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 tons and primary resource consumption by 8.7 million tone.

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 standardized 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