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