What's new at Interzero? Check out the April summary

What happened at Interzero in April? Read a summary of our speeches, industry activities and education!

The latest ROP (extended producer responsibility) proposal by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the introduction of a deposit system and changes in EU legislation have all influenced intensive activities in the waste management sector. For this reason Interzero experts actively engage with the media to make our position known on the proposed changes and systems. It is also an opportunity to participate in debates and discussions with representatives of various industries and government administrations. We encourage you to find out more about the activities undertaken by Interzero in April.

Heated discussion continues in relation to the Ministry of Climate and Environment's proposal for a new ROP system for packaging. The position presented brings the Extended Producers' Liability to para-taxThis is why the IOC proposal is criticised by business. Interzero, as an experienced player in the market, takes an active part in the discussion. The temperature of the public debate indicates differentiated positions of different stakeholders towards the new draft ROP. Further consultations are needed to develop optimal solutions. Interzero cooperates with chambers of commerce and business associations, prepares letters addressed to the Ministry and is active at meetings, debates or conferences.

Pawel Sosnowski, Plenipotentiary of the Management Board for Environmental Regulation at Interzero, during a debate on ROP organised by the editors of the Rzeczpospolita daily newspaper, stressed that the assumptions of the Polish model for these regulations are at odds with the intention clearly implied in EU law.

- European regulations on waste management systems, both the Waste Directive and the PPWR, clearly indicate the need for producer responsibility organisations.

Below is the entire debate:

Przemyslaw Kuna, Managing Director at Interzero in the discussion on ROP in the WPROST debate, showed the great openness of the entire industry towards the evolving changes in waste management.

- In the words of Deputy Climate Minister Anita Sowinska, we can hear that her big concern is the recycling documents (DPR). No problem. Let's abolish DPRs, let's do something else. We can replace them with contracts.

He also spoke to Politics about the important role of Recovery Organisations and the proposal for a new model Pawel Lesiak, Executive Vice President at Interzero:

- The new ROP will introduce another important and emotionally charged change. Recovery organisations now have an important role.[...] They are representatives of entrepreneurs placing packaging on the market. Their main task is to achieve the recycling levels required of them by entrepreneurs. Packaging recovery organisations, in cooperation with the waste management industry, ensure that the right types of packaging waste are collected, often pre-processed (sorting, refining) and then finally recycled. Furthermore, they also conduct environmental audits and are involved in environmental education that strengthens public awareness of the correct way to manage waste, starting with household segregation.

(Source: 'Litter responsibly. Policy, 2025)

As early as 1 October, the bail system is to be launched in Poland, which, despite the positive attitude of the public, also raises some concerns and doubts. As the Interzero report shows, most Poles are aware of the upcoming changes, but many still do not understand how the system works.

In a statement to the Newseria portal, Pawel Lesiak pointed out that older generations show more interest in bailing than younger generations, and that the key will be the attitude of consumers and their patience in the initial stages:

- We must not give in to our own frustration, as the system will be implemented gradually at first, and not all bottles will be in the deposit cycle immediately.

He also predicts that the new system could be a convenience for residents, allowing them to dispose of packaging more quickly during their daily shopping. He also reminds us that although the system will formally start in 2025, its full functioning and the widespread availability of collection points will not really take place until 2026. It is therefore advisable to treat the first months as a test phase and give yourself and the system time to adapt.

Read the full article here.

In March our Interzero Waste Platform (POI) won third place in the prestigious competition Masters&Robots, confirming our position as a leader in digital waste management. POI is a unique online system that enables comprehensive waste management and environmental documentation, reducing costs and automating waste records in BDO.

Waste management has never been so simple - Platform customers gain even more comfort and freedom through our new Interzero One mobile app. The app allows quick reporting of waste collections and access to up-to-date schedules - all in one place. Thanks to full synchronisation with the web platform, users have a real-time overview of current and planned services, the ability to report excess waste and access to the collection calendar. In addition, a direct contact function with the custodian and the ability to attach photos and files improve communication and eliminate inaccuracies.

As he emphasises Aleksandra Mikiel, Director of Digital Solutions and Transformation at Interzero:

- Our aim is not only to make waste management easier, but also to create a more sustainable and efficient system that benefits all users. With Interzero OneApp, our customers can now report waste collections even more easily and quickly and benefit from full synchronisation with the web platform. This is a step towards a more integrated and user-friendly system that addresses their waste management needs and challenges.

We encourage you to use our solutions and keep an eye out for more news!

The new year brings further changes to environmental legislation - new obligations extend to all entrepreneurs registered with BDO, in addition to changes to construction and textile waste regulations. In parallel, ministerial work on shaping the law implementing the ROP for packaging waste producers is well advanced. In the face of so many changes, a meeting was held on 10 April Interzero's free webinar 'New developments in environmental and waste regulations for 2025', divided into two thematic blocks, in which Interzero experts - Pawel Sosnowski, Plenipotentiary of the Management Board for Environmental Regulation, and Wojciech Przybycin, Environmental Expert - explained what the changes entailed and answered questions from participants about their own activities.

Both parts of the webinar can be viewed on the platform of the Interzero Academy:

• ROP - what's all the fuss about? Summary of the current status of the work on Extended Producer Responsibility and possible future scenarios
• Changes to construction and textile waste regulations and changes to BDO from 2025 - everything you need to know

We encourage you to follow our calendar of eventsso that you do not miss out on upcoming training courses.

Read about the key educational activities we undertook in April

In less than a month's time the 2025 Environment Conference will be launched - don't miss out on registration!

Why take part?

• We will touch on the most important environmental topics for businesses - including the new ROP, PPWR, the implementation of the deposit system or the new rules for textile segregation.
• Speakers include well-known web developers, experts from leading brands (Allegro, mBank, PwC), organisations (GS1, Lewiatan Confederation, Responsible Business Forum) and Interzero specialists. Full agenda available here.
• You have a unique opportunity to establish valuable business relationships and learn about the latest trends in sustainable business development.

We see you already 3 June at Warszawianka Hotel near Serock - register!

In the first part "Clean Oder, clean Vistula - is it possible?". We went back to the nature activities of the 1980s, talked about climate change, the viability of ecology and, above all, about rivers, of which Dominik is a lover and expert. What should change in our daily functioning and system to make rivers cleaner?

In the second episode "Extended producer and ... consumer liability?" we touched on system solutions that can support environmental protection. The broad view represented by Dominik shows Extended Producer Responsibility or the deposit system as minor elements that contribute to one key objective. On the road to a clean environment, many stakeholders come together. What is their responsibility?

This year we celebrated Earth Day for the 55th time! The history of this holiday is not perfect. We wrote about The Indian Who Cried, a campaign using the image of native North Americans as a symbol of reunion with nature and respect for our planet, last year on the Eco-friendly without the frills - It is worth recalling this story.

We also have positive news - Interzero's education campaigns, Eco-friendly without the frills i EcoPak, are Children's book partner "Eco-game" published by Skrzat. In this publication we meet a group of school friends who, as part of the nature club and their own adventures, solve various ecological puzzles, learn about waste segregation and fight for cleaner air. Highly recommended!

The cover of the book 'Ekozgraja'. photo: Wydawnictwo Skrzat