 m2, where products with packaging covered by the deposit system will be offered to users, will be obliged to collect empty packaging and packaging waste and to return the deposit.
Achieving the objectives of the Act requires an efficient collection system, based on a deposit system that will support entrepreneurs. The deposit system will be set up by an entity referred to in the law as a 'representative entity', which will be established by the entrepreneurs introducing beverages in packaging covered by the deposit system or the employers' associations and chambers of commerce representing them. This entity will not only set up the system, but will also be responsible for its operation. Entrepreneurs who do not set up such an entity will be able to join the established bailment system on an equal basis. In doing so, the Act allows for the possibility of more than one bailment system.
Read more in the latest issue magazines Source.
If you are a manufacturer, retailer or distributor and are joining a bail-in scheme, Interzero can support you with your bail-in obligations. For more information, see HERE and HERE.
Deposit system for reusable packaging? It's possible with the Made4Loop service from Interzero!
Deposit system for reusable packaging? It's possible with the Made4Loop service from Interzero!
The introduction of the Act of 14 April 2023 amending the regulations on the management of certain waste and the product fee has the effect of significantly restricting the circulation of single-use plastic products. This amendment is a consequence of the implementation of the European Union Directive of 5 June 2019, referred to as the SUP Directive.
From 1 July 2024, businesses selling drinks in disposable cups will have to provide their customers with alternative packaging that is more environmentally friendly and helps to reduce plastic waste. This is why Interzero is introducing a new service - Made 4 Loop.
Looping is a unique solution to implement sustainable, reusable and eco-friendly alternatives to disposable cups and food packaging in your business. The Made4Loop model developed by Interzero involves the use of reusable cups and packaging, which customers rent against a deposit and then return through a deposit system. In this way, the packaging remains in a closed loop and is reused dozens, if not hundreds of times.
Get a seamless implementation of your legal obligations. Create with us a customised design for mugs and boxes to match your company's offering. Reduce your carbon footprint and waste management costs!
You can read more about our new service HERE
What is the future of waste management shaping up to be? Are we drowning in a waste tsunami?
What is the future of waste management shaping up to be? Are we drowning in a waste tsunami?
What is certain is that the future of waste management will be shaped by a number of factors, including technological change, changes in consumer culture, regulatory rules and increased environmental awareness.
The zero-waste economy is not only a vision of the future, but above all an environmental concept based on innovative ecological and economic solutions. This philosophy is closely linked to the idea of a closed loop economy. Its implementation requires the transformation of the entire production process and the development of a waste management system based on comprehensive education. Action is needed 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 levels are already increasing. Selected single-use plastic products are disappearing from the European market. According to the plan, recyclate will be mandatory for certain packaging. All due 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 tangle of new legislation prepared by Polish and EU specialists was discussed at the panel "The waste tsunami, how not to drown in packaging".which took place on 12 October during the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI). Panellists included:
– Anna Grom, CEO, Interzero Polska and Interzero Circular Solutions Europe
– Dr Katarzyna Baranska, head of the decarbonisation team, partner at law firm Osborne Clarke
– Joanna Leoniewska-Gogola, MBA, deputy director for sustainability and economics, Deloitte
– Piotr Romańczuk, Director of Environmental Affairs, Maspex Group
– Robert Szyman, Director General, Polish Plastics Converters Association
European Forum for New Ideas is one of the largest conferences dedicated to global trends, new ideas and the future of Europe. As Interzero, we strive to continually discuss the challenges in a changing world with business representatives and together shape a future that depends on us.
Thank you to the organisers for the invitation and to the panellists for the inspiring discussion. See you at EFNI 2023!
Recycling instead of wasting resources: hard evidence of contribution to sustainable business
Recycling instead of wasting resources: hard evidence of contribution to sustainable business
We are publishing the study "RESOURCES SAVED by recycling". (resources SAVED by recycling) for 2022, in which we prove that Interzero and our customers are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by around 1 million tonnes and primary resource consumption by 8.7 million tonnes.
The consequences of global warming are becoming clearer by the week, and policy makers, researchers and entrepreneurs are discussing the right kinds of climate action. What can and should be done to achieve the climate goals we have set? At the same time, how can we ensure a sustainably 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 climate change mitigation.
This is clearly demonstrated by the work of Europe's leading closed-loop service provider, Interzero. As the study 'Resources SAVED through recycling' published today shows, in 2022 the company and Interzero's customers returned a total of 2.1 million tonnes of materials to circulation. This prevented around 1 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. At the same time, around 8.7 million tonnes 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." Sebastiaan Krol, CEO of Interzero Circular Solutions, said.
Since 2008, Interzero has used the scientific study 'Resources SAVED by recycling' to report on the overall positive environmental impact of recycling. This comprehensive life cycle assessment report - developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environment, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT - is based on a detailed comparison of primary production and recycling, including all required process steps. The 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 Sustainability at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
Data from Fraunhofer UMSICHT are also an important part of the conservation campaign "One World. Zero Waste. Let's #MoveTheDate".which Interzero has launched in partnership with the Global Footprint Network (GFN). According to GFN's latest calculations, the world's Environmental Debt Day in 2023 would have fallen 7 minutes and 16 seconds earlier if Interzero and its customers had not continued to recycle.
Read the full press release (in English) at the link HERE
And with the report of our research HERE
What is the bail system in Germany and how does it work? Interzero in Berlin
What is the bail system in Germany 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. For single-use 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% are handled by bottle machines and 5% by a bag system.
On 24 August, together with employees from the Eurocash Group, we travelled to Germany to look at the bail system in practice. Together, we visited shops with both bagged and automatic collection systems. We also visited the Interzero Conversion Centre, where waste is sorted into the appropriate fractions.
Thanks to the trip, we were able to see with our own eyes how retail chains deal with German legislation. We were able to exchange experiences with our partners and learn more about the procedures taking place in the units visited.
The bail system will soon come into effect in Poland. As Interzero, we strive to learn as much as possible about the needs of the industry. We refine our offering, analyse the successes of others and explore opportunities for development. We believe that together we will be able to meet the legal challenges and create a system as efficient as that of our western neighbours.
Benefit from our experience and create a bail system together with us. We will provide you with solutions to facilitate waste collection and logistics and take over reporting obligations. More information HERE and HERE.
Eco-design or eco-saving? How can packaging design help entrepreneurs? Made4Circle service
Eco-design or eco-saving? How can packaging design help entrepreneurs?
The European Union is moving towards stricter and stricter regulations for packaging put on the market. Its aim is to transform the linear economy into a circular economy, aiming to reducing the amount of waste produced.
To help companies adapt to upcoming regulatory changes that will favour recyclable packaging, Interzero has introduced an eco-design support programme called Made4Circle.
What is the M4C?
This modular solution for companies of all sizes interested in developing sustainable and recyclable packaging. Drawing on the expertise of packaging recycling experts, we offer support in creating packaging with minimal environmental impact that simultaneously meets legal requirements and meets the needs of the product's consumers. 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
Read more about Made4Circle on our subpage HERE