Did you know that glitter is banned in the EU?
The new rules ban not only makeup products, but also many other products that contain glitter. This initiative aims to combat 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; The shimmer found in rinse-off products will be available until the 16th. October 2027, and in products that are not left until 16 October 2029 In 2030 synthetic polymer microparticles used for fragrance encapsulation will be banned. 2031. the ban will apply to granules for filling synthetic surfaces in sports facilities. Finally, in 2035. In 2018, the ban will be extended to lipsticks, nail polishes and make-up products.
This decision is part of the European Union’s strategy to combat pollution and ecological transition. The European Commission explains that the new rules aim to prevent the release of around half a million tons of microplastics into the environment. Although glitter makes up a relatively small part of the total pollution, its removal is of utmost importance. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, argues that banning the deliberate addition of microplastics 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 apply to glitter made from biodegradable, organic or water-soluble materials.
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Webinar: Are you ready for the Sustainability report?
In the last decade, ESG regulations have grown by 155% globally!
Since 2011 1255 ESG regulations have been introduced worldwide. Companies around the world struggle with the complexity and mass of regulations and are often confused about how to set and monitor their sustainability indicators and goals.
For this reason, Interzero decided to prepare a simple, user-friendly solution for you, which in the background is very professionally and thoroughly managed by our experts, thus supporting your real needs.
In the webinar you will learn:
- What is “sustainability reporting” and what are the main relevant standards?
- When and for whom does it become mandatory?
- What does Environmental Sustainability Dashboard, ESD mean and how can it benefit your company?
- What is the process of data collection, analysis and reporting on environmental KPIs?
- How can we help you improve your organization’s sustainability initiatives, set goals, track progress and ultimately improve your overall strategy?
Remark:
The webinar will be held in English , but we have also prepared a Croatian team of experts who will be happy to answer all your questions even after the webinar.
Black Friday offer
Black Friday is just around the corner.
During November 20-30, order OKLIN GG02 with an additional 30% discount!
A device that creates compost from kitchen waste in your home or company. You can place it in the kitchen, pantry or on a closed balcony – you only have to be careful that you discharge the exhaust air into the drainage system or into the outside environment. It runs on electricity, is quiet and does not create unpleasant odors. There is no need for water and sewage connections, and there is no waste water load. It is fully in accordance with legal legislation and the HACCP system. The automated process is triggered when waste is added. Simple daily charging, and discharging every 7-14 days.
Regular price: €1,900 + VAT
Black Friday offer: €1,330 + VAT
Find more information about the home electric composter at: Oklin GG02 – Interzero HR production platform
OMV and Interzero celebrate the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for Europe's largest plastic waste sorting facility for chemical recycling
The groundbreaking ceremony attracts strong support from local policy makers and project partners
- Minister Hauk emphasizes the pioneering role of the plant in encouraging the transformation of the circular economy
- County Commissioner Brötel and Mayor Dörr emphasize excellent cooperation
The guests were representatives of state and regional politics and project partners. Everyone at the event emphasized the positive effects of the project, both for the location itself and for Europe, with the opening of 120 new jobs, the establishment of new recycling technology and OMV’s investment volume of over 170 million euros. Chemical recycling is a technology of the future that, along with conventional mechanical recycling, can significantly increase the proportion of reused plastic and save valuable raw materials from incineration.
“The establishment of the most modern and largest post-sorting facility for packaging waste in all of Europe in Walldürn enhances the location and also represents a strong commitment to confirm Baden-Württemberg as a center for business and innovation. The factory is an important building block on the way to a circular economy that saves resources, reduces dependence on raw materials and protects our climate, while ensuring that jobs and value creation thrive in rural areas,” said Peter Hauk, Baden-Württemberg Minister for Food, rural issues and consumer protection.
Daniela Vlad , Member of the Executive Board of OMV AG and Executive Vice President for Chemicals and Materials: “I would like to thank our joint venture partner Interzero, our technical project partners, and especially the dedicated supporters here on site who are working with us to make this project possible which looks to the future. The new sorting facility here, the expansion of ReOil® technology developed and patented by OMV, and the associated expansion of our ReOil® capacity are further milestones in OMV’s transformation. They point out that ‘we are reinventing the basics for sustainable living’. With this new plant, we will reshape the landscape of our industry, drive the creation of new markets and redefine the future of OMV as we transform into an integrated sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials company.”
Axel Schweitzer , president and owner of Interzero: “This project marks the beginning of a new era in plastic recycling. Together with our strong partner OMV, we use our innovative recycling process to give plastics that are currently incinerated a second life through chemical recycling. I am convinced that with the help of chemical recycling, the recycling rate in Germany can and will increase significantly in the future. This brings us another big step closer to our vision of a world without waste. Many thanks to the teams on both sides who made this possible, and also for the support here in the city, county and state – which already has a good tradition thanks to our existing facility. With the new plant, we are jointly developing Walldürn and the Neckar-Odenwald district into a leading location for the recycling industry in Europe.”
Achim Brötel, prefect of the Neckar-Odenwald district: “For me, the establishment of a new factory is a project close to my heart. Because if we all want a true circular economy so that we can live well in the future, we must proactively promote innovative projects like this. I am delighted that two such strong companies as OMV and Interzero are investing here in our district and that after a very successful preparatory period construction work is now starting”.
Meikel Dörr, Mayor of Walldürn: “Welcome OMV, welcome Interzero, welcome Walldürn. As a representative of the local government, I would like to thank you for your trust and for proving us to be a reliable partner during the preparations for the new building – especially when it comes to protecting the surrounding area in the best possible way with appropriate concepts. As a city, we respect and appreciate that and look forward to the continuation of our constructive cooperation”.
More details about the project here .
Interzero wins the German Sustainability Award 2024
In recognition of its comprehensive commitment and pioneering “zero waste solution”, Europe’s leading recycling service provider will receive the 2024 Germany Sustainability Award in the category “Waste Management and Recycling Industry”.
Dedicated to achieving a world without waste, Interzero and its approximately 2,000 employees lead the way to a sustainable future and a world worth living in, where raw materials are systematically recycled, waste is avoided as much as possible, and natural resources are preserved.
“We are proud of this award,” said Dr. Axel Schweitzer, president and owner of Interzer. It encourages us in our efforts to continue our efforts to drive circular transformation, and we have great determination and passion for it. If you can imagine it, do it: Together with customers and partners, we want to achieve a truly sustainable circular economy in a more efficient way and counteract the overload of our planet. Many thanks to our customers, partners and also our own team.”
The Interzero company achieves clearly measurable effects on the environment with its analog and digital Closed-Loop solutions and ecologically and economically efficient recycling of raw materials. Scientists from Fraunhofer UMSICHT have been researching concrete effects on climate and resources for the past 15 years: According to UMSICHT’s “resources SAVED by recycling”, by managing around 2.1 million tons of recyclable materials in a closed loop, Interzero has saved and avoided more than 8.7 million tons of primary raw materials and about one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 alone. According to calculations made by the Global Footprint Network (GFN), the day of Earth’s overshoot in 2023. would have been reached 7 minutes and 16 seconds earlier (or 4 hours and 20 minutes earlier (in Germany) had it not been for Interzer’s efforts.
Interzer’s Asian sister company is increasingly using Closed-Loop models adopted from Germany and Europe and promoting resource conservation in Asia. Interzer’s social engagement also focuses on sustainable development, and one example is the long-term partnership with the basketball club ALBA BERLIN. As a sponsor and environmental partner, Interzero supports the multiple German champion and cup winner to become a top team also in terms of sustainability. And it’s also successful: ALBA BERLIN has also been nominated for the final round of this year’s German Sustainability Award in the Sports Business category.
The 16th German Sustainability Award is jointly awarded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry and WWF to companies that are at the forefront of sustainable transformation. The awards ceremony will take place on the 23rd. November 2023 in Düsseldorf.
Recycling instead of wasting resources: solid evidence for sustainable business contributions
The consequences of global warming are becoming clearer by the week, and policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs are debating the appropriate types of climate action. What can and should we do to achieve the climate goals we have set? At the same time, how can we make Europe’s high living standards and successful economies sustainable? One of the answers to this is the systematic recycling of materials. The circular economy has already become a key driver of climate change mitigation.
This is clearly demonstrated by the work of the leading European circular service provider Interzero. As evidenced by the “Resources saved by recycling” study published today, the company and its customers managed a total of 2.1 million tonnes of material in the loop in 2022. This resulted in the prevention of around 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to annual carbon emissions from heat and electricity for more than 100,000 households of four. At the same time, around 8.7 million tons of primary resources were saved that did not need to be taken from the natural world.
“In the current climate action debate, more emphasis needs to be placed on managing raw materials in the loop,” says Sebastiaan Krol, CEO of Interzero Circular Solutions. “Our study aims to show that recycling is an effective and necessary instrument for reducing climate-damaging emissions, protecting valuable resources and therefore curbing the overexploitation of our natural environment. We need a transformation to a true closed-loop economy to maintain the quality of life on our planet. Today, it is the most important joint task we face.”
Interzero also uses the study data to provide its clients with an individual certificate of their annual environmental performance. As one example, Sopro Bauchemie GmbH worked with Interzer to reduce the consumption of primary resources and greenhouse gas emissions by several thousand tons. As an integrated consulting partner for circular services, Interzero helps this customer by taking back and recycling paper, plastic and tin transport packaging.
Michael Hecker, Managing Director of Sopro Bauchemie GmbH: “The ‘Resources SAVED’ certificate confirms the environmental benefit of our partnership with Interzer and shows that we are on the right track together.”
Since 2008 Interzero uses 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 – produced by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT – is based on a detailed comparison of primary production and recycling, including all necessary process steps. A standardized methodology provides a means to accurately quantify resource and greenhouse gas savings.
“Now in its fifteenth year, this study makes the environmental benefits of recycling tangible and understandable. Looking to the future, this will be increasingly important to raise awareness of climate measures and the sustainable handling of our raw materials among companies and consumers,” comments Dr. Markus Hiebel, Head of Sustainability and Participation at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT data is also an essential part of the resource protection campaign “One World. Zero Waste. Let’s #MoveTheDate’, launched by Interzero together with the Global Footprint Network (GFN). According to recent calculations by GFN, the global Earth Day 2023 overshoot. it would have occurred 7 minutes and 16 seconds earlier had it not been for the recycling activities completed by Interzero and its customers.
In recognition of its deep engagement and successful completion of specific projects related to waste prevention and recycling, Interzero has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award 2024. The company is among the finalists in the waste management and recycling category.
We've pushed Earth Overshoot Day back 7 minutes and 16 seconds
One world. Zero Waste. #Movethedate!
Conservation of resources with Interzero: Together with our employees, customers and partners, we are looking for ways to advance Earth Overshoot Dayy even further and reduce the burden on our planet. Environmental Debt Day is an unpleasant reminder that we are living far beyond our means. In 2023 calculations show that this threshold has already been crossed on the 2nd. August. This is the date by which humanity has used up all the natural resources our planet can provide in one year. As an industrialized nation, for example, Germany reached this formidable milestone earlier, back in the 4th century. May! Here at Interzero, we are not prepared to stand by and watch the world continue to exploit its resources. On the contrary, we are working to create a world without waste in which we can use the resources available to us in a sustainable and responsible way. Our “zero waste solutions” actively contribute to climate measures every day and help ensure security of supply for future generations. Together with our employees, customers and partners, we are working hard to advance the Environmental Debt Day one step at a time.
“We are proud of the fact that we return significantly more resources to our customers and partners than we consume. 7 minutes and 16 seconds of excess savings are our starting point and an incentive for further expansion of our activities.” Sebastiaan Krol CEO, Interzero Circular Solutions
Public call for encouraging separate municipal waste collection measures
The public call for encouraging measures for the separate collection of municipal waste refers to the procurement of municipal equipment and devices for the purpose of separate collection of municipal waste. Local self-government units and trading companies and other legal or natural persons – tradesmen in accordance with the Waste Management Act can apply for the Call.
Through the Invitation, it is possible to finance :
– municipal equipment and/or devices for separate collection of municipal waste (except mixed municipal waste);
– utility equipment and/or devices paid through a transaction account, credit agreement or based on a financial leasing agreement;
– VAT for the subject equipment/devices (MODEL B).
The call is divided into 2 models, one of which refers to applicants who are LGUs (MODEL A) and applicants who are utility companies (MODEL B). In both cases, the maximum amount of support that can be obtained is €150,000.00. The intensity of the support depends on the field in which the applicant operates:
- up to 80% of the justified costs of the total value of the investment, if it concerns users who are in the area of special state care of the Republic of Croatia.
- up to 60% of the justified costs of the total value of the investment, if it concerns users located on the territory of another group of islands.
- up to 40% of the justified costs of the total value of the investment, if it concerns users located in other areas of the Republic of Croatia.
The public call for co-financing of the implementation of iso-info activities on waste management refers to the implementation of educational and informative activities on waste management within the framework of the circular economy, which contribute to education and informing the public.
Eligible applicants are LGUs, and it is possible to finance educational and informational activities, more precisely the costs that are necessary for the realization of such activities (the cost of external collaborators for the implementation of the activity, their accommodation and travel, rent of space for holding workshops, media announcements, interactive applications and multimedia content and fig).
The maximum amount of support is €15,000.00, and the intensity of the support is the same as for the previously mentioned Call:
- up to 80% of the justified costs of the total value of the investment, if it concerns users who are in the area of special state care of the Republic of Croatia.
- up to 60% of the justified costs of the total value of the investment, if it concerns users located on the territory of another group of islands.
- up to 40% of the justified costs of the total value of the investment, if it concerns users located in other areas of the Republic of Croatia.
By registering for both calls, it is possible to achieve additional synergistic action where, along with the procurement of communal equipment for separate waste collection, the community will be encouraged to inform, spread knowledge and awareness about the practical application and importance of waste management. Through media announcements, the organization of trainings, the improvement of existing information points or the creation of additional new interactive solutions, the importance and awareness of solutions for separate waste collection is added, thus further encouraging the positive effect of the implemented measures.
More information: Public call for encouraging separate municipal waste collection measures
We invite you to contact us at otpad@interzero.hr or +385 1 6607 150 and we will provide you with more information and support in the process.
Interzero presents the current study "resources SAVED by recycling"
Clearly proven: cycles protect the environment.
+++ According to study data for 2021, Interzero closed loop solutions save one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 12.5 million tons of primary resources
+++ Costs of 199 million euros were avoided for environmental damage caused by the climate +++ Interzero presents data from a new study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environment, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT at the K 2022 plastics fair
Berlin/Cologne. As the leading provider of recycling services in Europe, Interzero asks itself every year: What environmental damage are we actually avoiding with solutions for our customers and what savings potential does this bring to society?
The study published by Fraunhofer UMSICHT “RESOURCES SAVED BY RECYCLING” again proves a clearly positive effect. Interzero significantly relieved the environment in 2021.
By recycling a total of 1.8 million tons of recyclable materials, Interzero and its customers managed to save around 12.5 million tons of primary resources in 2021. year. In addition, the emission of about one million tons of greenhouse gases could be avoided. Without the use of Interzero, the costs of environmental damage caused by climate change would amount to 199 million euros (according to the environmental cost budget of the Federal Environment Agency).
The current savings in primary resources is equivalent to the weight of 5,227 mature redwoods.
“Heat, drought, floods, epidemics and hunger – the effects of overexploitation of nature and climate change are becoming more and more visible around the world,” says Dr. Axel Schweitzer, president and shareholder of Interzer. “With the help of this study, we check our own procedures every year – together with our customers and partners. By publishing them, however, we also want to make it clear that the recycling of raw materials is an effective factor in the ecological and economic opposition to destructive interventions in nature and climate change. The circular economy offers enormous opportunities. We must not forget that, especially considering the tense situation in Europe and the associated increase in energy prices.” The precise results of the current study will be presented for the first time at K 2022 from 19 until the 26th October in Düsseldorf. At the world’s largest plastics fair, experts from Interzero Plastics Recycling do not only present innovative technologies and services for plastic recycling. They also explain the environmental benefits of recycling over primary production. This is how Fraunhofer Institute scientists have calculated: the use of recycled Procyclen plastic produced by Interzero saves 56 percent of climate-damaging emissions compared to primary plastic produced from crude oil.
For years, Interzero has been collaborating with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT on scientific testing of the savings effects of its own activity cycles.
The scientists’ calculations also provide the basis for the current communication campaign. Under the motto “One world. Zero Waste. Let’s #MoveTheDate”, Interzero focuses on preserving natural resources. After all, according to calculations by the Global Footprint Network, Interzero returns 10 times more regeneration capacity to the country for one euro of added value than the world community takes from it for each euro. Expressed in time units, the global Earth Overshoot Day, which is already in 2022. reached 28. July, because of Interzero, it was moved by 4 minutes and 20 seconds, and compared to Germany, it takes place 2 hours and 20 minutes later.
“At first glance, the values of minutes and hours do not seem particularly large. But they show that, as a medium-sized company, we make a difference with our activities on a global level and are a good incentive for us to continue our work. We want to move our entire environment to contribute to a sustainable circular economy and thus stop the ever-increasing exploitation of our planet,” says Dr. Axel Schweitzer.
More information about the study:
and here for the accompanying video
resources SAVED by recycling Video
Interzero and Alba Berlin - the new group congratulates the new, old champion
+++ 11. championship title for ALBA Berlin. Already during the current season it could be predicted in a way, but now it is a beautiful reality: the basketball players of ALBA BERLIN for 11. are the German basketball champions.
++The Interzero group, to which the main sponsor and environmental partner Interseroh+ belongs, congratulates the Alba Berlin club on winning the title.
“So far, we have managed to experience 11 joint cup victories and 11 championship victories in addition to other titles. But every victory and every championship is something special. That’s why on behalf of Interzero I want to thank the whole club and fans for this once again great season 2021/22. The fact that we started with Interzer in the same week and that ALBA BERLIN became the champion of Germany is a good sign for our new group”, says Dr. Axel Schweizer, shareholder of Interzer and member of the supervisory board of ALBA BERLIN.
Sustainability also connects me to the Interzero Group, which was created by the immediate withdrawal from the ALBA Group, stands for innovative, sustainable and user-friendly recycling and waste management. Interzer’s vision is a world without waste.
In this context, employees and managers of the group of companies are especially proud that Albatros’ sponsorship is aimed at a club that by 2025. wants to become the most sustainable basketball club in Europe and accordingly sees itself as an active social actor.
Basketball offers success strategies for businesses
Schweizer points out that success in sports, but also in business, can only be achieved with a bold vision, perseverance and, above all, teamwork. Basketball, with its fast game and sophisticated rules, is also particularly demanding in this respect and provides good role models for employees and managers. This fits into Interzer’s far-reaching vision of a world without waste. Equally, a group of companies must move agilely in sometimes highly regulated, but today extremely dynamic markets. That is why Interzero and ALBA BERLIN are excellent partners.
“Our sporting success is the result of a strong concept for young talents and long-term, stable partnerships. Interzero also gives us valuable impulses in the direction of environmental sustainability and accompanies us in the international orientation of our programs,” comments Marco Baldi, general manager of ALBA BERLIN.
Interzero will be the main sponsor and environmental partner in the next season. Links should be expanded with special reference to the idea of sustainability.
You can freely use the attached photo under the source “Interzero”.
